Door Services Corporation Celebrates National Automatic Door Day 2026 — Honoring the Innovation That Keeps Buildings Moving
March 16, 2026
Door Services Corporation, a trusted leader in automatic door service and installation across the U.S. and Canada, today joins the industry in celebrating National Automatic Door Day. Now in its fifth year, the March 19th observance recognizes the critical role automatic doors play in accessibility, hygiene, energy efficiency, and safety across commercial buildings, health care facilities, and public spaces.
This year, Door Services is marking the occasion by spotlighting the history behind the technology — from ancient steam-powered temple doors to the 1960 invention that changed commercial architecture forever.From Ancient Engineers to a Texas Windstorm
The concept of hands-free entry is far older than most people realize. In the 1st century AD, Heron of Alexandria designed a steam-powered mechanism to open massive temple doors automatically. Centuries later, Emperor Yang of Sui reportedly installed a foot-sensor door in his royal library — a touchless solution from the 7th century.
The modern chapter began in 1931, when engineers Raymond and Roby built the first contemporary automatic door for a Connecticut restaurant. But the defining invention arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1954, Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt were developing automatic door opener technology when a powerful windstorm made one thing clear: swing doors weren't built for the job. Their answer was the automatic sliding door — and in 1960, the first one was installed at a Sears location in Corpus Christi.
Horton Automatics became the pioneering automatic door manufacturer that set the industry standard. Today, Door Services Corporation is proud to be part of the Horton Automatics family, carrying that legacy of quality and innovation forward across every installation and service call.
— Krista Rivers, Marketing Manager, Door Services Corporation
To learn more, visit www.doorservicescorporation.com.
This year, Door Services is marking the occasion by spotlighting the history behind the technology — from ancient steam-powered temple doors to the 1960 invention that changed commercial architecture forever.
From Ancient Engineers to a Texas Windstorm
The concept of hands-free entry is far older than most people realize. In the 1st century AD, Heron of Alexandria designed a steam-powered mechanism to open massive temple doors automatically. Centuries later, Emperor Yang of Sui reportedly installed a foot-sensor door in his royal library — a touchless solution from the 7th century. The modern chapter began in 1931, when engineers Raymond and Roby built the first contemporary automatic door for a Connecticut restaurant. But the defining invention arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1954, Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt were developing automatic door opener technology when a powerful windstorm made one thing clear: swing doors weren't built for the job. Their answer was the automatic sliding door — and in 1960, the first one was installed at a Sears location in Corpus Christi.
Horton Automatics became the pioneering automatic door manufacturer that set the industry standard. Today, Door Services Corporation is proud to be part of the Horton Automatics family, carrying that legacy of quality and innovation forward across every installation and service call.
Why Automatic Doors Matter More Than Ever
Today's automatic door systems are smarter, safer, and more essential than ever. For facility managers and building professionals, the right automatic door solution directly impacts operational performance across four key areas:- Accessibility — Automatic doors remove barriers for people of all abilities, supporting universal design and ADA compliance.
- Hygiene — Touchless entry through automatic door openers and motion sensors reduces shared contact points — a priority in health care facilities and high-traffic environments.
- Energy Efficiency — Low energy operators minimize air loss and reduce heating and cooling costs, contributing to a building's sustainability goals.
- Security — Modern automatic door systems integrate with access control, security systems, exit devices, and commercial door hardware to support safe, controlled environments.
A Quote from Door Services Corporation
Automatic Door Day is one of our favorite times of year in the industry — it's a chance to celebrate something that most people walk through without a second thought, and to recognize the craftsmanship and expertise that make it possible. As part of the Horton Automatics family, we’re proud to be connected to this history. Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt changed the way the world enters a building, and we're proud to carry that legacy forward every day.
— Krista Rivers, Marketing Manager, Door Services Corporation
About National Automatic Door Day
National Automatic Door Day is observed annually on March 19th. Founded in 2021, the day recognizes the contributions automatic doors make to public accessibility, health, and building performance.About Door Services Corporation
Door Services Corporation is your expert partner for automatic door service and installation, built on quality products and long-term customer partnerships for over 50 years. A proud member of the Horton Automatics family and the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM), Door Services Corporation's AAADM certified technicians service and repair all makes and models of automatic door systems across the U.S. and Canada. 24/7 emergency service is available across all branch locations.To learn more, visit www.doorservicescorporation.com.