Loewen Background

Inspirational products. Design leadership. Custom capability. Versatility. The distinctiveness of Douglas Fir. All this in a brand celebrating a century of artisanship in 2005.

Our history is so much of what we are – our essence. If our inspirational designs reflect our artistic soul, history describes our journey and helps to explain the foundation upon which the Loewen brand of windows and doors is built.

1878-1900s

Mennonites from the Milk River region of Russia – the Loewen family among them – immigrate to Steinbach and elsewhere in Manitoba’s “East Reserve.”

1905

The Loewen business begins, led by C.T. Loewen, who had learned sawyer skills from his immigrant father. The vast Boreal forest that borders Steinbach, together with the emerging markets in Winnipeg and across the prairies, translate into potential in C.T.’s entrepreneurial vision.

1930-1945

During a period of rural electrification, Loewen turns out hydropole cross members by the thousands. Increasingly, however, windows and doors become our specialty and our passion.

1945-1958

In the post-war years, home construction booms across Canada. Many Canadians building homes take advantage of the new concept of pre-assembled windows and doors – rather than having carpenters build them on site. Loewen focuses on meeting this demand.

1958-1970

Under the leadership of Cornelius P. Loewen (son of C.T. and father of current CEO Charles and VP Clyde), Loewen becomes the region’s leading employer. The prairie provinces and northwestern Ontario are our prime markets.

1980s

Third generation Loewen, Charles, Paul and Clyde, decide to augment our company’s unique qualities – our Old World craftsmanship and work ethic – with the most advanced production technology available. New horizons begin to open up and the Loewen brand becomes synonymous with distinctive quality.

Late 1980s

Loewen arrives at a crossroads. Other window manufacturers are switching to vinyl windows and doors. Loewen opts for the road less traveled, insisting on premium materials instead. The decision to exclusively use Douglas Fir accentuates our upscale market cachet.

1989

Loewen begins selling to Japan, where there’s a high traditional, cultural appreciation of elegant woodwork.

1990

U.S. branch office opens, giving American homeowners, builders and architects better access to the Loewen line.

2001

A 157,000 square foot addition is built, marking the 12th and single largest expansion since 1960.

2003

Loewen introduces ten new products, including Push Out Casements and Impact Glazing.

2005

Loewen celebrates 100 years and introduces Mahogany and Loewen Architectural Services

2006

Loewen's second century holds the promise of even more inspiring, intelligent design like the Cyprium Collection of copper and bronze clad producs. Loewen also becomes the first major window and door manufacturer to offer FSC certified Douglas Fir products.

2007

Loewen is the recipient of the 2007 Crystal Achievement Award for Best Product Literature for a large manufacturer.

2008

Loewen introduces the Loewen Bella Vista Collection and the Loewen LiftSlide, and continues to deliver unrivalled design and innovation.