Detex History

2024
September 19
First Phase Of Construction Completed
Entrance of the Newly Refurbished Detex Building

The first phase of construction was completed. This phase renovated the office and expanded the factory floor space. Overall, Detex more than doubled production space.

2023
June 4
Celebrating 100 Years

Detex celebrated 100 years of business on June 4, 2023.

June 1
Building Expansion Begins

In 2023, Detex began the process of expanding its headquarters in New Braunfels. The goals of this were to expand production and bring DSI and Detex into the same building.

2021
December 31
Electronic Guard Tour Discontinued
proxipen with rfid tag

Detex discontinued electronic guard tour products. This ended a century of service in the guard tour/security watchman industry.

2011
December 31
Mechanical Watchclock Production Discontinued
Mechanical Watchclock Production Discontinued

2011 marked the end of an era when Detex discontinued the manufacture of the mechanical watchclock. Support would continue for another 10 years.

2009
September 10
AO19 line acquired
automatic operator for single doors

In February 2008, Detex Corporation entered into an OEM agreement with Lockman Peck, LLC to sell a Detex branded, low energy, heavy duty automatic door operator named the AO19 Series. In 2009, Detex fully acquired the line.

1999
May 4
Advantex Introduced
advantex exit alarm device

Detex introduced the Advantex exit devices to the market in 1999. These products opened new market opportunities for Detex Corporation as we entered the new millennium.

1994
March 11
F Systems Renamed

Detex renamed F Systems Incorporated to Designed Security Inc. (DSI).

1993
October 6
F Systems Incorporated Acquired
F Systems Incorporated Acquired

Detex acquired F Systems in 1993. This acquisition expanded the ability of both companies to offer integrated security solutions to the safety and security requirements in the markets we serve.

1981
July 1
New Braunfels Facility Completed

Construction on the Detex facility in New Braunfels is completed and operations in Texas begins.

1980
December 2
Detex Breaks Ground In New Braunfels

Detex broke ground in 1980 for its over 50,000 square foot facility.

1978
October 11
Detex Makes The Decision To Move To New Braunfels

The decision to move to New Braunfels, Texas was made in October 1978. This move would consolidate the Chicago headquarters and manufacturing operation and the New York City financial operation into one building.

1963
June 3
Detex Diversifies Into Builders Hardware
Detex Diversifies Into Builders Hardware

Detex enters the builders hardware field, introducing products designed primarily for providing safe egress from and controlled access into industrial, commercial, institutional and educational buildings.

1923
June 4
Detex Corporation Incorporated

Detex Corporation was officially incorporated in Delaware. Multiple companies – including Detex Watchclock Corporation, Newman Clock Company, Watchman’s Clock Works, Eco Magnetic Clock Company, Hardinge Brothers, and Eco Clock Company – came together to create Detex as we know it today.