News & Moves: May 23, 2008

Alphonso Jackson

Doug Kempf

Gary Gessel

HUD Secretary Steps Down

Alphonso Jackson, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, resigned due to personal and family matters, he said in a press release. Jackson oversaw HUD's $37 billion budget and 9,200 employees. The Washington Times report allegations of cronyism have Jackson currently under investigation. He is accused of involving his friends in multimillion-dollar HUD projects. During his tenure, his work included rebuilding the battered Gulf Coast and implementing FHASecure.

Dow Corning Appoints New Manager

Dow Corning has named Doug Kempf as construction application engineering and technical services manager effective early May. Kempf will provide leadership to the group responsible for managing the day-to-day technical activities required to support Dow Corning's participation in various construction markets within North and South America.

Milgard Appoints a New President

Gary Gessel has been appointed president and chief operating officer of Milgard Windows & Doors, Masco Corp. announced. Gessel returns to Milgard after a three-year absence during which he served as president of a not-for-profit organization. He was Milgard's executive vice president and chief financial officer from 1992–2004. "Gary is an exceptional leader, strong team builder and has a proven track record of excellent business and financial accomplishments," Donny DeMarie, Masco executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a press release.

ProBuild Buys Khempco Building Supply

ProBuild Holdings, a national supplier of building materials to professional contractors, purchased Columbus, Ohio-based Khempco Building Supply. Khempco comprises a lumberyard and truss facility in Delaware, Ohio; a truss plant located in dry Ridge, Ky.; and a commercial door facility located in Columbus, Ohio. Dale Kukowski, president of ProBuild North Region, said in the release that adding Khempco fortifies ProBuild's position in the Ohio market while strengthening manufacturing and installed sales capability.

Real Estate Temps Acquires Temps for Tracts

Real Estate Temps, the Irvine, Calif.-based firm that provides licensed real-estate sales agents on a temporary or permanent basis to home builders throughout California, Arizona and Nevada, acquired Temps for Tracts. Temps for Tracts provides sales agents to some 95 builders at more than 200 new home developments. The deal means Real Estate Temps can provide sales staffing to nearly 500 builders clients at 1,825 new home communities throughout California, Arizona and Nevada.

Atrium Consolidates Ariz., Calif. Facilities

Atrium Companies, manufacturer of Atrium Windows and Doors-branded products, said it will merge its Tolleson, Ariz., and Anaheim, Calif., manufacturing facilities on or before Sept. 1. The decision will create a dedicated vinyl window facility at the California site, focused on serving the vinyl window and door business throughout the southwestern U.S., including Arizona, southern Nevada and California, for all new construction, as well as for remodeling and replacement vinyl products.