Worldwide Roll Up Door and Security Gate Leader

As a division of CornellCookson, Cookson Door is a leading producer of 

Roll Up Doors - Keeping it in the family

Overhead Roll Up Door Innovation Leaders

Overhead garage door innovation has always been a staple at Cookson Door. To further branch out, Cookson introduces the first extruded aluminum counter door in 1952. This was followed by counter fire doors in 1957. As business continues to expand, there is a higher demand for more customized roll up garage doors. After surveying architects, the first prepainted roll up door slat curtain is introduced in grey, as suggested by the architects in 1960. This is further expanded upon in 1980 when Cookson introduces FinalCote, the first finish-painted rolling door. The color tan is selected to match the earth-tone buildings in the Southeast. Tan soon becomes and roll up door industry standard.

Growing and expanding the roll up garage door business

As the roll up garage door industry grows, Cookson is at the forefront. To better service nationwide demand, Cookson opens a new manufacturing facility in Gastonia, NC in 1978. Robert's sons, Bob and Jim Cookson, run the facility. Increased demand fuels two renovations that were completed in 1985. In the western part of the nations, Cookson's headquarters and western manufacturing facility moves from San Francisco to Phoenix, Arizona in 1990. This allows both state of the art roll up door and security gate manufacturing plants to best serve the entire country.

Looking to the future

As Bob, Jim, and Richard Cookson assumed ownership of the Cookson Company, the company continues to lead in innovations. Advances in insulated garage door, fire rated doors, counter doors and many new overhead garage door improvements propel the business. As such, the Cookson family receives IDA's prestigious Heritage Award, recognizing Cookson's contribution to the well-being and heritage of the door and access systems industry in 2007.


2008 - Cornell Enterprises completes its acquisition of The Cookson Company, a premiere rolling door manufacturer. Cornell plans to grow both the Cornell and Cookson brands, leveraging the opportunities and efficiencies that being the largest U.S. rolling door manufacturer provides. Aligning the leadership, manufacturing, sales and distribution channels of these two closure product brands will create market leading solutions and support for the design community. 

Cookson continues to lead in innovations in roll up door, security gate and closure products. To inquire how Cookson’s experts and customer service can help you with your next roll up door project, call 1-800-294-4358!