The biggest private employer in Sarasota County? PGT Innovations, which builds hundreds of thousands of impact-resistant doors and windows at its sprawling North Venice headquarters. Two years ago, the company launched a new line of vinyl windows manufactured with its new “corner key” technology, which allows PGT to manufacture  some of the biggest windows in the industry without sacrificing strength and durability. 

 2,000  |  Estimated number of PGT employees.

PGT’s new vinyl windows are some of the world’s biggest—a maximum 52 inches wide and 91 inches tall.

Earlier windows were installed with welded corner joints. The new corner keys strengthen the part of the window that’s most likely to fail in a storm.

$458.6 million | PGT’s 2016 record net sales, an 18 percent increase over 2015.

PGT has its own lab, where researchers spend hundreds of hours testing windows and doors by imitating hurricane-like environments and hurling objects at them.

The vinyl windows can withstand repeated impact from a 9-pound 2-by-4 beam traveling at 34 miles per hour.

Design Pressure is a rating used to determine how many pounds per square foot of pressure a window can withstand. PGT’s windows get up to a 70 rating. The minimum required in Central Florida is 35.

While much of PGT’s business is in Florida, the company sells across the United States and in Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and Australia.

99% | Portion of UV rays the windows filter, which lessens sun damage to furniture, carpets and drapes.