On Sunday afternoon we arrived at MCD Innovations in McKinney, Texas, where we anticipate having our eleven-year-old pleated window blinds replaced with MCD's unique American Duo™ Day/Night Shades. Upon arrival we were struck by the amazing architecture of the office area.
 |
| This Texas architecture does not look like an office. |
 |
| The attractive office integrates perfectly with the production area. |
 |
| Parking with 50 amp electric is provided for each RV here for installation. |
On Monday morning we were greeted by Peg who came to our coach with fabric samples from which we selected our preference for the night shades. The day shades come only in a standard black color. Soon thereafter, two men from the installation department came to measure each window for the custom built blinds. After they took the measurements, office staff calculated the price quote for our eleven windows (Duo blinds) and for our entrance door (a solo blind with just a solar shield). Peg brought the price quote to our coach and we then went with her to the office to pay for the blinds. Next, the blinds will go to production. When they are completed the installers will come to our coach to complete the installation.
 |
| MCD welcomes each customer personally. |
During the afternoon we met Peg in the office for a tour of the offices, design, engineering, and production facilities.
 |
| Sample of blind for Dunkin' Donuts. |
 |
| Another sample of Dunkin' Donuts blind. |
While most of MCD's work is with the RV industry, they also make products for commercial applications, including solar shield blinds for large office buildings.
 |
| Close-up of double roller system. |
The blind above is similar to what will be installed in our windows. There are two rollers. The outer shade utilizes MCD’s exclusive ClearView II™ Solar Sun Screen. Although the outer shade looks black, when you look from the inside it seems to disappear and you can see right through it. The inner shade is 100% light blocking for privacy.
Peg explained that MCD Innovations is family-owned and operated. The founders were full-time RVers and recognized the need for better solar protection products for RVs. The company began in May, 2003, in a 7,500 square foot building. MCD relocated in 2005 to a 25,000 square foot facility and relocated in July 2010 to the present 56,000 square foot facility on a 9.6 acre campus.
MCD is proud to offer Made in America products with over 90% of MCD components being made in the U.S.A. The facility manufactures between 500 and 700 blinds daily requiring over a mile of aluminum tubing and extrusions.
After our installation is complete we will post another blog with before and after photos. Needless to say, after the tour, we are even more excited about this process. We are grateful to have learned about the MCD products from our friends Ken and Lee who have the MCD blinds in their brand new New Horizons trailer which we toured a couple of weeks ago in Junction City, Kansas.
