Nestled in the serene landscape of Warroad, Minnesota, the Marvin window and door factory stands as a testament to American craftsmanship and innovation. Founded in 1912, Marvin has grown from a small lumber company to a leading name in the window and door industry, renowned for its quality, durability, and design. We had the opportunity to tour the Marvin factory and witness firsthand the meticulous process behind their world-class products.
Arriving in Warroad
The journey to Warroad itself is a scenic adventure. Located near the Canadian border, this quaint town offers a glimpse into rural Minnesota life. Warroad’s charm, with its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty, set the perfect backdrop for our visit.
Upon arriving at the Marvin factory, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The Marvin team takes pride in their heritage and was eager to share their story. The visitor center, adorned with historical photographs and artifacts, provided a rich narrative of the company’s evolution. A family-owned business since its founding, Marvin expanded from a lumber company into windows and doors in 1939 when the founder’s son took a chance and invested in purchasing new equipment to provide jobs for returning veterans. This risk paid off and ultimately led the company to become Marvin Windows and Doors. Despite many challenges, Marvin continued to grow over the years and has expanded into North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, Iowa, and Colorado.
Inside the Factory
The factory tour began with an overview of the production process. Marvin’s commitment to quality starts with the selection of materials. The company sources only the finest wood and fiberglass, ensuring that each product meets their high standards. The bottom floor was filled with huge stacks of pine wood as far as the eye could see, while all the specialty wood was held upstairs. Special wood picking machines allowed the highly trained workers to efficiently sort through the wood and remove any pieces that didn’t fit Marvin’s stringent quality standards.
As we walked through the factory, we were struck by the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Hydraulic machines help to bend wood into the variety of rounded shapes needed for custom projects, depicted in the photo below. We watched a worker painstakingly placing grids between the glass panes of a window. In a time when production processes have become highly automated in many industries, it was inspiring to watch skilled workers shaping and fitting together the wood for countless custom windows and doors in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles. Many of the employees have been with Marvin for decades, honing their craft and passing down their expertise. Watching them meticulously assemble each window and door, it was clear that every product is made with care and precision.
The Finished Product
The tour concluded with a showcase of Marvin’s extensive product offerings. Each product is a testament to Marvin’s dedication to design, functionality, and durability. We were particularly impressed by the wide variety of highly customized designs that the factory was able to produce, from very contemporary windows to windows that recreate the styles of historical buildings. Marvin offers four product lines: Ultimate, Elevate, Essential, and Modern. Between the four unique lines, Marvin can produce windows and doors in a nearly endless variety of architectural styles. Their lines can also accommodate both new construction and retrofit construction types. A walk through the factory showed that Marvin’s skilled workers and innovative machines were more than capable of catering to the diverse needs of homeowners.
Reflections on the Visit
Visiting the Marvin window and door factory in Warroad, Minnesota, was an enriching experience. It provided a deep appreciation for the artistry and innovation that goes into each product. Marvin’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction is truly commendable. These factory tours are available to all, and we would highly recommend taking this tour to any homeowners, builders, or architects so that they can really understand the company and people they are purchasing from. It’s a journey into the heart of American manufacturing, where heritage meets innovation, and each window and door tells a story of excellence.
Explore Marvin with Designer Window Supply
Designer Window Supply’s partnership with Marvin is more than just a business relationship; it’s a shared commitment to delivering exceptional quality and craftsmanship to their customers. Our visit to the Marvin factory in Warroad reinforced this bond, showcasing the meticulous process behind each window and door that Designer Window Supply proudly offers. By carrying Marvin’s esteemed product lines, Designer Window Supply ensures that their clients have access to some of the finest windows and doors available on the market, crafted with care and precision. For anyone considering Marvin products, the factory tour is a must—it provides invaluable insight into the dedication and expertise that goes into every item Designer Window Supply delivers.
Click here for a free project consultation about Marvin windows and doors.
