About Won-Door Corporation

Company Profile

In 1962, the Won-Door Corporation unveiled DuraSound, an acoustically-rated folding partition known for its exceptional durability. A decade and a half later, the company blazed a trail by introducing the world's inaugural accordion-style, fire-rated horizontal sliding door. The technological innovations crafted by Won-Door's engineering team continue to shape and impact the building products and fire protection sector to this day.

The Company's Inception

In 1962, Jay and Ruth Smart embarked on a journey that led to the establishment of the Won-Door Corporation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to this venture, Jay had dedicated most of his life to selling specialized building products, including window systems and folding partitions. Drawing from his experience in marketing insulated storm windows, Jay set out to develop a two-track folding partition. The innovation of this door was so extraordinary that a customer suggested the name "Won-Door" in admiration, as it truly appeared "wonderful."

The Evolution of Won-Door FireGuard

During the late 1960s, Jay embarked on a mission to conduct fire testing on an acoustically rated folding partition. His obsession was to engineer a horizontal sliding fire door system that could facilitate substantial openings in fire-resistant structures while also accommodating the evacuation needs of individuals with disabilities. In 1977, after more than a decade of rigorous fire testing and research, his vision materialized into the horizontal sliding fire door known today as the Won-Door FireGuard. It successfully passed two fire tests at Underwriter's Laboratory, marking a significant achievement. In 1979, an installation at the California State Department of Rehabilitation in Sacramento garnered widespread support from advocacy groups for individuals with disabilities, endorsing the use of the Won-Door FireGuard to create safe areas for the disabled in multi-story buildings.

Expansion

In 1979, Jay was diagnosed with cancer, prompting his son, Ron Smart, to assume leadership of the company. Ron, equipped with his business acumen, transformed his father's dreams into reality. He assembled a talented team of engineers and proficient managers who continued to enhance the products. Substantial investments were made in product testing to instill confidence in code officials regarding the door's egress capabilities and its remarkable ability to contain fire, smoke, and heat.