FHC Launches New Training & Education Department to Support Growth Initiatives and the Glazing Industry at Large
Melanie Torres and Ernest Ramos, Tapped to Lead Training and Workforce Development at Frameless Hardware Company
Melanie TorresWorkforce Development Director
Ernest “Ernie” RamosTraining & Education Manager
[South Gate, CA – September 10, 2025] — Frameless Hardware Company (FHC), a leading supplier and innovator in the glass and glazing industry, today announced the launch of its new Training & Education Department, reinforcing its commitment to professional development and customer support across the industry. The new department will be led by Melanie Torres, Workforce Development Director, and Ernest “Ernie” Ramos, Training & Education Manager. Together, they will collaborate with FHC technical experts and spearhead training initiatives for both FHC staff and industry professionals, bridging knowledge, skills, and customer experience to strengthen the glazing trade.
“Establishing this department is an important milestone for FHC and the industry we proudly serve,” said Chris Hanstad, President & CEO of FHC. “Melanie and Ernie bring tremendous expertise and passion for education, and we’re excited for them to lead programs that empower employees, elevate customer service, and create valuable learning opportunities for glaziers and industry partners. At FHC, we believe in investing not only in products, but in people—and this department embodies that commitment.”
About the Leaders:
Melanie Torres has dedicated her entire 19-year career to the glass industry, beginning at CRL in 2006. Starting in customer service, she advanced into Human Resources and Corporate Training, where she spent over a decade designing impactful onboarding and customer-focused training programs. Later, as a Project Manager in the Customer Experience Department, Torres championed customer feedback, behavior analysis, and service improvement initiatives to strengthen loyalty and satisfaction.
“Feedback and listening to our customers is essential to providing not only the best products, but the best service in the industry,” Torres said. “I’m excited to join FHC to support growth and strengthen the partnership between our employees, processes, and most importantly, our customers.”
said Melanie Torres
Ernest Ramos brings a wealth of training and leadership experience, having served as Area Training & Development Manager at Securitas and as a Police Officer III with the Los Angeles Police Department. Reflecting on his new role, Ramos said:
“I wish to utilize the experience I’ve gathered through the years and instill core values such as ‘quality through continuous improvement’ and ‘service to the community.’ I define our community as our employees, stakeholders, and most of all, our customers.”
The FHC “Industry Hub”
The Training & Education Department will develop and deliver employee training programs, product workshops, and live demonstrations at FHC’s new state-of-the-art Glass Center, aptly named the ‘Industry Hub.’ This space will serve as a destination for hands-on learning and innovation, fostering collaboration between glaziers, architects, employees, and stakeholders while promoting continued education within the glass and glazing community. With this initiative, FHC further solidifies its role as a staunch supporter of glass and glazing industry education, ensuring the next generation of professionals have the tools and expertise to succeed.