Century of Purpose: Reflecting on Legacy, Innovation and the Future

This October, as we celebrate Manufacturing Month and Pella Corporation’s 100th anniversary, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be part of a company that’s had a clear sense of purpose from the very beginning. Reaching 100 years is rare — only 1% of U.S. companies make it that far. That milestone, paired with Manufacturing Month, makes this moment especially meaningful. It’s a time to celebrate our team members who are the heart of this company and who bring our purpose to life every day: to imagine, build and fight for a brighter future for generations to come.

Manufacturing Careers That Inspire

One way we celebrate Manufacturing Month at Pella is by giving back. This year we’re opening our doors to students and Girl Scout troops to show them what modern manufacturing looks like — and what it can mean for their futures. Manufacturing at Pella is about solving problems, driving innovation and building careers that span generations.

It’s incredibly energizing to have young visitors exploring our facilities, seeing our craftspeople at work, interacting with the engineers behind our cutting-edge systems and learning from the quality teams who ensure every product meets the highest standards. These moments go beyond outreach; they are meaningful investments in the next century of talent and innovation.

Rooted in Community, Guided by Values

Our story began in 1925 when Pete and Lucille Kuyper purchased a small window screen business. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to create great jobs and enrich lives in their community of Pella, Iowa. That people-first mindset became the foundation of our culture.

Today, that same spirit lives on across our 20 manufacturing facilities nationwide. At Pella, you’ll still find families who’ve been part of our journey for decades — many of whom continue to work side-by-side with one another today.

I believe what sets Pella apart is the pride our people take in their work. They know the window they make today might protect a family during a storm, or the door they craft could welcome someone home for years to come. That sense of ownership and care truly differentiates us.

Innovation with Purpose

We’ve had hundreds of patents and innovations over the past 100 years. However, most of the ideas don’t come from our boardroom — they come from listening. We listen to contractors who face installation challenges, to homeowners who want beauty and durability, and to our manufacturing teams who see opportunities for improvement every day.

Technologies like our Hidden Screen, Easy-Slide Operator and Steady Set Interior Installation System were born from this approach. Each one solves a real problem, improves lives and reflects our commitment to thoughtful design and customer-centric innovation.

Across our teams, collaboration is driven by care. Whether it’s engineers refining a new design or manufacturing teams suggesting process improvements, our people are focused on delivering better outcomes for those who rely on our products.

The Power of People

While our growth from a single storefront to 20 manufacturing plants is noteworthy, and our century of private ownership has allowed us to stay true to our values, it’s our people who truly define our legacy and future. We have multi-generational teams who preserve and elevate our craftsmanship. I see mentorship in action every day, innovation sparked by frontline insights, and a caring culture that values continuous improvement and achieving results.

This Manufacturing Month, as we welcome students and Girl Scouts into our facilities, they’re not just seeing how windows and doors are made — they’re meeting the passionate people who build them. They’re discovering that manufacturing careers can be fulfilling, innovative and impactful.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Purpose

As we look toward the next 100 years, our purpose remains clear: to imagine, build and fight for a brighter future for generations to come.

We’re investing in talent and technology that will shape the future of manufacturing and home design, all while staying true to the values Pete and Lucille Kuyper instilled in 1925: Put people first, solve real problems and care deeply about the work you do and one another. Every product we create carries forward that legacy. Our team members understand this responsibility, and they embrace it. That’s what makes Pella special — not just our products, but the people behind them and the purpose that drives us.

To our team members: Thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your craftsmanship and your care. You are the heart of our success, and the reason we can look ahead with confidence and pride.

Here’s to the next century of purpose-driven growth. Let’s build it together.

Find more information on Pella Corporation at pella.com/about/corporate.

Fueled by the investment from more than 400 Investors, The Partnership serves Greater Des Moines (DSM) and drives a vision for its future that is focused on economic development, talent and more.