Sun Windows blends tradition, technology, and craftsmanship
Photo by Jamie Plain
For nearly a century, Sun Windows has been a name synonymous with quality craftsmanship and innovation. From its humble beginnings in 1930 — when Victor E. Anderson, Sr., first introduced a self-storing wood storm window in Detroit, Michigan — to its current status as an Owensboro-based premier regional manufacturer, the company has remained committed to excellence.
Now, four generations later and under the leadership of Chris Anderson, Sun Windows continues to evolve while staying true to its roots in Owensboro.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
Sun Windows traces its lineage back to Chris Anderson’s great-grandfather Victor, who started what was initially known as V.E. Manufacturing Company. By 1943, the company relocated to Owensboro, where it grew into a household name in window and door production. Over the years, Sun Windows expanded its reach, developing wood casement and double-hung windows, adding vinyl window products in the late 1980s, and introducing aluminum-clad wood doors in the early 2000s.
Despite changes in ownership and market challenges, Sun Windows remained steadfast in its commitment to quality. When Hurricane Ike damaged its Owensboro facility in 2008, the company turned adversity into an opportunity, rebuilding a state-of-the-art production facility that now serves as the backbone of its operations.
Though Sun Windows has the capabilities of a national manufacturer, the company has made a strategic decision to remain regionally focused. Today, Sun primarily serves a 500- to 600-mile radius around Owensboro, including major markets such as Nashville, Birmingham, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Chattanooga.
“We make every single window and door custom ordered here at Sun Windows, from raw materials to finished goods, and then ship them out,” Anderson said. “Only about 5% of what we produce stays in Western Kentucky, but that means we’re bringing revenue back into Owensboro.”
Sun manufactures approximately 80,000 windows and doors each year, supplying homes and commercial buildings across the southeastern U.S. The company works with a network of dealers and builders, ensuring its products meet the demands of both new construction and renovation projects.
Chris Anderson, who stepped into the role of president following his father’s transition to CEO in January, is spearheading efforts to modernize the company’s operations.
“We’re in full AI integration mode, implementing artificial intelligence in operations, planning, inventory, and machinery,” he said. “One of the benefits of being a regionally focused company is that we can quickly adapt to new technology and industry trends.”
Sun Windows has also maintained its dedication to sustainability and efficiency. By keeping its supplier network close to home, the company reduces its environmental impact while supporting local businesses. Many of its products contribute to LEED-certified projects, making them an appealing choice for eco-conscious builders and homeowners.
A Commitment to Community
Beyond manufacturing high-quality products, Sun Windows plays an active role in the local community. Anderson serves on the board of the local Green River Building Industry Association and is a member of the executive team for the Kentucky Home Builders Association, advocating for policies that support the construction industry. The company also sponsors and participates in initiatives like the annual Career Construction Day, which introduces students to skilled trades as an alternative to four-year college degrees.
“We’ve seen such an emphasis on STEM and traditional higher education, which is great, but we’ve also unintentionally steered people away from skilled labor,” Anderson said. “Through events like Career Construction Day, we’re working to change that and highlight the opportunities available in the trades.”
For Anderson, leading Sun Windows is not just about running a business – it’s about honoring a family legacy that spans four generations.
“I grew up in and around this business. When I was 5 years old, I wrote a paper about wanting to work at Sun Windows when I grew up,” he said. “Now, I sit at the same desk my great-grandfather once sat at. It’s a tremendous honor, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a leadership team and workforce that share the same passion and dedication.”
With a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 18th Street in Owensboro and a workforce of 150 employees, Sun Windows remains a pillar of the local economy. Under Anderson’s leadership, the company is poised for continued growth while staying true to its mission of producing high-quality, custom-made windows and doors.
From its origins as a door-to-door sales operation to its status as a premier regional manufacturer, Sun Windows’ journey is a testament to innovation, resilience, and the power of family legacy. As the company moves forward, it remains deeply rooted in its commitment to excellence, its employees, and the Owensboro community it calls home. OL
