Associations

city ahead on a road at night

Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

modern concrete structure

Concrete

design build drawing with construction tools

Design Build | CM | GC

multiple excavators parked in a row

Equipment

green tree outside office building

Green Building

thumbs up

Positive News

toolbelt construction tools

Specialty Contracting

Steel

Committed to Excellence: The Story of Door Services Corporation’s Growth and Innovation

View in E-mag
View Brochure

More than four decades ago, in the heart of Pennsylvania, a small company with a big vision set out to redefine access solutions. What began as a modest operation in 1976 has grown into Door Services Corporation, a powerhouse in the automatic door industry, serving clients in the United States and Canada. Driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to safety, security, and convenience, the company’s journey is a testament to perseverance and progress.

The roots of Door Services Corporation are intertwined with those of Horton Automatics, the pioneers behind the automatic sliding door system. Since 1960, Horton Automatics has been revolutionizing entrance systems, and as part of this legacy, Door Services Corporation inherited the same pioneering spirit. From the introduction of swing door operators and revolving doors to cutting-edge specialty healthcare applications, the company has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the field of automated access.

The company’s expertise spans a wide range of industries, providing solutions that enhance accessibility and efficiency. Whether it’s facility entrances, universal washrooms, or security systems, each project is approached with the same commitment to quality and innovation.

Their extensive product lineup includes:

  • Sliding Doors
  • Swinging Doors
  • Folding Doors
  • Revolving Door Systems
  • Fire and Security Door Solutions
  • Touchless Technology
  • Drive-Thru Windows
  • Commercial Doors and Hardware Solutions

These solutions not only meet accessibility standards but also contribute to improved security, better traffic flow, and energy efficiency, all while complementing the aesthetics of any space.

At the heart of Door Services Corporation’s success is its unwavering dedication to building long-term relationships with its clients. As Jim Walsh, Senior Estimator at the company explains, customer satisfaction is paramount. “Performance is what it comes down to. Our goal is to perform for the client so that their problem gets handled in a correct and timely manner. Overall, we strive to ensure everything runs smoothly. Commit to deadlines and over deliver.” Recognizing that no two projects are alike, the company tailors each solution to the unique needs of its customers, ensuring that every installation meets the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and design.

As a subsidiary of Horton Automatics, Door Services Corporation draws upon a deep well of expertise and innovation. The company’s adaptability has enabled it to expand its reach across North America, positioning itself as a trusted provider of automated entrance solutions. Through continuous investment in technology and training, it remains at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry.

Among its many projects, one of the company’s latest significant contributions is its work on the new Temple Women’s Health facility in Philadelphia, PA. Door Services Corporation’s, Automatic Door Enterprise (ADE) branch, is playing a crucial role in the construction of this state-of-the-art healthcare center, set to open in early 2025.

Designed to provide comprehensive women’s health services, with a strong focus on maternity care, the facility will feature a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), private rooms for mothers and newborns, labor and delivery beds, high-risk antepartum beds, and an expanded neonatal unit. In addition, more than 75 specialized exam rooms, including radiology, mammography, MRI, and CT rooms, will ensure that patients receive the highest level of care.

To enhance accessibility and convenience for patients, staff, and visitors, ADE is installing an array of high-performance commercial door solutions, including:

  • 11 AD Systems sliding doors
  • 2 Horton Automatic Sliding Door Systems (with BEA IXIO-DT1 sensors)
  • 2 Horton Smoke Rated ICU Manual Single Slide doors with Vistamatic privacy glass
  • 27 Horton Automatics 4100 heavy-duty swing operators with BEA touchless activation and LZR®-MICROSCAN T sensors

ADE, Horton Automatics, and BEA take great pride in contributing to this essential healthcare facility, ensuring that every door provides a seamless and welcoming entryway to critical medical services.


Another notable healthcare project where ADE took part was on a new $100 million medical center in north central Pennsylvania. This 120,000-square-foot health complex was designed to offer a full-service emergency department, an advanced operating suite, and 20 inpatient beds. The facility opened its doors in January 2022 and stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of industry-leading professionals, including the team at Door Services Corporation.

“The facility opened its doors in January 2022 and stands as a testament to the collaborative effort of industry-leading professionals.”

To maximize light and create an open, welcoming environment for patients, Horton’s Profiler® ICU Smoke-Rated doors were installed in patient rooms. These clear panel doors allow natural light to filter through from outside, promoting a sense of healing and well-being for patients and their families.

Sam Ferster, United Plate Glass Company’s Commercial Division Manager, spoke about the partnership:

“The ADE installer on the job is always very pleasant to deal with, as are all of our contacts from ADE. Working with the team has been great. We weren’t surprised to see Horton Automatics was specified for this project, so it was just natural for us to reach out to the Automatic Door Enterprises (ADE) team. Horton is a quality product and is a dominant product in the healthcare industry.”

The scope of the project was extensive, with both interior and exterior fit-outs that included:

  • 26 Horton Automatics Swing Doors
  • 52 Horton Automatics Sliding Doors
  • Horton Automatics S4000 Operators
  • 3 Clean Room Doors

ADE Construction Manager, James Kent, reflected on the project’s success:

“Our installers and the technicians from KADE (Keystone Automatic Door Enterprises) went above and beyond to get the work completed in a timely manner, and they worked well with all of the trades onsite.”

Horton and ADE are proud to have played a critical role in ensuring best-in-class patient access in this state-of-the-art medical center, particularly in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare.

Door Services Corporation’s journey is far from over. As it looks toward the future, the company remains committed to innovation, expanding its reach, and continuing to shape the future of automated access solutions. By staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining a strong customer focus, it ensures that businesses and institutions in the Eastern and Southeastern U.S. and Ontario Canada, receive the best possible solutions for their entrance needs.

What started as a small company in Pennsylvania has grown into an industry leader, redefining how people move through spaces with safety, convenience, and accessibility in mind. With a strong foundation built on innovation, expertise, and customer service, Door Services Corporation continues to elevate the standards of the automatic door industry.

With an ever-expanding suite of products and coverage areas, a relentless commitment to quality, and a vision for the future, Door Services Corporation is poised for continued success. In an ever-changing world, its dedication to excellence ensures that it will remain a trusted partner, delivering state-of-the-art access solutions that prioritize safety, security, and convenience for generations to come.

More Stories

Reinventing Waterproof Attachments for Modern Constru...

Nill Building Solutions — By Elizabeth Howell

Nill Building Solutions was born out of a necessity to find a solution to the persistent issue affecting glass railings across the region. Installations (…)

Working Together

Avarga Construction — By Emma Kilcawley Hemani

Avarga Construction’s story begins in a home office in New York City, where founder Hansel J. Gonzalez set out in 2011 to build a (…)

Exterior Solutions with Purpose and Precision

Longarone Exteriors Inc. — By Emma Kilcawley Hemani

In today’s construction environment, the building envelope has become far more than an architectural statement. It is the front line of energy performance, durability, (…)

Leadership Earned on Site

Rivco Construction — By David O'Neill

In commercial construction, credibility is rarely granted by title. It is earned on site, through repetition, accountability, and an understanding of what it actually (…)

The Modular Construction Evolution

Tasu Construction — By Aoife Chaney

When modular construction first came about it was often seen as a compromise rather than a choice. The term brought to mind temporary structures (…)

Bringing Green Life to the Concrete Jungle

Let It Grow, Inc. — By Elizabeth Howell

As Let It Grow celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company stands as a fixture in one of the most challenging yet rewarding markets in (…)

Carrying a 100-Year Electrical Legacy into the Next C...

M. L. Schmitt, Inc. — By Emma Kilcawley Hemani

Few electrical contractors in the United States can point to more than a century of continuous operation, but M. L. Schmitt, Inc. has reached (…)

Building Scale, Opportunity, and Trust from the Groun...

TBG Construction — By Emma Kilcawley Hemani

Fifteen years ago, TBG Construction began as a modest framing business founded by two brothers guided by their father with a clear belief in (…)

Craft, Scale, and the Discipline of Doing Things Prop...

ROOMI Group Corporation — By Emma Kilcawley Hemani

Nearly four decades after its founding, ROOMI Group Corporation stands as one of the most formidable and respected names in architectural woodwork, stone, and (…)