120 Years of Proven Design: The Evolution of Industrial Brands
Foundations of Craftsmanship
The roots of Industrial Brands trace back to the dawn of the 20th century — a time of sweeping industrial progress, precision engineering, and enduring craftsmanship. Our legacy was forged by Henry Smith and Andrew Allen, who founded Allith Manufacturing Company in 1902, and the Durand brothers, who established American Sheet Metal Works in 1905. Both companies emerged as pioneers during an era when products were built to endure generations, not just decades. From the very beginning, their focus was on quality, durability, and performance — values that continue to define Industrial Brands today. Our global team of artisans, engineers, and strategic partners remains dedicated to honoring this legacy through exquisitely handcrafted hardware designed for discerning architects, designers, and luxury homeowners.
Pioneering Innovation Through the Decades
The evolution of our brands is inseparable from the innovation sparked by early 20th-century advances in fire safety and architectural standards. Allith quickly rose to prominence with the development of tin-clad fire door systems, becoming a leading manufacturer of UL-certified hardware for industrial and commercial buildings. As the originator of the round track hardware system, Allith expanded its offerings to include sliding door tracks, pocket door systems, aircraft hangar hardware, rolling ladders, and more — many of which remain unmatched in quality and ingenuity to this day. Meanwhile, the Durand brothers positioned their company at the forefront of architectural metalwork, producing tin-clad fire doors marked with their now-iconic brass badge — a symbol of both safety and sophistication. These pioneering contributions laid the groundwork for product lines that continue to inspire admiration more than a century later.
Craftsmanship Meets Modern Design
At Industrial Brands, we blend historical design integrity with the needs of modern architecture. Our product lines — from tin-clad fire door–style metal sliding doors to architectural hardware systems — are inspired by early 20th-century craftsmanship and reimagined with modern precision. Whether it’s Allith’s robust track systems or Durand’s elegant tin-clad fire doors, every product is engineered for contemporary residential and commercial environments. Hand-forged metals, refined finishes, and timeless Art Nouveau styling come together to create hardware that is both visually striking and structurally superior. By combining traditional methods with advanced technologies like CNC machining and soft-close mechanisms, we ensure that each piece retains its authenticity while meeting today’s performance standards.
Legacy and Trust
What sets Industrial Brands apart is not only our heritage but the enduring trust we’ve earned over generations. Our hardware and door systems remain in use in historic factories, warehouses, and adaptive reuse projects — still functioning, still admired. The original Durand’s Tin-Clad Fire Doors, many installed more than a century ago, continue to operate as a testament to their extraordinary craftsmanship. Likewise, Allith hardware remains a hallmark in architectural installations nationwide. By reintroducing these legendary brands to a new generation, we offer more than architectural products — we offer continuity, authenticity, and an uncompromising standard of design excellence. When today’s architects and designers specify our hardware, they do so with confidence in a legacy of proven performance.
The Future of Excellence
As we look ahead, Industrial Brands remains committed to evolving alongside the architecture of the future, while staying grounded in the values that built our legacy. We continue to invest in sustainable materials, precision manufacturing, and design innovation that complements both modern and heritage spaces. Our mission is simple and enduring: to provide luxury sliding door solutions that embody craftsmanship, elegance, and longevity. Every product we create is designed not only to serve a functional purpose but also to stand as an architectural statement. With 120 years of proven design behind us, Industrial Brands is poised to lead the next century of excellence in architectural hardware
