Citing an inability to agree on certain key issues, the Schaumburg, Ill.-based American Architectural Manufacturers Association announced Nov. 2 its desire to suspend consolidation talks with the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.
The groups have been negotiating terms for more than two years.
AAMA officials, in a prepared statement, said that WDMA officials had aired concerns about compromises that already had been reached - reneging on agreed-upon terms. That prompted AAMA to cease negotiations.
Richard Walker, AAMA's executive vice president, did not return several phone calls. WDMA's acting president, Jeff Lowinsky, deferred comment to a prepared statement that asks AAMA officials to reconsider.
``As an organization, WDMA is very disappointed to learn that AAMA wishes to discontinue current industry trade association consolidation talks, despite the progress made thus far,'' said Chris Simpson, WDMA chair.
``WDMA has asked AAMA's board to reconsider its position to continue potential consolidation negotiations,'' he said.
Des Plaines, Ill.-based WDMA is a trade group representing North American manufacturers of windows and doors. AAMA is the source of performance standards, certification and educational programs for the windows industry.