New Haven, Conn. — From its inception as a small iron shop to manufacturing the first metal basement door to worldwide expansion as the industry leader in specialty access products, BILCO’s first 100 years have demonstrated innovation and engineering excellence.
As it enters its second century in business, the long term horizon for BILCO, based in New Haven, Conn., promises more of the same along with renewed emphasis on growth, modernization and expanded market presence. Quanex, a publicly traded manufacturing company serving OEMs in construction and other industries, acquired BILCO in 2024.
“Our ability to provide safe, engineered access solutions in a wide range of sizes, for roof and underground applications, has allowed us to diversify our product portfolio,’’ says Mike Toohey, BILCO’s general manager since 2017. “Our commitment to adapt to market needs and supply products that no one else offered has been the driving force behind the success of our business.”
George W. Lyons founded the company in 1926, crafting custom wrought-iron pieces, which led to the production of the first metal basement door a decade later. The patented design became BILCO’s signature product and laid the foundation for decades of growth.
BILCO expanded into roof hatches and other commercial access products following the end of World War II and continued its commitment to innovation which led to new products such as acoustically sound rated smoke vents, thermally broken roof hatches and flood tight floor access doors. On the residential side, BILCO started mass production of basement doors and diversified its residential portfolio by introducing window wells to its product line, along with other products associated with basement doors.
“The evolution of various lifting mechanisms that we’ve designed over the years to provide smooth, easy operation has defined BILCO’s business success,’’ Toohey says. “This development allows personnel to open and close products safely and securely. That’s the biggest thing that differentiates us from other manufacturers.”
After gaining experience in the architectural iron business, Lyons started a metalworking shop and managed to keep the business afloat at the heights of the Great Depression. Four sons joined the business after World War II, and family members retained ownership of the company for 90 years.
As it expanded its product offerings, BILCO added manufacturing sites in Trumann, Ark; Zanesville, Ohio, and Juarez, Mexico. It now employs nearly 300 workers.
BILCO, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, is a trusted leader among building professionals and provides specialty access solutions to support residential and commercial construction projects. As part of Quanex Corporation, a global manufacturer of a variety of building products, BILCO continues to lean into its widely recognized engineering and technical capabilities. BILCO’s headquarters are located in New Haven, Conn. For more information, visit www.bilco.com.
SOURCE: BILCO