CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

13. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

Litigation

        The Company is currently involved in claims and matters of litigation, including environmental contingencies, arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company accrues for such matters when expenditures are probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon information presently known, management is of the opinion that such litigation, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Collective Bargaining

        At December 31, 2012, the Company employed a total of 3,211 people. Approximately 12.3% of the employees were represented by unions at December 31, 2012. The Grand Rapids, Michigan plant is the only unionized plant within the U.S. and has an agreement with the Carpenters Union, Local 1615, of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Affiliate of the Carpenters Industrial Council (the Union), covering approximately 197 hourly employees. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires April 30, 2015. Approximately 199 workers in Italy are also represented by unions.

Warranty

        Changes in the Company's warranty reserve during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of the year	$	8,146		$	8,090		$	9,773
Provision for warranty claims		6,488			7,007			4,808
Warranty claims paid		(6,887	)		(6,950	)		(6,478	)
Increase due to acquisition		106			—			—
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1	)		(1	)		(13	)
Balance, end of the year	$	7,852		$	8,146		$	8,090