Manufactured in Spokane, WA Since 1970
1955 - How It All Started
James R. Hall and Bertie Peck established House of Aluminum, a company specializing in the sale of aluminum awnings, windows, and storm doors.
1959
Robert Cossette and Henry (Hank) Grinalds were working for a large glass and metal distribution retailer. Both had reached an age when they knew they had to decide whether to continue working for someone else or establish a business of their own. They decided the later.
In March, 1959, the two men formed Acme Glass, Inc. They built a six-figure volume during the first nine months of operation, raising it 50% in 1960, and continuing to boost volume high enough to justify the move to a new building built to their specifications. This was accomplished in spite of a recession which hit Spokane in 1959 and a three-month strike of union glaziers the same year.
New Building
Cossette and Grinalds decided to build a new place of business where they could promote automotive installations and drop-in trade by presenting a more attractive business establishment and by stocking and promoting greater variety of hardware. They chose to build at East 7225 Sprague Ave with a move-in date of June 1, 1959. They designed the building to provide a handsome glass and metal storefront and a convenient, labor saving work area. A railroad spur was recently being built to bring carload lots directly to the rear door of the warehouse.
The offices are divided by greylite #14 and obscure glass.
Late 1960's - Marlin Caught in Hawaii
In the late 1960s, Hank Grinalds, Walt Lasbrook, and Bob Cromer embarked on a fishing trip in Hawaii, where they caught a Marlin. While there is some debate over who originally hooked the fish, all three played a role in reeling it in. A replica of the Marlin was mounted and displayed in the showroom, where it remains today as a symbol of Marlin Windows.
1970 - How The Marlin Product Name Started
To name the new aluminum window line, employees were invited to submit their suggestions, with a $100 prize for the winning name. Ken McLeod proposed "Marlin," inspired by the Marlin displayed in the showroom. After winning, he generously spent his prize treating everyone to drinks that evening.
1971
Hank Grinalds purchased House of Aluminum from James Hall combining Acme Glass with House of Aluminum.
1975 - New 50,000 Sq Ft Building
Hank Grinalds starts construction of a new 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility @ 5414 E Broadway (current location of Marlin Windows), across the street from their facility @ 5417 E Broadway Ave.
1976 - House of Aluminum Sold
Hank Grinalds sells House of Aluminum to Steve Engstrom.
1981 - House of aluminum Sold Again
Steve Engstrom sells House of Aluminum to his brother, Lowell (Bo) Engstrom.
1988 - Northwest Aluminum Products
Northwest Aluminum Products purchases House of Aluminum making it their third location. The other locations were in Kent, WA & Yakima, WA.
1993 - Northwest Windows & Patio Doors
Jeld-Wen, Inc. acquires Northwest Aluminum Products and rebrands it as Northwest Windows & Patio Doors. The company expands its operations to manufacture its own vinyl windows alongside Marlin aluminum products, operating with 150 employees across two shifts.
Newspaper & Magazine Ads - 1964-2019
