1959
How it All Started
In 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.
1971
House of Aluminum, Inc. purchased C & S Glass and Paint located at 13220 Government Way, which was established in 1958.
1975
Hank Grinalds starts construction of a new 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility @ 5414 E Broadway, across the street from their facility @ 5417 E Broadway Ave.
1988
Northwest Aluminum Products is formed.
1991
Northwest Aluminum Products is purchased by Jeld-Wen, Inc. of Klamath Falls Oregon.
1993
Northwest Aluminum Products changes it's name to Northwest Windows & Patio Doors and starts manufacturing vinyl windows in addition to aluminum products.
1996
Northwest Windows & Patio Doors changes it's name to Summit Window & Patio Door.
1998
Summit Window & Patio Door (Spokane location only) ceases vinyl window manufacturing and is now solely manufacturing aluminum products.