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About Marvin

The Marvin Story

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Marvin Windows and Doors has a long history of product innovations, industry firsts and commitment to community. Here is a timeline of key events from our past and present.

1904 George G. Marvin arrives in Warroad, a small northern Minnesota town near the Canadian border. He manages a grain elevator and lumber yard and spent the next 70 years building a business that became a cornerstone of the Warroad community.

1908 The partnership of Percy Roberts and the Marvin Lumber Company purchases the Canadian Elevator Company, which George Marvin formerly managed. In 1911, they handle 2,300 railway cars of pulpwood and are the largest pulpwood buyers in the district.

1912 The Marvin Timber & Cedar Company is established. The name is changed a few months later to Marvin Lumber & Cedar Company—the same name it bears today.

The Great Depression
During America's Great Depression, Marvin was fortunate to be able to offer continuous employment without layoffs.

1939 George's son Wm. S. "Bill" Marvin joins the company as the eighth employee. That year, in an attempt to keep the company busy during the quiet winter months, lumberyard manager Harry York requests a new saw for making window and door frames.

1940 To help with the war effort during World War II, the staff is increased to 40 and manufactures ammunition and butter boxes to fulfill a government contract.

1942 The Marvin brothers in 1942: Jack, Bill, Tut, Frank and Cal.
  • Tut serves in the Coast Guard from 1941 to 1946.
  • Frank serves in the Canadian Air Force and United States Air Force from 1942 to 1945 and receives both the British and American Distinguished Flying Cross.
  • Jack serves in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and earns two Purple Hearts.
  • Cal serves in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945.

1945 After the end of World War II, Wm. S. "Bill" Marvin realizes that making windows will create jobs and keep returning servicemen in Warroad.

1948 With the village fire department handicapped by cold weather, a fire destroys Marvin’s sash and door factory.


Demand for product expands to new geographic areas and requires a delivery fleet. This 1951 Chevy truck was used to deliver windows.

1957 Marvin established a profit sharing program. To commemorate the program, employees received their share of profits in bags of silver dollars.

1958 At age 76, George Marvin continues to work long hours and take an active role.

1961 Fire strikes again. George G. Marvin watches as fire destroys the plant, machinery and a warehouse. Relocation offers were made, but the Marvin family remains committed to the Warroad community. Rebuilding efforts quickly commence, and in 1962 a new 100,000 square foot factory opens.

1976 George Marvin dies at age 94.

 
1982 Marvin develops the Terrace Door and introduces the "Made to Order" advertising campaign.
 
1985 Marvin's corporate office building is completed in Warroad.

1987 Marvin Windows and Doors is recognized as one of the “99 Things Americans Make Best” by Money Magazine.

1994 Marvin's safety recognition program begins.

2003 The Marvin Home Center replaces the Marvin Hardware Store.

2004 Celebrating 100 years since George G. Marvin arrived in Warroad in 1904, numerous events are held throughout the year.

2004 Marvin Windows and Doors partners with systems of public higher education to bring instructors to Warroad (from college campuses over two hours away) enabling employees to earn accredited four-year degrees and winning national acclaim.

2005 The Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center opens in Warroad, Minnesota.

Today
Thanks to the craftsmanship, knowledge and dedication of its employees, Marvin Windows and Doors is the largest made-to-order wood window and door manufacturer in the world. Marvin is credited with several industry firsts and is recognized for innovative products and uncompromising product performance standards. Second, third, and fourth generation Marvins remain actively involved in the company.
 
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Want to know more?
Visit the Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center in Warroad, MN, USA.
Marvin Quick Facts
Marvin was the first to:
  • Have all products certified by the WDMA
  • Re-introduce Round Top Windows
  • Offer Low-E glass on all products
  • Provide a commercial-grade aluminum clad finish
  • Introduce a wood-surround screen
More Quick Facts
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