Knowlton takes charge at Norandex Building Materials

Glenn Knowlton has been named president and CEO of Norandex Building Materials Distribution, based in Husdon, Ohio. 

Formerly VP sales and marketing for Norandex sister company Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Knowlton takes the lead role at Norandex at an exciting time, as many industry experts predict a market recovery in 2013. 

"We have good, hard-working people at the corporate and branch levels ready, willing and certainly capable of servicing the needs of building professionals," Knowlton said in a prepared statement. "My goal is to provide our team with the resources necessary to provide unmatched service to our customers. I am ready to go out into our local markets with our local teams to shake some hands and ask how we can better help our customers."

In his previous role at Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Knowlton was responsible for leading a sales and marketing organization of more than 400 employees servicing and supporting the industrial, construction, aftermarket and do-it-yourself channels in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Prior to that, he served in various capacities with the Abrasives business. 

"I clearly remember what it was like to pound the pavement, make cold calls and drum up business, and as a result, I have a keen understanding of what our customers face on a daily basis," said Knowlton. 

As for his plans for Norandex, Knowlton said, "Norandex has earned a reputation as a premier distributor of building products for more than 65 years. I respect and honor that reputation and seek to do whatever I can to build upon it. These are exciting times at Norandex, and that translates to good things for our customers. 

Norandex Building Materials Distribution is one of the largest distributors of exterior siding, windows and roofing in the United States. The company has more than 100 branches in 38 states that stock, sell and service residential and light commercial building products to builders and contractors. Norandex is part of the Building Distribution Sector of Saint-Gobain, which describes itself as the world's largest supplier of building materials.