Our Story

Historical Timeline

1936

Martin Overhead Doors is founded in 1936 in Santa Ana, CA by Leno Martin. Leno invents one of the first one-piece overhead type garage doors. The invention of the one-piece overhead type door begins to replace the popular swinging door.

1942

World War II denies access to steel and wood needed to make garage doors. The firm moves to Salt Lake City where it has family ties.

1951

David O. Martin, younger brother of Leno, buys business from him due to Leno having serious health problems.

1960

Martin changes its emphasis from one-piece garage doors to sectional garage doors.

1976

Martin develops idea and design for raised panel steel sectional doors.

1977

Martin begins making sectional garage doors of roll-formed pre-painted, hot-dipped galvanized steel. Hi-Tensil steel sectional doors are introduced.

1985

Martin begins to manufacture raised panel steel sectional doors. Long-life galvanized torsion springs are introduced.

1986

Martin begins to export its garage doors internationally. Martin Freighting re-established to deliver doors weekly to hundreds of Martin dealers.
Martin airs the famous Dave Martin “Stiff” television commercial for the first time. The memorable ad wins a CLIO the following year.

1990

Manufacturing capability increased to 600 doors per day. Martin Doors are now shipped to major distributors in over 40 countries.

1994

Martin Door Manufacturing receives the “E” award from the President of the United States for excellence in exporting. Began annual dealer incentive trip.

1996

Martin introduces FingerShield, a patented finger safety system to help eliminate escalating injuries associated with section joints and other high-risk areas of garage doors.

2000

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recognizes Martin Door for promoting a safer product design, quoted saying: “Martin builds to a higher standard.”

2001

Martin Door is certified to ISO 9001 quality standard becoming the first UL registered garage door manufacturer.

2002

Martin expands features to include: 70+ powder coat color choices, real copper metal doors, over 100 window designs, and steel carriage house doors.

2006

Martin introduced the Controlled Descent Device, the ultimate anti-drop door device. Martin Doors are now in over 80 countries.

2007

Martin introduces extruded aluminum doors with a new FingerShield section joint. Models: Carriage House, Archcrest with custom arches and Athena in over 70 color finishes and duo-tone options. Soft touch reverse / no photo-eye door and opener systems introduced.

2009

Martin Door introduces Grooved Panel steel doors. Martin Garage Doors are sold in 93 countries.

2011

Martin introduces the California Garage Door. This more competitively priced door is available in both residential and commercial sizes, multiple colors, hundreds of options and includes many of Martin’s essential safety features.

2014

Martin Door is acquired and new senior management is put in place.  Scott Huntsman – Chief Executive Officer

2015

Martin introduces the Steel Pinnacle garage door model. This beautiful all steel, carriage-house style door created with industry leading patented steel technology.