Florida Manufacturer & Brand Guide

CWS Windows: The Complete Guide to Custom Window Systems Impact Windows

Who owns CWS, where the windows are made, every product line, prices, and an installer's honest review.

CWS (Custom Window Systems) is a premier Florida hurricane impact window and door manufacturer operating under the Pella Corporation family of brands—privately held by the founding Kuyper family in Pella, Iowa since 1925. Pella purchased CWS in Ocala in 2019 (its dedicated Central Florida uPVC vinyl impact plant) and purchased Lawson Industries in Medley / Miami in 2023 (its dedicated South Florida heavy-wall extruded aluminum impact plant), uniting both Florida factories under the CWS name.

Everything that used to be Lawson—its Medley factory address (8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL 33166), phone lines, and warranty service—is now CWS. Backed by Pella’s century of engineering and R&D scale, CWS upgraded classic Lawson aluminum frames with flush snap-in screw and track covers, Matte Black and Bronze finishes, 2024 Miami-Dade HVHZ Notices of Acceptance up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF, and clear Hurricane Guard Aluminum, Hurricane Guard Vinyl, and StormStrong product lines.

4 styles we install:

CWS Aluminum Brochure (PDF)7100–7900 HVHZCWS Vinyl Brochure (PDF)16-Chamber IGUAluminum vs. Vinyl GuideCompare Both Miami-Dade NOA & FL# GuideNOA 24-0116 & FL#

Get a free quote See All CWS Product Lines

By Republic Windows, Doors & Roofing (CGC1533058) · Updated October 2026 · State-certified general contractor CGC1533058 (verify on Florida DBPR).

Official CWS Hurricane Guard Impact Aluminum Windows & Doors brochure cover (Medley/Miami plant) alongside the CWS Hurricane Guard Impact Vinyl Windows & Patio Doors brochure cover (Ocala plant), both backed by Pella Corporation. — **Two specialized Florida plants under one Pella family brand:** CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum (PDF) is extruded in **Medley / Miami** (formerly Lawson, acquired 2023), while CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl (PDF) and StormStrong are built in **Ocala** (acquired 2019).

1925 · Family-OwnedOwned by Pella Corporation — privately held by the founding Kuyper family in Pella, Iowa since 1925
2019 · Ocala VinylPella acquired CWS in Ocala, FL (est. 1986) — dedicated 16-chamber uPVC vinyl impact factory
2023 · Miami AluminumPella acquired Lawson in Medley, FL (est. 1960) — dedicated HVHZ extruded aluminum factory
+67.5 / −100 PSFFlagship CWS Hurricane Guard single-hung Design Pressure ceiling under Miami-Dade NOA 24-0116

Section 1 · Corporate Lineage & Dual-Plant Footprint

How Pella united Ocala's CWS (2019) and Miami's Lawson Industries (2023)

CWS Windows brings together three manufacturing legacies: Pella Corporation's century of family-owned engineering in Pella, Iowa (1925), Lawson Industries' 60-year HVHZ aluminum heritage in Medley/Miami (1960), and Custom Window Systems' coastal vinyl leadership in Ocala (1986).

In Central Florida, Custom Window Systems (CWS)—founded in 1986 at 1900 SW 44th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474—pioneered fusion-welded, multi-chambered uPVC vinyl impact windows and earned Florida’s first NFRC ENERGY STAR rating. In South Florida, Lawson Industries—founded in 1960 at 8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL 33166—extruded heavy-wall aluminum windows and doors engineered for Miami-Dade’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).

Pella Corporation acquired CWS in Ocala in 2019 (shortly after CWS impact windows kept Mexico Beach’s Sand Palace sealed through Category 5 Hurricane Michael’s 160 mph eyewall) and acquired Lawson Industries in Medley/Miami in 2023. On September 30, 2024, Pella unified both factories under CWS, a Pella brand—spanning 700,000+ sq ft of Florida production with Ocala dedicated to vinyl and Medley/Miami dedicated to aluminum.

01
1925 · Pella Founded in Pella, Iowa by the Kuyper Family
Pete and Lucille Kuyper establish Rolscreen Company (Pella Corporation) in Pella, Iowa—still privately held and family-owned today.
02
1960 · Lawson Industries Founded in Medley / Miami, Florida
Lawson begins extruding aluminum windows at 8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL, becoming a Miami-Dade HVHZ staple after Hurricane Andrew.
03
1986 · Custom Window Systems (CWS) Founded in Ocala, Florida
Founded at 1900 SW 44th Ave, Ocala, FL, CWS pioneers multi-chambered uPVC impact vinyl and earns Florida's first NFRC ENERGY STAR window rating.
04
2019 · Pella Acquires CWS in Ocala (The Vinyl Plant)
Pella brings CWS's Ocala campus and 500+ employees into the Pella family as its dedicated Florida multi-chambered vinyl impact plant.
05
2023–2024 · Pella Acquires Lawson in Medley (The Aluminum Plant)
Pella acquires Lawson in 2023, certifies fresh Miami-Dade NOA 24-0116 approvals in January 2024, and unites Medley under CWS on Sept 30, 2024.

Parent Brand · Pella Corporation (Pella, Iowa · Est. 1925)

Privately Held & Family-Owned by the Kuyper Family

Corporate structure: Both Ocala (Vinyl) and Medley/Miami (Aluminum) operate under CWS, a Pella brand.

Dual-Plant Footprint · Ocala Vinyl + Medley Aluminum

Each Florida Plant Specializes in One Frame Material

Why this matters: Homeowners can mix Medley HVHZ aluminum and Ocala insulated vinyl on one quote.

Section 2 · Privately Held by the Founding Family Since 1925

Why Pella's century-long family ownership in Iowa matters for CWS and former Lawson buyers

Privately held by the founding Kuyper family in Pella, Iowa since 1925, Pella Corporation brings a century of engineering labs, Powder-Coat and IGU manufacturing investment, and long-term warranty stability to CWS's Ocala and Medley plants.

Advantage 01 · Privately Held Since 1925

Privately Held by the Founding Family in Pella, Iowa

Founded in 1925 and privately held by the Kuyper family, Pella invests in heavy-wall extrusions, coastal stainless hardware, and full TAS 201/202/203 testing.

Advantage 02 · Unified CWS & Lawson Warranty

Everything That Used to Be Lawson Is Now CWS

Lawson's Medley address, phone lines (866-875-5518 / 786-204-1013), and Pre- and Post-Nov 2023 warranties now run directly through CWS's official warranty portal.

Visit CWS's official Lawson & CWS warranty page →

Advantage 03 · 2024 Miami-Dade NOA Testing

Coordinated HVHZ Approvals Across All 7000 Series

Simultaneous January 2024 Miami-Dade NOA 24-0116 approvals across all six 7000-series aluminum styles reflect Pella's R&D scale.

How Miami-Dade NOA testing works →

Advantage 04 · Dual-Plant Specialization

Ocala Vinyl Plant + Medley Aluminum Plant

Ocala specializes exclusively in 16-chamber uPVC vinyl while Medley specializes exclusively in heavy-wall HVHZ aluminum.

Compare aluminum vs. vinyl engineering →

Section 3 · Inside CWS's Two Specialized Florida Plants

CWS Ocala (the Vinyl Plant) vs. CWS Medley / Miami (the Aluminum Plant)

CWS builds both impact vinyl and impact aluminum—each in its own dedicated Florida factory.

At the Ocala Vinyl Plant (`1900 SW 44th Ave, Ocala, FL`), CWS builds CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl (also known as WindPact Plus), StormStrong, and Comfort Shield with up to 16 insulating chambers, fusion-welded corners, recessed sashes, and 1-inch Argon Low-E IGUs (`U-Factor` down to `0.29–0.34`). At the Medley / Miami Aluminum Plant (`8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL`), the former Lawson plant extrudes CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum (7100–7900 Series) and CWS Fortify from heavy-wall 6063-T5/T6 aluminum with full Miami-Dade HVHZ approvals.

CWS Ocala (Vinyl Plant) vs. CWS Medley / Miami (Aluminum Plant)Official CWS Brochures CWSHGA0525 & CWSHGV0226

CWS Ocala (Vinyl Plant) vs. CWS Medley / Miami (Aluminum Plant)
Specification	CWS Ocala Plant (Vinyl Impact)	CWS Medley / Miami Plant (Aluminum Impact)
Plant & Heritage	1900 SW 44th Ave, Ocala, FL · Est. 1986 · Pella acquired 2019	8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL · Est. 1960 as Lawson · Pella acquired 2023
Frame Material	Fusion-welded uPVC vinyl with up to 16 insulating chambers	Heavy-wall extruded 6063-T5/T6 aluminum with powder-coat finish
Impact Lines	Hurricane Guard Vinyl (8100–8450 / 369G WindPact Plus) & StormStrong (6100/6150)	Hurricane Guard Aluminum 7000 Series (7100, 7200, 7300, 7400, 7700, 7900)
DP & Code Approvals	Up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF (Hurricane Guard FL#); ±50 PSF (StormStrong non-HVHZ)	Up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF · Miami-Dade HVHZ NOA 24-0116.05–.13 & FL46524–46531
Glass & Frame Colors	1-inch Argon IGU (U ≤ 0.30) · White, Bronze & Dual-Color (Black/White, Bronze/White)	Low-E 270, 366 & Mono 366 · Solid White, Black ('Bold Look of Black') & Bronze

Official CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl brochure cutaway showing up to 16 insulating chambers, recessed sash design, automatic locking hardware, factory-drilled installation locations, and laminated impact glass. — **CWS Ocala Vinyl Engineering (Open Vinyl Brochure PDF ↗):** Fusion-welded multi-chambered uPVC frame with up to 16 insulating chambers, recessed sash design, automatic locking hardware, and 1-inch insulated laminated Low-E glass.

Official CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum brochure cutaway showing heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame, coastal powder-coat finish, factory-drilled installation holes, and HVHZ impact laminated glass. — **CWS Medley Aluminum Engineering (Open Aluminum Brochure PDF ↗):** Heavy-duty extruded aluminum frame built at the Medley/Miami plant (formerly Lawson) with powder-coat finish, concealed fastener covers, and Miami-Dade HVHZ laminated glass.

Section 4 · How Pella Elevated the Classic Lawson Aluminum Window

What Pella upgraded after buying Lawson: screw covers, cleaner sightlines & hardware

Classic pre-2023 Lawson aluminum windows (7700/7800 single-hung, 8500 slider, 9200 SGD) were tough Miami-Dade workhorses, but left masonry Tapcon screw heads and jamb tracks exposed. Under Pella, CWS upgraded the look, covers, finishes, and hardware.

Upgrade 01 · Concealed Fasteners
Flush Snap-In Screw & Track Covers
Hides masonry Tapcon screw heads and jamb channels behind snap-in extruded covers and neat glazing beads for a clean architectural look.
Upgrade 02 · Modern Aesthetics
'The Bold Look of Black' + White & Bronze
Upgraded Medley powder-coat line adds Solid Matte Black alongside White and Bronze with color-matched locks, cranks, and trim.
Upgrade 03 · AutoLock Hardware
Spring Latch Lock + Tamper-Resistant Sash
7100 single-hungs and 7200 sliders lock automatically when shut, paired with a secondary Sweep Lock and anti-lift sash track.
Upgrade 04 · 2024 HVHZ NOAs
Factory Pre-Drilled Holes & NOA 24-0116
Pre-drilled anchor locations match January 2024 Miami-Dade NOA drawings up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF on the 7100 single-hung.

Before · Legacy Lawson Aluminum (Pre-2023 Medley Era)

Strong HVHZ Extrusion, Utilitarian Trim & Exposed Fasteners

Legacy verdict: Tough Miami-Dade workhorse frame, but dated interior/exterior trim aesthetics.

After · Pella-Upgraded CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum (7100–7900)

Flush Screw Covers, Black Finish, AutoLock & +67.5/−100 PSF NOAs

Pella-era verdict: Keeps Medley's HVHZ strength while elevating aesthetics, hardware, and DP ratings.

Section 5 · Complete Catalog Reference from Official CWS Brochures

Every CWS window and door line: Hurricane Guard Aluminum, Hurricane Guard Vinyl, StormStrong & Fortify

Complete model-by-model catalog from the CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum brochure (CWSHGA0525), CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl brochure (CWSHGV0226), Florida Building Commission approvals (FL#), and Miami-Dade NOA records.

Download the official factory PDFs: CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum Brochure (PDF) and CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl Brochure (PDF).

1. CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum Series (Medley / Miami Plant — HVHZ Impact Flagship)Miami-Dade NOA 24-0116 Batch

1. CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum Series (Medley / Miami Plant — HVHZ Impact Flagship)
Model / Series	Style	Design Pressure	FL# & Miami-Dade NOA	Key Brochure Specs
CWS 7100 Series	Impact Aluminum Single-Hung	Up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF	FL46524 · NOA 24-0116.05	Heavy-wall aluminum, AutoLock spring latch + sweep lock, screw covers, White/Black/Bronze
CWS 7200 Series	Impact Aluminum Horizontal Slider (XO/OX/XOX)	Up to +60.0 / −60.0 PSF	FL46525 · NOA 24-0116.07 & .08	Smooth rollers, AutoLock + sweep lock, anti-lift sash, pre-drilled fastener holes
CWS 7300 Series	Impact Aluminum Picture & Special Shapes	High-DP per NOA chart	FL46528 · NOA 24-0116.09	Fixed rectangles, arches, transoms, octagons & custom architectural shapes
CWS 7400 Series	Impact Aluminum Casement Window	High-DP per NOA chart	FL46531 · NOA 24-0116.11	Fold-away zinc crank, 300-series stainless coastal hinges, multi-point compression lock
CWS 7700 Series	Impact Aluminum Hinged Patio / French Door	Up to +60.0 / −60.0 PSF	FL46530 · NOA 24-0116.12	Single or double French doors; stainless multi-point hardware in White or Black; sidelites
CWS 7900 Series	Impact Aluminum Sliding & Multi-Slide Door	High-DP per NOA chart	FL46529 · NOA 24-0116.13	Up to 4 panels (XO, OX, OXO, OXXO); stainless tandem rollers, anti-lift blocks

2. CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl (WindPact Plus) & StormStrong Vinyl Series (Ocala Plant)Ocala Vinyl Plant · Brochure CWSHGV0226

2. CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl (WindPact Plus) & StormStrong Vinyl Series (Ocala Plant)
Series & Family	Style	Design Pressure & Zone	Florida Approvals (FL#)	Engineering Highlights
Hurricane Guard Vinyl · 8100 / 369G (WindPact Plus)	Impact Vinyl Single-Hung	Up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF	FL16177, FL17339, FL17647, FL18689, FL4091, FL5823	Up to 16 insulating chambers, recessed tilt sash, AutoLock, 1-inch Argon IGU (U ~0.30)
Hurricane Guard Vinyl · 8200 (WindPact Plus)	Impact Vinyl Horizontal Slider	Coastal High-DP	FL16735, FL16736, FL17338, FL11103	Fusion-welded uPVC, AutoLock, tamper-resistant track, dual-color Black/Bronze options
Hurricane Guard Vinyl · 8300 (WindPact Plus)	Impact Vinyl Picture & Shapes	Coastal High-DP	FL13010, FL17387	Picture windows, half-rounds, eyebrow arches, trapezoids & coastal portholes
Hurricane Guard Vinyl · 8400 Casement & 8450 Awning	Impact Vinyl Casement & Awning	Up to ±67.5 PSF (FL6890)	FL6890, FL17388 (Casement) · FL7060 (Awning)	Fold-away crank, stainless coastal hinges, 360° perimeter compression seal
Hurricane Guard Vinyl Patio & Multi-Slide Doors	Impact Vinyl Sliding, 6-Panel & Hinged Doors	Statewide FL# Approved	FL20838 (Impact Multi-Slide) · FL20834 (Non-Impact)	2- to 6-panel sliding & hinged French patio doors; Satin Nickel & Oil-Rubbed Bronze handles
StormStrong Vinyl · 6100 Single-Hung & 6150 Picture	Impact & Non-Impact Vinyl Value Line	±50.0 PSF (Outside HVHZ only)	Impact: FL17791, FL18148, FL17794 · Non-Impact: FL17822, FL17354	Value-engineered multi-chambered Ocala vinyl for Palm Beach, Lee, Collier & Central FL

3. Legacy Lawson Aluminum & CWS Non-Impact Lines (Fortify, Clear Advantage, Comfort Shield)Legacy & Non-Impact Reference

3. Legacy Lawson Aluminum & CWS Non-Impact Lines (Fortify, Clear Advantage, Comfort Shield)
Product Line	Material & Plant	Rating Type	Approval / Reference	Application
Legacy Lawson 7700/7800 SH, 8500 Slider, 6000 PW, 9200/9400 SGD & La Porte	Aluminum · Medley, FL	HVHZ Impact (Pre-2024)	FL15412.3/.4 (±60 PSF) · 8500 · 9200 · 9400	Classic Medley impact lines; succeeded by CWS 7100–7900 Hurricane Guard Aluminum
CWS Fortify Aluminum & Clear Advantage 7000 / 320 / 380	Aluminum · Medley / Ocala	Non-Impact Aluminum	Fortify: FL46524–46529 · Clear Advantage: FL7013.1, FL13406.1	Powder-coated non-impact aluminum windows & patio doors
CWS Comfort Shield Vinyl	uPVC Vinyl · Ocala, FL	Non-Impact Vinyl	Ocala Non-Impact Multi-Chambered Vinyl	Energy-efficient non-impact vinyl windows for inland or shuttered openings

Section 6 · Brochure Pages 8–9 Technical Breakdown

Low-E glass packages, Dual-Color frames, grilles & BetterVue screens

Pages 8–9 of the CWS Aluminum and Vinyl brochures detail the frame finishes, Cardinal Low-E coatings, grilles, and hardware available on your order.

Frame Colors & Dual-Color Vinyl: Hurricane Guard Aluminum offers powder-coat finishes in White, Black, and Bronze. Hurricane Guard Vinyl offers solid White and Bronze plus Dual-Color Frames (White Interior / Black Exterior and White Interior / Bronze Exterior).

Low-E Glass, Grilles & Screens: Both lines feature Low-E glass blocking nearly 100% of UV rays: Low-E 270, Low-E 366 (Argon IGU or single-laminated Mono Low-E 366 in Aluminum), and Low-E 340 (Vinyl glare/heat control), plus Gray, Bronze, Green, Azurlite Blue, Light Gray, Neat Low-E, Obscure, and Frosted tints. Grilles include Grilles-Between-the-Glass (`5/8"` Flat or `3/4"`/`1"` Contour) and SDL Applied Grilles (`1-1/8"` Raised Pyramid in Aluminum; `7/8"`/`1"` Contour in Vinyl), paired with BetterVue screens on Vinyl models.

Official CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum brochure pages 8 and 9 showing White, Black, and Bronze frame colors, Low-E 270, Low-E 366, and Mono Low-E 366 glass, grille patterns, fold-away crank, and latch lock with spring. — **CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum Options (Download PDF ↗):** Solid White, Black, and Bronze powder-coat finishes; Low-E 270, Low-E 366 & Mono Low-E 366 glass; 5/8" Flat or 1-1/8" Raised Pyramid grilles; and coastal stainless hardware.

Official CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl brochure pages 8 and 9 showing Solid White and Bronze plus Dual-Color Black/White and Bronze/White frames, Low-E 270/366/340 insulated glass, Satin Nickel and Oil-Rubbed Bronze handles, and BetterVue screens. — **CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl Options (Download PDF ↗):** Solid White & Bronze plus Dual-Color (White interior / Black or Bronze exterior); Low-E 270, 366 & 340 Argon IGUs; Satin Nickel & Oil-Rubbed Bronze door handles; and BetterVue screens.

Section 7 · CWS Windows Reviews from a Licensed South Florida Installer

CWS windows reviews: an installer's honest pros, cons & which line fits your home

Homeowners searching for 'CWS windows reviews' usually find generic marketing or national window roundups. After completing 2,500+ South Florida installations across CWS, PGT, ES Windows, and ECO, here is our honest installer review of CWS fit and finish, factory lead times, warranty service, and which CWS line belongs on which home.

Best For Miami-Dade & Broward Masonry Homes

Pick CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum (7100–7900)

Ideal when your HOA or architecture calls for slim aluminum sightlines, Solid Matte Black or Bronze powder coat, and Miami-Dade HVHZ NOA 24-0116 up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF.

Open CWS Aluminum Brochure (PDF) →

Best For Max Energy Savings & Coastal Salt Air

Pick CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl (8100–8450 / 369G)

Ideal for homeowners prioritizing lower summer FPL bills, quiet bedrooms, zero salt-air frame oxidation, and Dual-Color frames (Black or Bronze exterior / White interior).

Open CWS Vinyl Brochure (PDF) →

Pros: Where CWS Shines in the Field

Upgraded Medley Aluminum Fit & Finish (7100–7900 Series): Pella fixed the #1 complaint about old Lawson aluminum by adding flush snap-in screw and track covers, clean glazing beads, AutoLock latches, and true Solid Matte Black alongside White and Bronze.
Class-Leading Ocala Vinyl Insulation (8100 / 369G WindPact Plus): With up to 16 internal uPVC chambers, fusion-welded corners, and 1-inch Argon Low-E IGUs (U-Factor down to 0.29–0.30), CWS Hurricane Guard Vinyl noticeably cuts afternoon heat and road noise.
Reliable 3-to-6-Week Florida Lead Times: Because CWS extrudes vinyl in Ocala and aluminum right in Medley/Miami, standard White and Bronze orders typically arrive in 3 to 6 weeks (5 to 8 weeks for Matte Black or Dual-Color frames).
Unified CWS & Legacy Lawson Service Desk: Everything that used to be Lawson—address, phone numbers, replacement balances, and warranty claims—is handled by CWS in Medley and Ocala, backed by Pella Corporation (privately held since 1925).

Cons & Honest Considerations Before Ordering

Dealer-Only Installation Quality: CWS sells exclusively through authorized dealers, never retail box stores. A great CWS window will still leak or bind if a contractor skips buck sealing or mis-shims the jambs—so installer licensing (CGC) and inspection pass rate matter as much as the window.
StormStrong (6100/6150) Is Not for Miami-Dade or Broward HVHZ: CWS's entry-level StormStrong vinyl line caps at ±50 PSF under statewide FL# approvals. In Miami-Dade and Broward (HVHZ), always specify CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum (NOA 24-0116) or HVHZ-approved configurations.
Monumental Custom Walls & Pivot Doors: CWS covers 95% of residential openings cleanly, but if your home needs a 10-foot architectural pivot door, bifold wall, or complex multi-lite radius transoms, we often pair CWS windows with ES Windows or PGT doors on the same project.

Section 8 · Core CWS Window Styles & How CWS Stacks Up

Core CWS impact window styles & how CWS compares to PGT, ES Windows & ECO

Republic Windows, Doors & Roofing is an authorized dealer and installer for Custom Window Systems (CWS), PGT WinGuard, ES Windows, and ECO Window Systems—giving your home the exact frame material, Miami-Dade NOA, or Florida Product Approval (FL#) each opening requires.

How CWS Compares to PGT, ES Windows & ECO Window SystemsOctober 2026 · Republic 4-Brand Matrix

How CWS Compares to PGT, ES Windows & ECO Window Systems
Brand & Ownership	Manufacturing Plants	Aluminum Impact Lines	Vinyl Impact Lines	Best Fit on Your Quote
Custom Window Systems (CWS) · Owned by Pella Corp. (Family-Owned in Iowa Since 1925)	Ocala, FL (Vinyl) & Medley/Miami, FL (Aluminum, ex-Lawson)	Hurricane Guard Aluminum 7100–7900 (NOA 24-0116, up to +67.5/−100 PSF)	Hurricane Guard Vinyl (8100–8450 / 369G) & StormStrong (6100/6150)	Pella family-owned backing, upgraded Medley HVHZ aluminum with screw covers, or 16-chamber Ocala vinyl IGUs
PGT Custom Windows & Doors (MITER Brands)	Venice, FL	WinGuard Aluminum (7700A — HVHZ NOA)	WinGuard Vinyl (5500 — HVHZ & Statewide)	Broadest custom shape library in Florida
ES Windows (Energía Solar)	Barranquilla, Colombia & Medley, FL	ES Elite (ES-EL100–400), Prestige & Multimax	ES Elite uPVC (ES-V100–V500)	Narrow-sightline modern aluminum & high-rise value
ECO Window Systems	Medley, FL	Series 100, 200, 300, 500, 550 & 650 (HVHZ NOA)	None (100% Aluminum)	Dedicated Miami-Dade HVHZ aluminum & decorative entry doors

Questions

Common questions about CWS windows, Pella ownership & Lawson aluminum

Direct answers on Pella's 2019 Ocala and 2023 Medley acquisitions, Lawson aluminum upgrades, and CWS product lines.

What is CWS Windows, and who owns CWS?

CWS (Custom Window Systems) is a Florida hurricane impact window and door manufacturer founded in Ocala in 1986. Since 2019, CWS has been owned by Pella Corporation—the privately held, family-owned national window leader founded by the Kuyper family in Pella, Iowa in 1925.

Where are CWS windows manufactured—Ocala or Miami/Medley?

Both. CWS's Ocala plant (1900 SW 44th Ave, Ocala, FL, acquired by Pella in 2019) is the dedicated multi-chambered uPVC vinyl factory, while CWS's Medley/Miami plant (8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL, formerly Lawson Industries, acquired by Pella in 2023) is the dedicated heavy-wall extruded aluminum factory.

What upgrades did Pella make after buying Lawson Industries in 2023?

After acquiring Lawson in 2023 and folding Medley into CWS on September 30, 2024, Pella upgraded the aluminum platform into the CWS Hurricane Guard 7000 Series—adding flush snap-in screw and track covers, Solid Matte Black alongside White and Bronze powder coats, AutoLock hardware, pre-drilled fastener holes, and January 2024 Miami-Dade NOA 24-0116 approvals up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF.

Why does Pella's family ownership in Iowa matter for Florida window buyers?

Pella Corporation has been privately held by the founding Kuyper family in Pella, Iowa since 1925, giving CWS a 100-year national balance sheet, dedicated R&D and TAS 201/202/203 hurricane testing labs, and long-term parts and warranty support across both its Ocala and Medley Florida factories.

What is the difference between CWS Hurricane Guard and CWS StormStrong?

Hurricane Guard is CWS's flagship impact tier available in Medley HVHZ Aluminum (7100–7900 Series, NOA 24-0116) and Ocala 16-chamber Vinyl (8100–8450 / 369G WindPact Plus, up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF). StormStrong (6100 single-hung and 6150 picture) is a value-priced Ocala vinyl impact line rated to ±50 PSF for Florida counties outside the HVHZ.

What is the Lawson warranty now, and are legacy Lawson warranties honored by CWS?

Everything that used to be Lawson—its Medley factory address (8501 NW 90th St, Medley, FL 33166), its customer service phone numbers (866-875-5518 and 786-204-1013), and its warranty department—is now CWS. CWS is the official manufacturer of record for legacy Lawson products and honors both Pre-November 2023 and Post-November 2023 Lawson warranties through cws.cc/lawson.

Is CWS a good brand?

Yes. CWS (Custom Window Systems) is one of Florida's top-tier impact window brands, backed by Pella Corporation (privately held since 1925). Its Ocala 16-chamber vinyl line (Hurricane Guard / WindPact Plus) was the first Florida-made window to earn an NFRC ENERGY STAR rating, and its Medley aluminum line (7100–7900 Series) carries 2024 Miami-Dade HVHZ approvals up to +67.5 / −100.0 PSF with concealed snap-in screw covers.

CWS vs. PGT: how do CWS impact windows compare to PGT?

Both CWS and PGT are premier Florida-built hurricane impact brands that we install every week. CWS (owned by privately held Pella Corp.) builds 16-chamber vinyl in Ocala and upgraded Lawson HVHZ aluminum in Medley with standard snap-in screw covers and AutoLock hardware; PGT (WinGuard Aluminum 7700A and Vinyl 5500, built in Venice, FL) offers the broadest custom architectural shape library in Florida. We quote both side by side so you can compare exact NOA ratings, sightlines, and pricing for your openings.

Where can I buy CWS windows in South Florida?

CWS windows are sold and installed exclusively through authorized licensed contractors rather than big-box retail stores. In Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, you can see and order CWS Hurricane Guard Aluminum and Vinyl windows through Republic Windows, Doors & Roofing (CGC1533058) at our Fort Lauderdale showroom at 2901 SW 3rd Ave, STE 1B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 or by calling 754-800-4115.

How long does CWS take to deliver?

Because CWS manufactures its vinyl line in Ocala, FL and its aluminum line in Medley/Miami, FL, typical factory production lead times are 3 to 6 weeks for standard White and Bronze frames, and 5 to 8 weeks for Solid Matte Black, Dual-Color vinyl, or specialty Low-E glass tints (prior to municipal permitting and installation scheduling).

Official sources

Primary Florida codes, statutes & building portals

Every code citation, test protocol, and statutory rule on this page comes directly from the Florida Building Code, Florida Statutes, or official county and state portals below.

Custom Window Systems (CWS) Official Brochures — Hurricane Guard Aluminum (CWSHGA0525) & Vinyl (CWSHGV0226)Factory specs for 7100–7900 aluminum and 16-chamber vinyl frames, Low-E 270/366/340 glass, Black/Bronze/White and Dual-Color finishes, and AutoLock hardware.
Pella Corporation Press Room — Acquisition of CWS in Ocala (2019) & Lawson Industries in Medley (2023)Corporate records of Pella Corporation's 2019 CWS Ocala acquisition and November 2023 Lawson Industries Medley acquisition.
CWS Official Lawson Transition & Legacy Warranty Portal (cws.cc/lawson)September 30, 2024 unification of Lawson into CWS and legacy warranty lines (866-875-5518 / 786-204-1013).
Miami-Dade Product Control & Florida BCIS — NOA 24-0116 Series & FL46524–FL46531 / FL16177 / FL17791Official HVHZ Notices of Acceptance and statewide Florida Product Approvals for CWS Hurricane Guard, StormStrong, and Fortify.

Verify licenses & approvals

Republic Windows, Doors & Roofing holds Florida Certified General Contractor license CGC1533058, verifiable on myfloridalicense.com.

Related guides & pages

Download CWS Aluminum & Vinyl PDF brochures Aluminum vs. vinyl impact windows: the verdict ES Windows vs. PGT comparison Compare ES Windows, ECO, PGT & CWS How to choose an impact window contractor Florida Product Approval vs. Miami-Dade NOA What is Low-E glass? SHGC & UV guide Hurricane windows vs. impact windows Impact window cost guide Impact windows overview Impact doors overview Product & lifetime labor warranties

Financing

Pay over time

Months

No interest if paid in full

Years

at 8.99% APR

Years

at 6.99% APR

Lenders

Get Qualified

12-month offer is deferred interest: if not paid in full by the end of the promotion, interest is charged back to the purchase date. Subject to credit approval.

Project films

Hear it from our customers

Reviews and licenses

Rated 4.8, licensed and insured

Google rating

4.8

4.8 on Google

What South Florida homeowners say about their new windows and doors.

Google profile

General contractor

CGC-1533058

Florida certified general contractor license.

Verify with Florida DBPR

Insurance

Insured and bonded

We carry general liability and workers' comp, and we're bonded.

Ask for a certificate of insurance

Read beyond our site

Profiles

Our business profiles on independent sites, plus the facts about our company.

Next step · Free in-home measure

24–48 hour turnaround

Get a free in-home quote

We measure every opening, verify the required design pressure and product approval for your address, and return a written, itemized quote within 24–48 hours.

01
24–48 Hr Written QuoteItemized per opening with Miami-Dade NOA / FL# & design pressures listed.
02
In-House Permit & HOA PacketLicensed under Certified General Contractor CGC1533058 — over 90% pass first inspection.
03
Zero-Pressure MeasureFree at-home measure; nothing is agreed until you sign a written contract.

Prefer to talk with a window specialist now?Call 754-800-4115

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