Crystal President Confirms Plans for Major Texas Manufacturing Plant

Over a phased, multi-year period, Crystal will start producing aluminum windows and doors in Texas and possibly ancillary operations such as vinyl and aluminum extrusion. Photo: Crystal.

Crystal Window & Door Systems has expanded operations at its facility in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and purchased a 44-acre parcel of land in mansfield, Texas.

President Steve Chen says the Mansfield property will include a 650,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will double as a regional headquarters.

“Shipping finished products into Texas has gone well, but of course, it adds expense and time, both of which will be dramatically reduced by having a major production facility in Texas,” says Chen.

Over a phased, multi-year period, Crystal will start producing aluminum windows and doors in Texas and possibly ancillary operations such as vinyl and aluminum extrusion.

“Expansion in Texas is a natural move,” says Chen. “The Texas window and door market continues to grow. With our existing sales and distribution branch in the dallas region, it was logical for the company’s next new facility to be there to serve current and future trade customers better.”

Chen explains that the site will be developed in several phases. The new operation is expected to bring 500 jobs to the region. Texas Gov. Greg Abbot says the facility represents a more than $121 million capital investment. The governor’s office reports that a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $3.2 million has been extended to the company, along with a $15,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.

In addition to its Scranton expansion and Texas move, Crystal plans to add additional equipment to its Scranton facility in 2024, including vinyl saws, welders and corner cleaners. Building improvements, a new rooftop sign and enhancements to employee break areas are also planned.

“The new equipment [in Scranton] has improved our operating efficiency and reduced lead times,” says Chen. “Further improvements this year will continue this trend, allowing us to satisfy demand even more effectively and improve customer deliveries.”

Amid his company’s expansions, Chen acknowledges that current market challenges, including inflation, labor, mortgage rates and “general economic unease,” are impacting business. He says economic difficulties have slackened sales growth in many areas of the country.

“Nevertheless, the future remains bright,” he adds. “Therefore, we feel it is time to take bold actions now to position the company advantageously for the future.”

Crystal started in 1990 as a small commercial operation in New York. Since then, Crystal has grown into a national manufacturer with five production facilities nationwide.

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