Closure of the deal is subject to due diligence and the signing of a definitive agreement, expected to occur in the third quarter of 2012.

Chicago-based Craftmaster has four door production plants – in Virginia, Alabama, Texas and Illinois, while a further large factory at Towanda, Pennsylvania manufactures high density fibreboard pre-stained moulded door designs.

The Towanda facility also makes MiraTEC treated exterior composite trim and Extira treated exterior panels – made from wood fibre, phenolic resins, zinc boarate, a water repellent and other ingredients to increase stability and durability in exterior applications.

JELD-WEN said the acquisition would increase its manufacturing footprint in the US and give it access to new technology, boosting its focus on environmentally-friendly wood composite exterior products.

"JELD-WEN is excited to add the entire line of Craftmaster products – door facings, doors, trim and panels – and to further invest in the manufacturing, marketing and merchandising of products under the CraftMaster brand," said Jim Morrison, executive vice-president of JELD-WEN.