Ply Gem launches Build Forward Program, aimed at giving inventors, engineers, designers a chance to turn their product and technology innovations into reality; applicants may be invited to pitch their ideas on stage at 2014 IBS in Las Vegas

Audrey Dixon

CARY, North Carolina , October 23, 2013 (press release) – Idea applications now open on http://www.build-forward.com. Applicants may be invited to pitch their innovation ideas on stage at the 2014 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Do you have a new innovation for the building products industry? Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products, announces an initiative to give the best and brightest innovators, inventors, engineers and designers a chance to turn their innovations into reality with Ply Gem Build Forward. Applications are now open on http://www.build-forward.com. Ply Gem is specifically seeking ideas for new materials, installation technologies and/or manufacturing processes to improve existing products or develop new ones.

To kick off the program, eligible applicants who submit their idea by December 15, 2013 may be invited to pitch their innovation on stage in front of a panel of judges in Ply Gem’s booth at the 2014 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. Beyond IBS, the Ply Gem Build Forward program will offer ongoing opportunities for idea development. Business relationships resulting from a successful application may include a license, a supply agreement, a joint development agreement or other collaborative ventures.

“One of the pillars of Ply Gem’s success is innovation, consistently developing new products, materials and processes that move the industry forward,” said Lee Clark-Sellers, innovation officer, Ply Gem. “Through the Build Forward program, we want to collaborate with others to push the envelope and ultimately help us improve home building and remodeling.”

How it works:

Go to http://www.build-forward.com and fill out the submission form (ALL information submitted must be non-confidential).
Tell Ply Gem how your innovation provides unique features or benefits to our customers in the building products industry.
Be clear and concise in describing the nature of your innovation and the unique features and benefits it offers relative to existing products.
Be sure to let Ply Gem know the status of your intellectual property.
Attach supporting documents to your submission like a granted patent or published patent application.
Provide the results of any relevant testing (e.g., safety, consumer, efficacy), any technical illustrations and/or photos.

All submissions will be reviewed by Ply Gem and applicants will be contacted individually.

For more information on Build Forward, including FAQs and a video explaining the program, please visit http://www.build-forward.com. For more information on Ply Gem, please visit http://www.plygem.com.

About Ply Gem

Ply Gem (NYSE: PGEM), headquartered in Cary, N.C., is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Ply Gem produces a comprehensive product line of windows and patio doors, vinyl and aluminum siding and accessories, designer accents, cellular PVC trim and mouldings, vinyl fencing and railing, stone veneer and gutterware, used in both new construction and home repair and remodeling in the United States and Canada. Ply Gem siding group brands include Mastic Home Exteriors®, Variform®, NAPCO®, Mitten®, Cellwood®, Georgia-Pacific Vinyl Siding and Accessories, Durabuilt®, Ply Gem® Stone, Ply Gem® Trim and Mouldings, Ply Gem® Fence and Railing, Ply Gem® Accents and Shutters, Leaf Relief®, Gutter Warrior™ and Monticello® Columns. Ply Gem windows and patio door brands include Ply Gem® Windows, Mastic® Replacement Windows, Ply Gem® Canada and Great Lakes® Window. The company’s brands are sold through short-line and two-step distributors, pro dealers, home improvement dealers and big box retailers. Additionally, Ply Gem distributes a wide-variety of exterior building products including replica-stone, fencing, railing, windows and doors and architectural accents via export globally. Ply Gem employs more than 6,000 associates across North America. Visit http://www.plygem.com for more information.

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