Combined organization brings expanded product lines, leverages sales and procurement synergies, creating a new force within the residential and commercial overhead garage door industry

WARSAW, Ind. – Sept. 6, 2023 – Safe-Way Garage Doors (“Safe-Way”), a portfolio company of CW Industrial Partners, today announced it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire all assets of 1st United Door Technologies (“1st United”). While details of the agreement remain confidential, the acquisition signifies a strong partnership between two regional overhead door manufacturing leaders.

The acquisition allows Safe-Way to expand its distribution network into key western markets, while creating distribution opportunities for 1st United within the eastern half of the U.S. “We are excited about the combined footprint of 1st United and Safe-Way Door because it enhances our national presence and provides faster, easier access to a broader range of products for our customers,” said Ted Rock, Safe-Way Garage Doors CEO.

While the combined company will be based in Warsaw, Ind., the organizations will continue to operate as they do today from their existing manufacturing and distribution centers under their respective brands. “Our customers have come to know and trust the 1st United name. We chose to partner with Safe-Way, and our customers can rest assured that all the benefits that come with the combined organization will still allow for the 1st United identity and customer-centric culture to continue, which is critical to the combined companies’ future success,” said John Jella, 1st United Door Technologies founder.

Rock added, “Safe-Way Garage Doors and 1st United Door Technologies are committed to sustainable business
practices, with products proudly made in the U.S.A. As we embark on this new and exciting journey, our combined
expertise, shared cultural values, and focus on customer satisfaction lay the foundation for a future defined by profitable growth in the overhead door industry.”

Zelman Partners, a subsidiary of Walker & Dunlop, served as financial advisor and Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP as the legal advisor on behalf of Safe-Way. Zoller Consulting served as the financial advisor and Buchalter as the legal advisor on behalf of 1st United.

About Safe-Way Garage Doors
Safe-Way Garage Doors is a leading manufacturer and distributor of residential, commercial, and industrial overhead garage doors, headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana with distribution centers in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Nixa,
Missouri. The company has experienced continued growth over the years and expansion continued throughout the
1990s and beyond, with additional manufacturing capabilities and product line innovation.
For more information, visit https://safewaydoor.com/

About 1st United Door
Since 1999, 1st United Door, headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., has been serving homeowners with unique and distinctive garage doors that enhance the beauty and value of homes. With over 150 years of combined door installation and
manufacturing experience, its founders and management team are known for providing value, innovation and quality
products at competitive prices. For more information, visit https://firstudt.com/company.

Recent studies have shown that there is only one type of home improvement you can do on your own that will actually improve the value of your home above and beyond the price that you have paid for it, and those items are steel garage doors. With all other home improvement projects, you will only get a portion of the investment back when you sell your home, but when it comes to steel garage doors, you will get every penny back.

People replace their garage doors for a variety of reasons, but usually it is because they have worn out over time or through overuse, or they have become ruined by the weather or moisture. Of course, there are also those cases when someone drives through a garage door or accidentally bumps it enough to throw it off its tracks and break the structure that is holding it in place.

Whatever your reason for replacing your garage door, you should first think about steel garage doors before choosing any other type.

Why Would You Want Steel?

The main reason why people choose steel is because it is easy to care for. In fact, it takes no caring at all! Unlike wood doors that need to be painted and maintained, steel doors will last for decades without you ever having to do anything to them. They are coated with a sealant that protects them from moisture and if they ever get dirty, you simply hose them off.

The other benefit of steel garage doors is that they can be insulated. For people who live in very hot areas, this is an important benefit since an insulated door will help to keep the hot sun out of the garage, which in turn will keep the entire home’s temperature lower. In the winter time, the same is also true except that the insulation keeps in the heat from the home, essentially lowering the heating bills.

Don’t You Have to Paint It?

Steel doors are made in a variety of colors already so you can choose something that is close to your home’s color, or you could even choose a different color altogether to create something of an accent to your home’s design. However, if you don’t find a door in the exact color that you want or you want to match it to some other feature on your home, you can always paint it yourself. By simply painting your new door with a coat of primer, you will be ready to put on just one coat of paint that should last for years.

Where Should You Buy It?

Most people just leave this decision up to the contractor or installer who is putting in the door, but if you are doing it yourself or you are just looking for a better selection than your local home improvement store has, then you might want to check online. Steel garage doors come in a variety of sizes, strengths, and colors, and you will surely find one that suits your purposes.

With the colder weather, there’s nothing worse than not having your garage door not working properly. Here’s some ways to save you a lot of time and money!

Keep it Clean

Clean your garage door regularly with mild soap, such as car detergent, and a soft bristle brush. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and very strong liquid cleaners which could damage the paint or cause delaminating. If you have a steel garage door, you can revive its luster by applying a car wax as it will protect against acid rain and dust. It is best to avoid waxing in direct sunlight to achieve better results.

Weather Stripping

Clean the weather stripping with a good all-purpose cleaner. Lubricate it every 2 or 3 months with a SILICONE-based lubricant. Never use a petroleum-based lubricant on weather stripping as it will dry up and crack. Don’t forget the weather strip between your door panels. It is important to let your weather strip hang 1/2″ below the door base when you readjust your perimeter weather stripping. If the weather stripping is too tight, the door will not function properly. So if your weather stripping has lost its flexibility, it is best to replace it.

Maintaining the Hardware

Lubricate the rollers, tracks and hinges and all moving hardware parts with a little motor oil (e.g.: 10W30) every three months. Wipe off excess oil with a cloth. As for the springs, use the same oil applied with a cloth. You are not only prolonging the spring’s life, but also reducing the noise the springs make when the door is operated.

At least once a year, home owners must check the following :
– the sturdiness and adjustment of the hinges;
– the rollers for worn-out ball bearings, flattened rollers, and crooked rods;
– the tracks for premature wear and tear, loose bolts, and loose supports;
– the cables for wear and tear; especially near the pulleys and the lower support (corner bracket).

Open Sesame: The Garage Door Opener

Depending on the model you own, consult the manufacturer’s guide. If you want to add some white grease on the operator track, again you must first clean the track. By oiling all the mobile parts you will reduce the noise initiated by the motor. If it is still too noisy for your liking, then nylon rollers would help reduce the noise.

Pull on the trolley release cord and operate the door manually. Is it difficult to open and close? The electric operator only replaces manual operation, therefore it must move freely. If you have trouble operating it, contact your local l qualified and licensed garage door installer. For your safety as well as your child’s, check the automatic safety reverse system of the door opener every month.

Brought to you by First United Door Technologies & Door & Access Systems Manufacturing Association

These YouTube Videos are designed to promote a better industry that serves and provides the best advice to consumers.  

The Garage Door Repair Scam    Link: https://youtu.be/QVhgWi6CxBY

How to Assess Your Garage Door Problems    Link: https://youtu.be/sRXk4YHe-5o

How to Spot Marketing from Garage Door Repair Scammers    Link: https://youtu.be/OTr88-opHjU

How to Detect a Scammer When You Call for Garage Door Service    Link: https://youtu.be/GCIWgPCPt1k