Sawmill
Loewen began as a sawmill and lumberyard that supplied materials to the large two-story homes built in the area.
Loewen is the leading manufacturer of premium windows and doors for the luxury architectural market in North America and abroad. In addition to proudly handcrafting enduring products that enhance beautiful architecture, we are an innovative organization that has evolved into a design-driven, technologically advanced company of the modern age. Our products are beautiful, and they are built to last through higher standards and authentic materials.
Loewen History
1959 Facility
By 1959, Loewen broke ground on this new 57,000 square foot plant (today our facility is over 600,000 square feet).
Loewen History
Wood Windows and Doors
To this day, Loewen has remained a manufacturer of wood windows and doors. Authentic materials in the hands of experienced craftspeople.
We are committed to producing handcrafted windows and doors. Our expert artisans ensure our fit-and-finish is unparalleled. These craftspeople are supported by high-tech, automated technologies, but it’s the skilled hands in our makerspaces that have earned us our reputation among discerning architects, builders, and homeowners.
- Our plant is made up of specialized makerspaces rather than traditional assembly lines; the expert craftspeople who occupy these spaces have decades of experience in their craft
- Small batch, tailor-made production is at the core of our manufacturing processes
- Our fit-and-finish is perfected by hand, resulting in an aesthetic that is second to none
- Our handcrafted production is supported by high-tech, automated technologies
We use authentic materials of the finest grade. At our core, Loewen is a designer and manufacturer of wood windows and doors. We use solid wood laminations, not veneers. Our extruded aluminum is the highest quality. Our operating hardware is bronze, brass, zinc, and stainless steel – all genuine materials, not imitations.
- Our standard wood is Coastal Douglas Fir
- Alternate species such as Honduran Mahogany, White Oak, Accoya and others are also available
- We use solid wood makeups, not veneers
- Our operating hardware is solid metal, including bronze, brass, zinc and stainless steel
- Our Cyprium Collection features genuine Copper and Bronze with hand-soldered joints
Our designs are Enduring, both aesthetically and in performance. We work tirelessly to create products that are timeless, whether that means being true to historical architecture or by creating a lasting contemporary design. Behind the outward beauty is a functional performance that gives you an industry-leading experience for years to come.
- Sash and frame components are engineered laminations for strength and stability
- Moldings are solid wood as opposed to veneer-wrapped plastics
- Integral extruded aluminum nail fin is our standard, providing water and structural integrity
- Standard venting channel for extended sealed unit longevity
- Architecturally correct joinery such as triple mortise and tenon for superior structural integrity
- Factory assembled metal-clad architectural casings that are applied post-installation for maximum weather protection
Our customers and partners are always intrigued by our makerspace facility. Only after an in-person visit do they fully understand how handcrafted our product is.
Beginning in 1905, the Loewen story tells of a small lumber yard and sawmill that became the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury windows and doors.
In the early twentieth century, the Loewen lumber yard supplied building materials to the large two-story homes built in the area. When the Great Depression gripped North America, we found innovative ways to keep the business going. During those difficult years, we built beekeeping supplies, cross arms for telephone poles, and church pews.
When World War 2 ended, a housing boom created a large demand for premade windows and doors. The good reputation that already surrounded Loewen windows and doors lead to continued growth for this part of the business. By 1959, we broke ground on a new 57,000 sq/ft plant.
Loewen continued to grow and expand throughout the 60’s, a trend that would continue for many decades. In 1972 Loewen Millwork officially separated from the lumber yard side of the business. The following year, Loewen Millwork introduced True Triple Glazing, an innovation that is still popular to this day.
The 70’s and 80’s saw more innovation. In 1978, Loewen introduced automated frame assemblies and, in 1985, Loewen introduced extruded metal clad units. 1985 saw another important development when Loewen Millwork was officially rebranded as Loewen Windows.
While many companies transitioned to plastics in the 80’s and 90’s, Loewen remained a manufacturer of wood windows and doors. In 1992, we introduced our Terrace Door line and the following year we installed the first 4 color wood scanner in North America. This scanner allowed us to remove all the natural defects found in wood, such as sap, pitch pockets, and knots.
Using a model that is unique to the industry, Loewen began cultivating an exclusive dealer network in North America. Starting in 1995 with their first branch in Chicago, Loewen carefully selected dealers in all key North American luxury markets. Several of these dealers have been loyal to the Loewen brand for over 25 years.
Loewen has continued to bring innovative products to market, including pushout casements and awnings, the copper and bronze Cyprium collection, LiftSlide and MultiSlide doors, Timber Curtain Walls, and the 2019 redesign of our Picture/Direct Set Window. Our offering also saw a manifold expansion when we introduced our Custom Shop in 2016.
Today, Loewen boasts 600,000 square feet of makerspaces. Occupying these spaces are the expert artisans that meticulously craft each made-to-order piece. We continue to push further in all we do. We constantly reach for better designs, better performance, better service, and better stewardship.
We have committed to crafting made-to-order products by hand. We continue to use the highest quality authentic materials to provide enduring designs that lead the industry in performance. Our people, who have always been our greatest resource, have made this commitment possible. Their passion and care are present in every unit we produce.
It's interesting to look at Loewen advertisements throughout history and reflect on the many product introductions.
Our desire to innovate is an inherent piece of our culture. We never stop searching for ways to improve our offering and this is reflected in our impressive product history. No matter how far we come, we will always look for new ways to provide improved solutions for our customers.
100% of Loewen's wood is sustainably sourced.
Loewen is a socially responsible corporation, buying ethically produced materials and recognized for our leadership in energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Our focus on stewardship pushes us to re-use and re-engineer materials whenever possible, down to our sash shims. We recycle virtually all of the wood waste created in our manufacturing processes and even heat our plant with cut-offs during the frigid Canadian winters.
- We recycle 100% of any metal that goes unused during our manufacturing processes
- Our wood is engineered to minimize wood waste, and the little waste that does emerge is always re-used