Today marks an extraordinary milestone for EXTECH: 50 years of innovation, perseverance, and passion for transforming the built environment through daylighting systems. Since its founding in 1975, EXTECH has grown from a small entrepreneurial venture into a nationally recognized leader in architectural daylighting solutions. Along the way, our journey has been defined by creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of family.
When asked what inspired the creation of EXTECH, founder and CEO Bill Voegele recalls that it all began with innovation:
“We had just designed two unique industrial windows and were immediately awarded patents on our designs. That recognition gave me the confidence to start a company and bring those ideas to life.”
From those early patents came the spark that launched a company devoted to solving architectural challenges with daylight.
Like any young business, the early years were not without hurdles. Bill reflects candidly on the challenge of learning to manufacture after starting as a roofing contractor. But it was through those growing pains that EXTECH built its foundation of adaptability and determination. That same spirit of problem-solving has carried the company forward through five decades of change.
EXTECH’s very first customer was Armco Steel in Ambridge, PA. The project was ambitious: designing sliding industrial windows that had never existed before, engineered to operate even in extreme conditions where dirt buildup was a daily reality.
We engineered and built them from scratch,” Bill recalls, a testament to the ingenuity and grit that has defined EXTECH from day one.
As the industry evolved, so too did EXTECH. The transition from FRP systems to advanced polycarbonate was a turning point, positioning the company at the forefront of modern daylighting solutions.
“Architectural cellular polycarbonate allowed us to create systems that are lighter, more insulative, and more cost-effective—while bringing in even more natural light,” Bill explains.
This evolution showcases EXTECH’s forward-thinking approach and its ability to embrace change for the benefit of customers.
At its heart, EXTECH has always been guided by its values.
“We are an honest, high-character company. We care about our employees. We are a family,” Bill emphasizes.
Those principles have shaped the company culture and fueled its long-standing reputation for integrity and excellence.
When asked about accomplishments, Bill is quick to highlight both the professional and the personal that define his 50 year journey with the company.
“My proudest accomplishment is marrying my wonderful wife, Christine, who has been a major contributor to our success,” he shares.
Christine’s role in EXTECH’s accomplishments underscores the deep-rooted sense of partnership and servant leadership that has defined the company for five decades.
EXTECH’s project portfolio speaks to its impact on architecture and engineering alike. From the iconic boathouse in Boston which was “a complex medley of panel shapes and fastenings” to Google’s massive KINETICWALL, the largest of its kind in North America, EXTECH has continually pushed the limits of design and innovation.
From three employees in its earliest days to the larger, dedicated team today, EXTECH remains a close-knit organization with a global reach. Bill reflects with humility on the company’s journey:
“Not until much later did I realize we would succeed. But I see such tremendous potential ahead, and I want that potential to be realized.”
Looking to the next 50 years, Bill’s hope is to leave a legacy rooted in service and support.
“Christine and I want to be remembered as good businesspeople and servant leaders. We have always supported our people. That’s the foundation for EXTECH’s future.”
As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we are reminded that EXTECH’s story is not just one of patents, projects, and products, but of people—employees, partners, and clients—who have shaped our past and continue to guide our future. Here’s to 50 years of light, innovation, and integrity.
