What The Bilco Co. does

The Bilco Company designs and manufactures specialty access solutions for the commercial and residential construction markets. Its product portfolio spans roof hatches, floor access doors, automatic smoke vents, fire-rated floor doors, flood-tight doors, basement doors, egress window wells, fall protection grating, telescoping safety posts, and intruder defense systems. Engineering emphasis is on lift assistance mechanisms, corrosion-resistant materials (aluminum and Type 316 stainless steel), and compliance with OSHA fall protection, NFPA fire rating, UL smoke vent, and IRC egress code requirements, with multiple granted U.S. utility patents protecting core product families. The company operates four manufacturing sites in Connecticut, Arkansas, Ohio, and Juarez, Mexico, and employs approximately 300 people.

BILCO serves two primary customer segments. Commercial customers include architects, engineers, specifiers, and construction trades specifying access, fire safety, and fall protection products for factories, warehouses, transit systems, and public buildings. Residential customers include homeowners, custom home builders, and remodelers purchasing basement doors, egress window wells, and PermEntry precast basement entrances through dealers and national home centers. The company runs dedicated Independent Installer and Model Home Programs offering co-op funding, job referrals, product rebates, and marketing support to participating contractors.

Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales via a dealer and sales representative network covering all U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with national home center distribution and online accessory sales supplementing the residential channel. No public pricing is listed, and revenue figures are not disclosed. BILCO was founded in 1926 by George W. Lyons, acquired by Quanex in 2024, and operates today as part of the Quanex Access Solutions Division. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

Name

The Bilco Co.

Legal name

The BILCO Company

Website

https://bilco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1926

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Bilco Company designs and manufactures specialty access solutions, including roof hatches, floor access doors, automatic smoke vents, basement doors, and safety products, for commercial construction professionals and residential homeowners, distributed through dealers, sales representatives, and national home centers across North America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Building Access Products

NAICS

Metal Window and Door Manufacturing (332321)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Access Panels, Hatches & Specialty Openings (IMADAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Exterior Doors (IMADAIAA), Roof & Facade Access Systems (Anchors, Lifelines, Catwalks, BMUs) (IMAFAMAG), Louvers, Vents & Architectural Grilles (IMADAIAM), Railings, Stairs & Accessibility Features (Outdoor) (HSAPALAL)

Keywords

• Roof hatches
• Floor access doors
• Basement doors
• Automatic smoke vents
• Egress window wells

Headquarters

HQ city

New Haven

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 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. Commercial Access Products: BILCO generates revenue through the sale of specialty access products including roof hatches, floor access doors, fire safety products, and safety/security products to commercial construction markets including architects, engineers, specifiers, and contractors.
2. Residential Products: Sale of residential basement doors, egress window wells, window well covers, and accessories through dealers and national home centers.
3. Installer Programs and Services: Revenue from installer and contractor programs including Independent Installer Program and Model Home Program that provide co-op funding, job referrals, and marketing support to participating contractors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Bilco Company designs and manufactures specialty access solutions for the building and construction industry. Its commercial product line includes roof hatches, automatic smoke vents, floor access doors (including fire-rated, flood-tight, and high-load-capacity variants), safety railing systems, fall protection grating, LadderUP safety posts, and Barracuda intruder defense systems. Its residential product line includes basement doors, egress window wells, PermEntry precast basement entrances, and window well covers, distributed through dealers, distributors, and national home centers.

Product overview

The Bilco Co. manufactures specialty access solutions for commercial and residential applications. The product portfolio centers on roof hatches, floor access doors, automatic smoke vents, and safety/accessory products. Commercial offerings include multiple roof hatch configurations (ladder, ship stair, service stair, equipment access), various floor access door types (aluminum, steel, fire-rated, flood-tight, high-load capacity), automatic smoke vents (thermally broken, acoustical, daylighting), and safety products such as fall protection grating and safety railing systems. Residential products include basement doors (Classic Series, Ultra Series), egress window wells, PermEntry precast basement entrances, and window well covers. Products are available with various material options (aluminum, steel, stainless steel) and finishes to meet different environmental and load requirements. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, Arkansas, Ohio, and Juarez, Mexico, and was acquired by Quanex in 2024.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PermEntry: Precast concrete basement entrance system consisting of a precast concrete stairwell and basement door delivered and installed on a basement foundation.
• Bil-Guard
• LadderUP
• Lumivent
• Barracuda

Products and services

• Roof Hatches Pre-engineered roof access hatches providing safe and convenient access to roof areas for maintenance personnel or equipment. Available in multiple configurations including ladder access, ship stair access, service stair access, and equipment access. Used by architects, contractors, and building owners for commercial construction.
• Bil-Guard 2.0 Roof Hatch Safety Railing System Fixed safety railing system providing permanent fall protection around roof hatch openings. Meets and exceeds OSHA 29 CFR 1910.29 requirements. Features aluminum rail construction with powder coat paint finish, non-penetrating attachment to roof hatch capflashing, and self-closing/latching gate. For commercial buildings with rooftop access points.
• Automatic Smoke Vents Automatic smoke vents that protect property and aid firefighters by removing smoke, heat, and gases from a burning building. Includes thermally broken models, Type DSH, Type SV, Lumivent daylighting vents, and acoustical smoke vents. Designed for commercial buildings, warehouses, and large facilities.
• Floor Access Doors Floor access doors providing reliable access to equipment stored underground or below/between building floors. Available in aluminum and steel construction, for finished flooring, fire-rated, and special application configurations. For commercial buildings and industrial facilities.
• Type FR Fire Rated Floor Door Fire-rated floor door maintaining the fire rating of a 2-hour floor/ceiling assembly where access is required between building floors. Features automatic pneumatic closing system with UL-listed 165°F fusible link, intumescent fire coating, and aluminum plate cover with fillable pan. UL listed per NFPA 288, ASTM E119, UL 263, IBC code. For commercial buildings requiring fire-rated between-floor access.
• Type FT-30 Flood Tight Floor Access Door Flood tight floor access door constructed for applications where water or liquid infiltration is a concern. Rated to withstand a 30-foot head of water from topside and 5-foot from underside without leakage. Features H-20 wheel loading reinforcement, aluminum construction, and Type 316 stainless steel hardware. For water-sensitive commercial and industrial applications.
• Fall Protection Grating for Floor Access Doors Fall protection grating system allowing workers to safely inspect pumps and monitor underground areas. Meets OSHA 29 CFR1926.502(c) requirements. Features aluminum grating with safety-yellow powder coat finish, stainless steel hardware, automatic hold-open device, and padlock hasp. Backed by 25-year manufacturer's warranty. For commercial floor access applications.
• LadderUP Safety Post Telescoping safety post that permanently mounts to fixed ladder rungs, providing a positive hand-hold for safer egress through roof hatches, floor access doors, and manholes. Features spring-balanced telescoping design with automatic locking in raised position. Available in four corrosion resistance levels (steel, hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum). For commercial buildings with ladder access points.
• Barracuda Intruder Defense Systems Intruder defense system that locks down vertical doors in seconds to protect building occupants against intruders and active shooters. For commercial buildings, schools, and public facilities seeking enhanced security.
• BILCO Basement Doors Residential basement doors providing convenient direct access to underground basement areas and meeting building code requirements for emergency egress. Available in Classic Series and Ultra Series configurations with various sizes and finish options. For homeowners, home builders, and remodelers.
• Egress Window Wells Egress window wells that add light, ventilation, and building code compliant emergency egress to finished basement areas. Constructed of non-corrosive materials for maintenance-free service. For residential basement applications.
• PermEntry Basement Entrances Complete basement entrance system consisting of a precast concrete stairwell and basement door delivered and installed on a basement foundation. For new home construction and major renovation projects.
• Window Well Covers High-impact polycarbonate covers that keep window well areas clean of snow, leaves, and debris. UV-resistant for long life. For residential basement window well applications.
• Type PV Precast Vault Door Floor access door designed for easy installation in precast concrete vaults. Features frame skirt to match any concrete slab thickness, aluminum construction, gas spring lift assistance, and stainless-steel hardware. For commercial utility vault applications.
• Type JD Transit System Emergency Evacuation Doors Emergency evacuation doors providing egress from underground rapid transit system platforms and tunnels. Features stainless steel panic hardware, compression spring operators, H-20 reinforcing, handrails, and slip-resistant cover finish. For transit authorities and transportation infrastructure.
• Type HLC High Load Capacity Floor Door Floor door specially designed for extreme loading conditions from vehicles such as large aircraft, heavy equipment, and forklift trucks. Constructed of steel with covers reinforced for 200 psi plus 30% impact live load. For airport, industrial, and heavy-equipment facilities.
• Thermally Broken Automatic Smoke Vents Automatic smoke vents with frame and cover design that minimizes heat transfer between interior and exterior metal surfaces. Features 3-inch polyisocyanurate insulation (R-Value of 20+), resists harmful condensation, and provides superior energy efficiency while offering life safety protection. For energy-conscious commercial buildings.
• Lumivent Daylighting Smoke Vent Automatic smoke vent featuring multi-wall polycarbonate cover design that provides natural daylighting while offering smoke ventilation. Resists UV degradation with superior insulation performance and features OITC-46 and STC-50 sound ratings. For commercial buildings requiring natural light and life safety.
• Type ACDSV Acoustical Smoke Vent Acoustical smoke vent designed to guard against noise intrusion while providing automatic smoke venting. Features industry-high OITC-46 and STC-50 sound ratings. Ideal for concert halls, theaters, and other noise-sensitive interior applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100-year anniversary milestone in 2026
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nystrom: Direct peer in specialty building products including roof hatches, floor access doors, smoke vents, and stair treads. Comparable go-to-market through dealer/distributor networks and architect/specifier relationships.
• Acudor: Specialty manufacturer of access doors and panels competing with BILCO's floor and wall access products. Comparable product category with overlap on commercial construction specifications.
• Elmdor Products: Access doors and panels manufacturer competing in the same commercial specification-driven segment. Comparable product depth in fire-rated and specialty access doors.
• Babcock-Davis: Direct competitor in roof hatches, smoke vents, floor access doors, and safety products for commercial buildings. Closest product-line overlap with BILCO's commercial access portfolio, competing head-to-head on specification-driven commercial projects.
• Cendrex: Access doors and panels manufacturer competing with BILCO's floor access door line. Comparable commercial-construction spec-in motion and product overlap.
• Williams Brothers Corporation of America: Manufacturer of access doors and panels for commercial construction. Part of the Activar portfolio but operates as a competing brand to BILCO in standard and fire-rated access doors.
• Milcor: Specialty access products manufacturer including roof hatches, floor doors, and wall access panels. Direct product-line competitor serving similar commercial construction channels.
• JL Industries (Activar Construction Products Group): Competing manufacturer of access panels, fire-rated floor doors, and roof hatches. Operates multiple access-product brands (JL Industries, Williams Bros, Cendrex) targeting the same specifier channel as BILCO.

Emerging players

• Boman Kemp: Specialty competitor in egress window wells and basement egress products. Direct overlap with BILCO's residential egress window well line and adjacent to BILCO's basement door category.
• Campbells Building Products: Residential basement doors and egress products manufacturer competing with BILCO's basement door and PermEntry lines in the home builder and remodeler channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thebilcocompany

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 The Bilco Co.