Osage County plant adding 45 jobs

Governor: Freeburg company used state training grant

Gov. Jay Nixon announced Friday that Quaker Windows will expand its Osage County production operations and create 45 new jobs.

The governor made the announcement at the company's facility in Freeburg, after touring the plant and meeting employees.

Gov. Nixon's administration awarded $20,000 to Quaker through the Customized Training Program.

The funds assisted Quaker in hiring and training the new employees to staff a new production line for windows that meet federal energy-efficiency standards.

The company has invested more than $540,000 in creating this new production line.

The Customized Training Program is administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development, in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program is available to businesses offering specific skills training to workers. This training may take place: in a classroom setting; on site at the business; or at one of more than 80 educational institutions across Missouri. Quaker workers received their training at Linn State Technical College.

Quaker Windows has been in Freeburg since 1949. The family-owned business employs 415 workers and manufactures vinyl, wood and aluminum doors and windows.