Versatex opens new training center
Dealers, contractors, and architects can learn first-hand about Versatex PVC trimboards and mouldings.
Versatex has opened a new in-house training center west of its Pittsburgh headquarters in Aliquippa, Pa.
“Whether you’re an architect, contractor, dealer, distributor, project manager or framing carpenter, if you’re in residential homebuilding, you need to understand the properties and attributes of modern, low-maintenance materials,” is how the Versatex CEO John Pace introduced the center during a recent tour.
“Industry professionals tell us it can be difficult to separate marketing hype from useful information. We decided to take the initiative and build a dedicated facility where they can receive training – work with our products, review third-party independent performance data and talk face-to-face with the people who manufacture and fabricate profiles from cellular PVC,” Pace said.
The 2,000-square-foot Versatex Training Center was designed to support customers and industry allies, as well as the company’s in-house team of about 150 operations, administrative, sales and marketing personnel. It features presentation and meeting amenities for groups of up to 60 people; a full-scale architectural mockup demonstrating Versatex architectural trim products; and panoramic views of the 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and two-acre finished-goods storage area.
“We believe in contributing to the growth of the building-products industry through education and innovation. So we engineer bridges across knowledge gaps, helping builders and contractors discover how our products and programs can reduce field labor and jobsite waste, thus improving their performance and, ultimately, their bottom lines.” Pace noted.
Versatex has also developed an on-site AIA Continuing Education course focused on compound blending, sheet extrusion, recycling and “endless applications beyond the trim on your home.”
“For architects, it’s important to see and touch things firsthand,” Pace said. “With access to experts in engineering, design and manufacturing onsite, our course is a rewarding experience, expanding their knowledge of cellular PVC and what they can accomplish with it.”
The training Center is an efficient venue for certifying dealers as authorities on Versatex products, programs, and installation techniques, the building products manufacturer said, noting that more than 150 dealer representatives have prepared for this year’s building season with “Versatexpert” training.
Anthony Vo, an inside sales representative for Eldredge Lumber & Hardware in Portland, Maine, appreciates the new facility. “The training space and informational sessions raise awareness of Versatex’s capabilities,” he said. “The whole experience, including the mockup home, lets visitors see how it all comes together, and gives me a better understanding of what I’m pulling off the shelf for the customer.”
“Whether you’re an architect, contractor, dealer, distributor, project manager or framing carpenter, if you’re in residential homebuilding, you need to understand the properties and attributes of modern, low-maintenance materials,” is how the Versatex CEO John Pace introduced the center during a recent tour.
“Industry professionals tell us it can be difficult to separate marketing hype from useful information. We decided to take the initiative and build a dedicated facility where they can receive training – work with our products, review third-party independent performance data and talk face-to-face with the people who manufacture and fabricate profiles from cellular PVC,” Pace said.
The 2,000-square-foot Versatex Training Center was designed to support customers and industry allies, as well as the company’s in-house team of about 150 operations, administrative, sales and marketing personnel. It features presentation and meeting amenities for groups of up to 60 people; a full-scale architectural mockup demonstrating Versatex architectural trim products; and panoramic views of the 125,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and two-acre finished-goods storage area.
“We believe in contributing to the growth of the building-products industry through education and innovation. So we engineer bridges across knowledge gaps, helping builders and contractors discover how our products and programs can reduce field labor and jobsite waste, thus improving their performance and, ultimately, their bottom lines.” Pace noted.
Versatex has also developed an on-site AIA Continuing Education course focused on compound blending, sheet extrusion, recycling and “endless applications beyond the trim on your home.”
“For architects, it’s important to see and touch things firsthand,” Pace said. “With access to experts in engineering, design and manufacturing onsite, our course is a rewarding experience, expanding their knowledge of cellular PVC and what they can accomplish with it.”The training Center is an efficient venue for certifying dealers as authorities on Versatex products, programs, and installation techniques, the building products manufacturer said, noting that more than 150 dealer representatives have prepared for this year’s building season with “Versatexpert” training.
Anthony Vo, an inside sales representative for Eldredge Lumber & Hardware in Portland, Maine, appreciates the new facility. “The training space and informational sessions raise awareness of Versatex’s capabilities,” he said. “The whole experience, including the mockup home, lets visitors see how it all comes together, and gives me a better understanding of what I’m pulling off the shelf for the customer.”
