NEW PLY GEM CEO APPOINTED BY NORTEK

PROVIDENCE, RI, January 10, 2002 - Nortek Inc.. (NYSE:NTK) announced today the appointment of Lee D. Meyer as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ply Gem Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. Mr. Meyer replaces Robert E.G. Ractliffe, who assumes the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nortek, Inc.

Mr. Meyer joined Variform in 1993 as Vice President, Manufacturing. He was promoted to Vice President, Operations, then Senior Vice President, General Manager and to President.

In announcing the appointment, Richard L. Bready, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nortek said, "Lee Meyer has a proven record of success as a results-oriented Chief Executive, and I am pleased to expand his responsibility in support of Nortek's long-term growth strategy."

Prior to joining Variform, Mr. Meyer was a plant and operations manager at General Electric Plastics. He also held positions at the Chemicals division of Quaker Oats.

Ply Gem Industries includes all of Nortek's Window, Doors and Siding Products Group.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Science, Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Nebraska and also was awarded a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Economics. A licensed professional engineer, he currently serves as Chairman of the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Mr. Meyer is married with two children.

Nortek is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. The Company offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products; heating and air conditioning systems; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.