EXHIBIT 20
                                  ----------

                                                          PRESS RELEASE

                             [PLY GEM LETTERHEAD]


New York, NY                                            November 14, 1994


                    PLY GEM BOARD AUTHORIZES STOCK BUYBACK


New York, NY ... November 14, 1994 ... PLY GEM Industries, Inc. (AMEX:PGI) today
announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a stock purchase plan pursuant
to which the officers of the Company have been authorized to purchase up to
1,000,000 shares of PLY GEM stock on the open market.  Purchases may be made
from time to time, subject to market conditions and other factors which the
Company may consider.

"By taking advantage of the excellent investment opportunity represented by the
current market price of our stock, we reaffirm our commitment to improving
stockholder returns and our confidence in PLY GEM's future.  Our Board of
Directors feels that at the current range of prices, our stock will generate an
excellent return on investment," said Jeffrey S. Silverman, Chairman & CEO of
PLY GEM Industries, Inc.

Last week, PLY GEM announced that it has filed an application to list its common
stock on the New York Stock Exchange, where trading is expected to commence on
Thursday, December 1, 1994 under the ticker symbol "PGI". "Management and
employees own more than 25% of PLY GEM's outstanding shares, ensuring that our
priorities are aligned with our shareholders and that we share the risks and
rewards of investing in our Company.

Our outlook for the future remains very positive as our restructuring program
will accelerate favorable revenue and earnings growth as we move through 1995.
These actions taken by our Board of Directors confirm our confidence in PLY
GEM's ability to reach new levels of achievement in the years ahead which will
significantly enhance shareholder value," concluded Mr. Silverman.

A FORTUNE 500 Company, PLY GEM Industries, Inc. is a national manufacturer and
distributor of specialty products for the home improvement industry.

Co. Contact:  Diane M. Cady
              Vice President, Investor Relations
              (212) 832-1550