What Detex does

Detex Corporation is a privately held US designer and manufacturer of life-safety and security door hardware, founded in 1878 and incorporated in Delaware in 1923, with headquarters and manufacturing in New Braunfels, Texas. The company builds mechanical, electromechanical, and optical products including premium stainless steel Advantex and value-tier Value Series exit devices, AO19 automatic door operators (acquired from Lockman Peck in 2009), Ryobi-branded door closers (via a 2023 OEM partnership), ECL exit control locks, EAX door alarms, DTX keypad access control systems, AT-series infrared tailgate detection, and EasyKits pre-configured integrated door security packages. Its wholly owned subsidiary Designed Security Inc. (DSI), acquired in 1993, provides integrated security solutions, and both brands were consolidated into the expanded New Braunfels facility completed in January 2025, which more than doubled production capacity.

Detex sells primarily through a US network of 15+ regional sales representatives and authorized distributors, complemented by international representatives across the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and participates in major industry trade shows. Revenue is generated through unit hardware sales with no publicly disclosed list pricing (quote-based via reps and the in-house customer service team), and is diversified across education, healthcare, cannabis, data centers, retail, government, hospitality, and entertainment end markets. Notable end-customer references include the NYC Department of Education; the company also maintains AIA/CES Passport-level continuing education status, UL 294 listings, and LEED/BREEAM/WELL supporting documentation to drive specification pull.

In recent years the company has executed a strategic focus: it exited the century-old electronic guard tour business in 2021, completed a multi-year headquarters and capacity expansion in 2023-2025, added a Ryobi OEM door-closer line, refreshed its power supply portfolio, and refreshed its leadership with Ken Kuehler promoted to CEO in May 2023. The business is led by approximately 51-100 employees operating from a single US manufacturing footprint, and the company is privately held with no disclosed parent, venture capital, or external funding rounds.

Name

Detex

Legal name

Detex Corporation

Website

https://detex.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Detex Corporation, founded 1878 and based in New Braunfels, Texas, designs and manufactures US-made life-safety door hardware including Advantex stainless steel exit devices, automatic operators, alarms, tailgate detection, access control, and turnstiles, sold across education, healthcare, government, retail, and other verticals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Life Safety and Security Door Hardware

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)

SIC

Metal Doors, Sash, Frames, Moldings & Trim (3442)

akta.pro primary industry

Architectural Hardware & Door Controls (Hinges, Locks, Closers, Panic Devices) (IMADAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Access Control & Identity Systems Integration (Badge, Biometrics, Mobile) (BPAKAGAB)

Keywords

• Exit devices
• Door security hardware
• Access control systems
• Tailgate detection
• Automatic door operators

Headquarters

HQ city

New Braunfels

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Security Hardware Products: Detex generates revenue through the sale of physical security hardware products including exit devices, automatic operators, alarms, exit control locks, tailgate detection systems, turnstiles, power supplies, and related accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with standard warranties.
2. Integrated Door Security Systems (EasyKits): Pre-configured integrated door security systems combining multiple products (delayed egress, automatic operators, latch retraction) for specific applications, sold as complete solutions.
3. Aftermarket Parts and Accessories: Replacement parts, accessories, and components for existing installations available through parts price lists and authorized distributors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Detex designs, manufactures, and markets life safety and security door hardware including exit devices (Advantex premium stainless steel and Value Series), AO19 automatic door operators, Ryobi door closers, exit control locks (ECL series), door alarms (EAX series), access control keypads (DTX-2100/2300), infrared tailgate detection systems (AT-5000), optical and mechanical turnstiles, mullions, power supplies, and pre-configured EasyKits integrated door security packages. The company sells these primarily to commercial, institutional, and government buyers across education, healthcare, government, retail, cannabis, data center, and entertainment industries in the US and internationally.

Product overview

Detex offers a comprehensive portfolio of life safety and security door hardware products designed and manufactured in the USA. The core product lines include Advantex (premium) and Value Series (cost-effective) exit devices available in multiple configurations (Rim, Surface Vertical Rod, Mortise, Concealed Vertical Rod, Dummy), complemented by AO19 Automatic Operators for automated door access, Exit Control Locks (ECL series) for enhanced security, and Door Alarms (EAX series) for monitoring. Access control offerings span DTX keypads supporting up to 500 users, AT-5000 tailgate detection systems using infrared technology, and Optical/Mechanical turnstiles. Supporting infrastructure includes Ryobi door closers, Mullions, Power Supplies & Logic Controllers, and EasyKits integrated security systems combining multiple technologies (Delayed Egress, Electric Dogging, Automatic Operators with Latch Retraction). Products serve healthcare, education, cannabis, data centers, retail, and government industries with solutions for weatherized, fire-rated, and antimicrobial applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Advantex: Exit devices product line introduced in 1999, featuring 100% stainless steel construction inside and out.
• Value Series
• Designed Security Inc. (DSI)
• EasyKits

Products and services

• Advantex Exit Devices Premium exit device product line featuring 100% stainless steel construction inside and out for maximum durability and ability to be cleaned with anti-microbial disinfectants. Includes Rim, Surface Vertical Rod, Mortise, Concealed Vertical Rod, Dummy, Outside Trims, and Electrified Options variants. Backed by a 10-year mechanical and 3-year electrical warranty. Designed for commercial, institutional, and government facilities requiring life safety and code compliance.
• Value Series Exit Devices Cost-effective exit device line offering Rim, Surface Vertical Rod, Outside Trims, and Electrified options for budget-conscious applications. Provides essential life safety security features at lower cost for commercial and institutional buyers.
• AO19 Automatic Door Operators Low energy heavy-duty automatic door operators available for Single Door, Pair of Doors (Same Swinging), and Pair of Doors (Double Egress) configurations. Supports ADA-compliant hands-free access for healthcare, education, retail, and government facilities. Includes the UDC-1000 controller with indicator lights for operational status.
• Ryobi Door Closers D4550 Series and D3550 Series door closers manufactured under Detex's OEM partnership with Ryobi. Provides controlled door closing for commercial and institutional applications.
• Exit Control Locks (ECL Series) Security exit control locks including Paddle Locks (ECL-230D), Single Point (ECL-230X), Two Point, Three Point, Fire-Rated (ECL-600), and Vertical Rod Assembly options. Used for controlled access and exit in commercial, healthcare, retail, and government facilities. ECL-230X-TDB won the 2011 ALOA Best New Product Award.
• Door Alarms (EAX Series) Battery-powered and hardwired door alarms including EAX-500, EAX-2500, EAX-3500, and EAX-4200 models. Used for door prop detection and exit monitoring in education, healthcare, retail, and government facilities. The EAX-300 was selected as a Buildings Magazine Money-Saving Product in 2014.
• DTX-2300 Single-Door Access Control Single-door access control system for managing entry permissions at commercial and institutional facilities. Used to control access to secure areas in healthcare, education, retail, and government settings.
• DTX-2100 Keypad Access Control Single-door keypad access control supporting up to 500 users with hardened backlit keys (DTX-2100) or metal Braille alpha-numeric keys (DTX-2110). UL 294 listed, conformal coating, designed for indoor/outdoor surface or flush mount applications.
• AT-5000 Tailgate Detection System Optical tailgate detection system (AT-5200/AT-5600) using infrared sensor beams to detect unauthorized entry. Ensures only one individual enters a secured doorway for each authorized card read. AT-5600 includes digital voice annunciator. Compatible with most card reader technologies for easy retrofit. Used in data centers, healthcare, cannabis, and high-security facilities.
• Power Supplies & Logic Controllers PS80 Power Supplies, 90-800 Power Supplies, 10-800 Logic Controllers, and 80-800 Power Supply Controllers for electrified door hardware installations. Provides power and control infrastructure for integrated security door systems.
• EasyKits Integrated Door Security Systems Pre-configured integrated door security packages including Delayed Egress, Weatherized Delayed Egress, Automatic Operator with Latch Retraction, and Electric Dogging kits. Combines multiple Detex products into a single turnkey solution for specific application requirements. Sold as complete solutions rather than individual components.
• Optical Turnstiles Optical turnstiles with glass barrier for access control in high-security areas. Provides controlled single-person entry for corporate lobbies, data centers, and government facilities.
• Mechanical Turnstiles Full-height mechanical turnstiles with bar barriers for perimeter access control. Used for stadiums, theme parks, industrial facilities, and other high-volume pedestrian entry points.
• Mullions Door mullion products including Keyed Removable and standard Removable variants for use with exit devices. Provides structural support and security at double door openings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-year mechanical warranty and 3-year electrical warranty on Advantex and Value Series products
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Skillpoint AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2023Detex partners with Skillpoint Alliance to empower the next generation of manufacturing talent. Partnership involves mentoring programs and workforce development. Skillpoint Alliance recognized Detex with Outstanding Manufacturing Mentor Award.
• RyobicoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 6 January 2023Detex entered into OEM partnership with Ryobi. Ryobi presents Detex Corporation with a gift celebrating 100 years in business. Ryobi and Detex have an established relationship for door hardware products.
• National Shoplifting Prevention CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2020Detex joined the National Shoplifting Prevention Coalition as a Founding Supporter in 2020, supporting retail loss prevention efforts.
• Lockman Peck LLCcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 November 2009Detex acquired the intellectual property and exclusive rights to the Model 2000 automatic door operator product line from Lockman Peck LLC. The AO19 line had been offered by Detex under private label since 2008. Production transitioned to Detex in New Braunfels, Texas by year end 2009. Ed Lockman continues providing sales and marketing support.
• AIA/CESminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2009Detex Corporation became a registered organization and program provider at the Passport level with AIA/CES (American Institute of Architects / Continuing Education System), providing educational sessions on doors, frames, and hardware code applications.
• F Systems (Designed Security Inc. / DSI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 1993Detex acquired F Systems in 1993, expanding the ability of both companies to offer integrated security solutions. F Systems was renamed to Designed Security Inc. (DSI). DSI handles integrated door security systems and exhibited at ISC West. DSI and Detex operations were consolidated into the same building during the 2023-2025 headquarters expansion.
• Securiton Electronics / G4S TechnologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1990In 1990, Detex formed a partnership with Securiton Electronics which merged into G4S Technology. Became the exclusive distributor of the GCS line of electronic guard tour systems in North America until guard tour products were discontinued in 2021.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hager Companies: Hager Companies manufactures commercial architectural door hardware including exit devices, locks, and access control accessories. It is a comparable US-based mid-market supplier competing in the same K-12, healthcare, and government specification channels as Detex.
• Marks USA: Marks USA produces commercial door hardware including exit devices and high-security locks, targeting government, institutional, and detention facility customers. It competes with Detex's ECL-series exit control locks and high-security hardware offerings.
• Allegion plc: Allegion is the largest pure-play commercial door hardware and access control company globally, owning Von Duprin, Schlage, and LCN. It directly competes with Detex across exit devices, mechanical locks, and electronic access control for institutional and commercial customers.
• Rutherford Controls Int'l (RCI): RCI is an ASSA ABLOY-owned manufacturer of electric strikes, access control hardware, and door management products. Its electronic access and electrified hardware portfolio directly parallels Detex's DTX keypad, AT tailgate detection, and EAX door alarm systems.
• Adams Rite (ASSA ABLOY brand): Adams Rite manufactures door hardware for aluminum and glass openings, including exit devices and electric access control. It overlaps with Detex's specialty exit device and electrified hardware lines, particularly in commercial storefront and institutional construction.
• Precision Hardware: Precision Hardware is a US maker of commercial-grade exit devices and door hardware, serving institutional and architectural customers. It overlaps directly with Detex's exit device, vertical rod, and electrified hardware portfolio.
• SDC (Security Door Controls): SDC is a US manufacturer specializing in electrified access control hardware, exit devices, and delayed-egress systems. Its product mix closely mirrors Detex's EasyKits-style integrated door security solutions, including keypads, electric strikes, and ECL-style locks.
• Von Duprin (Allegion brand): Von Duprin is the leading specialty brand for panic and exit devices, the exact category where Detex's Advantex and Value Series compete most directly. Both brands supply similar rim, surface vertical rod, mortise, and concealed vertical rod exit devices to education and commercial customers.

Broad incumbents

• dormakaba Group: dormakaba is a Switzerland-based global provider of access, entrance, and security solutions including door hardware and electronic access control. It competes with Detex in institutional and commercial door security across education, healthcare, and government segments.
• ASSA ABLOY: ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in locks and door hardware, owning brands like Adams Rite, Securitron, HES, and Sargent. It overlaps with Detex in exit devices, access control hardware, and integrated door solutions, operating across security, architectural, and industrial hardware segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DetexNB
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DetexCorporation
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=61572377434271
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/detex-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/detexcorporation

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Detex