Pella Corp. recently announced that it would open a new manufacturing facility in Tucson, Ariz. Headquartered in Pella, Iowa, the company is a top manufacturer of doors and windows. The new Tucson site will produce ThermaStar by Pella windows and patio doors and create nearly 450 new jobs.

"Pella Corporation appreciates the diverse opportunities which abound in the state, the progressive focus on business and the professionalism and pride that are part of the culture in the Arizona workforce,” says Mark Hinkie, president and COO of Pella Corp.'s Vinyl Window and Door Division "We look forward to creating 'windows of opportunity' for the hundreds of people who will begin new careers with Pella in Tucson, and for our customers in the southwest who will ultimately benefit from the quality windows and doors to be produced in Tucson beginning in 2006."

Pella plans to hire up to 450 employees once it converts the former Weiser Lock facility for its manufacturing facility.