U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown ( D-Ohio ) toured the JELD-WEN Inc. window factory in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and met with workers in early-January.

“The hard-working men and women here are a reminder that manufacturing remains a critical part of Ohio’s economy. This factory is also a reminder that our clean energy economy isn’t just about wind turbines and solar panels,” said Brown during the visit. “With the downturn in the home building industry, the tax credits for replacing old windows and doors that were included in the Economic Recovery package were a true lifeline for JELD-WEN. Increasing demand for energy-efficient products manufactured in Ohio put people back to work and help consumers lower their energy costs.”

JELD-WEN’s Brad Hunter, general manager of the company’s Mount Vernon plant, also spoke about the benefits of the tax credit.

“As a maker of ENERGY STAR qualified windows, JELD-WEN benefits from tax policies that encourage homeowners to replace energy-draining windows with highly efficient models. Our winter slowdown usually starts in November, but we stayed busy through the third week of December,” said Brad Hunter, General Manager JELD-WEN Window Division-Mt Vernon.

JELD-WEN’s Mount Vernon plant employs more than 250 workers.