Our Process

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With You Every Step of the Way

Whether assisting with your order, delivering the final product, or guiding you through the entire process, our commitment to providing high-quality commercial door, frame, and bathroom partition solutions is mirrored in our attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

Meet Our Team

What Sets Special-Lite Apart

Made in the USA

All Special-Lite products are manufactured in the United States. All orders are built and shipped from one of our two Michigan manufacturing facilities in our hometown of Decatur or nearby Benton Harbor.

Best in Class Customer Service & Product Support

We will collaborate closely with you to create a customized door, frame, or bathroom partition solution that meets and surpasses your expectations and delivers exceptional performance. Once your order is released to the production floor, that attention to detail continues even after installation. We stand behind our products with a warranty that works along with a dedicated Customer Service Team.

50+ Years of Experience

We’ve built a reputation for manufacturing high-performance doors & frames that survive for decades in the toughest imaginable applications.

Single Source Simplicity

Enjoy the convenience, reliability, and performance advantages of having complete entrance systems, interior doors, hardware, frames, and bathroom partitions supplied by a single source.

Simplify installation with Factory-Applied Hardware

Doors are prepped for the hardware you select. Several models are available with pre-installed hardware for a perfect fit with a 10-year warranty, ensuring it remains securely in place under typical usage conditions.

We Stand Behind Our Products

Experience peace of mind with our straightforward, no-hassle warranties that work.

Ordering from Special-Lite

Requesting an Estimate

Our Inside Sales Team or Interior Project Managers take the details you provide from our Estimate/Order Forms and create a detailed estimate or quote.

Placing an Order

Special-Lite Authorized Dealers submit completed Order Forms and purchase orders via email to orders@special-lite.com. Our Order Entry team then collects all other required information and assigns the job a Production Number or P#.

Shop Drawings

If Shop/Submission Drawings are purchased with the order, the project will go to this stage before we begin detailing the order. However, this service does not apply to interiors; Elevation Drawings are provided at no additional charge. Please note that submission drawings are not included in our standard lead times. The Submissions Team in our Detailing Department handles the creation of shop drawings.

Your Lead Time starts here

Detailing

It’s time to create the plans to build your order – down to the last detail! Our Detailing Team will review all your order information, including approved submission drawings, and reach out with any questions as they create the production build sheets for each order.

Our Detailing Team translates customer orders into precise instructions and 2D drawings (3D too, if requested), so the Special-Lite Production Teams can transform your vision into a made-to-order product!

Customer Approval

This is one of the most essential parts of our process. Your project will be scheduled and released to Production once you, the customer, are satisfied and sign off. A Pricing Acknowledgment with a signature and all shop sheets must be emailed back to your assigned Detailer.

YOUR PRODUCTION LEAD TIME BEGINS HERE

Scheduling

The project is assigned an expected ship date, and a Scheduling Acknowledgement is emailed to your Special-Lite Authorized Dealer. This is a perfect time to double-check and confirm your shipping address and contact information.

If you choose to provide your hardware for factory installation, an arrival date must be communicated via email in advance, and it must arrive on time; otherwise, Production may be delayed.

Production

Our skilled Production Team will build your order to the provided specifications, ensuring all quality expectations are met at each step of the process.

Combining traditional hands-on detail, innovative design, advanced technology, and a personal commitment from every Special-Lite employee results in the toughest, most durable doors possible.

The quality of Special-Lite doors, framing, and bathroom partitions is unmatched.

Shipping

Orders are shipped to a Special-Lite Authorized Dealer or job site. Our team takes great care to package everything so that it arrives safely and as ordered. Strong relationships with our carriers help ensure your project stays on schedule.

We always recommend inspecting incoming freight immediately upon arrival. If freight damage occurs after leaving our docks, please follow the steps outlined in our customer-focused Freight Claim Process.

Delivery and Installation

One of our trusted partners, a Special-Lite Authorized Dealer, handles this. You can install your commercial door, frame, or part independently or work with an additional subcontractor. You can find a cache of downloadable reference material from our Resource Center, including instructions.

Service You Can Count On

After your order ships, our Customer Service Team will be here for any questions or needs.

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Process FAQs

Who can request an estimate or order from Special-Lite?

Estimating and ordering products from Special-Lite is offered through our authorized dealer network of partners. You can locate the best partner for your project or request a customer application by contacting your local Special-Lite Representative.

How do I become a new customer/authorized dealer?

Our straightforward process begins with contacting your Local Rep and includes a credit application. The process typically takes 1-2 business days. Our Rep Locator will get you started.

What are your typical Lead Times?

As with most commercial manufacturers, lead times are subject to change. We always strive to get your order to its destination as quickly as possible, typically in less time than our competitors.

Below is a sample for reference – post-project approval:

1-3 Days – Estimating
3-4 Weeks – Bathroom Partitions
4-5 Weeks – Interiors
4-6 Weeks – Hybrid FRP Doors and Aluminum Doors & Frames
6-8 Weeks – Fiberglass and Fire-Rated Doors & Frames

Again, lead times are subject to change and may even be shorter than what’s listed above. Please contact your Local Rep for the most up-to-date lead times.

What types of orders can have extended lead times?

Curved doors and framing, orders with custom paint selections, and specialty-rated products can have longer lead times. Please reach out directly to inquire about your specific project and needs.

Are there options to expedite or fast-track my order?

Yes! Our short Lead Times will help keep your project on track. But for those who need their order even faster, there are additional options. Learn more about our Expedited Order Program.

How does custom color matching work?

Whether you want to match an existing finish or have a specific color in mind, we offer custom color-painted finishes and color matching. There are two options based on the type of color match you need: industry standard or custom match. Your local Special-Lite Rep can help ensure your commercial door, frame, or partition coordinates perfectly with your overall project’s look and feel.

This Blog post outlines our custom color-matching details.

What information is needed for an estimate?

Our Estimate/Order Forms guide you through the process and ensure we have all the necessary details. Our Configuration Sheets are an additional resource to help ensure your order is built to your needs while adhering to rated product requirements. They cover what door, frame, hardware, and lite kit configurations meet each of our rated product approvals.

What if I need to file a Freight Claim?

In the event of freight damage during transit, we’ve established a straightforward process to follow. Time is essential, and we can expedite resolutions if needed.

Is this process the same for all your products?

Our commercial doors, frames, and bathroom partition solutions are made to order. There is one exception. Our HMR-FRP Doors are available in four standard door sizes and can be as fast as the same day from one of our authorized dealers.