Deco is one of the last sources of US-made window and door component companies producing die cast components. While Deco has enjoyed a rich history as a premier supplier to the window and door industry, more and more customers have gone away from US made sources in pursuit of higher margins. However, there continue to a handful of products and companies who care about products that are made here, not just assembled here.
Deco is proud to supply companies like Tough Tek Metals®, who want to make sure their customers can enjoy a product that fully supports US manufacturing.
Tough Tek is a specialty manufacturer located in rural Iowa with a focus on safety and durability. From storm door components to patented safety screens, they solve real-world problems through purpose-driven design and innovation. Tough Tek Metals builds products using materials and American-made zinc components sourced from U.S. suppliers like Deco Products.
Core Values That Guide American Manufacturing Innovation
Tough Tek Metals began in 2003 as Lansing Housing Products. Founders Brian Houlihan and Dave Monserud launched the company to preserve local jobs and deliver safer, longer-lasting screens.
Tough Tek Metals got its start manufacturing storm and screen doors, as well as security screens. That same focus on durability still drives everything that they do. Today, Tough Tek Metals leads the industry with its patented child safety screens that exceed national safety standards. They are helping lead the way on Evan’s Law compliance in military housing.
From the beginning, five core values have guided the business.
- Protection First
- Purpose-Driven Innovation
- Integrity & Accountability
- American-Made Quality
- Collaboration for Impact
“Every product we make is designed to protect,” the team explains. This focus drives product design, from resisting hurricane impact to deterring vandalism.
An early milestone was a collaboration with Iowa State University that produced a patented child safety screen. Tough Tek’s product exceeds ASTM F2090 standards.
That innovation—now widely installed in U.S. military and public housing—sparked their 2023 rebrand to Tough Tek Metals. Furthermore, cementing their mission:
Protecting families through patented breakthrough design and durable, cost-saving screens made in America for window fall prevention and home security.
The newest innovation is a hurricane-rated safety screen. It meets both ASTM impact and FM hail testing standards. This new screen combines fall prevention with storm protection in a single final product.
“We listen to real-world problems, then we engineer smart, durable solutions,” the team says. This mindset supports their mission to improve safety outcomes while helping customers reduce maintenance costs.
A Commitment to Made in USA Manufacturing and the USA Label
Tough Tek designs, builds, and ships every product from its Iowa facility. This “Made in USA” manufacturing approach provides strict quality control and a stronger supply chain.
“For our team, it means creating good jobs in our small Iowa community and taking pride in the quality of every screen and door that leaves our facility,” the team says.
“Being Made in the USA also means we’re fully compliant with BABAA (Build America, Buy America Act) requirements,” they explain. “That matters deeply to many of our customers, especially those in military and public housing, who need products that meet federal funding guidelines without compromise.”
Their verified USA claim and ability to produce products “Made in the USA” give customers confidence. This buy American approach also supports skilled jobs and strengthens American manufacturing in the United States.
Control over raw materials and their production line ensures consistent quality, compliance, and faster delivery times. This advantage allows them to respond quickly to new safety challenges.
How Deco Strengthens Storm Door Components
Among the key parts in Tough Tek’s products are zinc components from Deco Products. Deco supplies American-made zinc components for the window and door industry, such as corner keys for window inserts and zinc sill blocks for storm doors.
“Deco’s components are essential in the performance and reliability of our storm doors,” the Tough Tek team explains. “Our strength and durability wouldn’t be possible without high-quality, precisely manufactured components like the ones we source from Deco.”
Both companies share a Northeast Iowa connection and a commitment to American manufacturing. This partnership strengthens supply chain reliability and ensures all zinc parts meet strict performance requirements.
“Because our products are performance-driven and often tied to safety regulations, we rely on partners who understand that precision and reliability are non-negotiable.” The Tough Tek Metal team states, “Deco demonstrates excellence in both areas.”
Reducing Manufacturing Costs Through Reliable Production Lines
Having Deco as a nearby partner offers significant business benefits. Local sourcing helps control inventory costs and keeps production schedules as the companies are hours away not oceans away.
Additionally, having a local supplier makes it much easier to have a quick response when demand surges.
Deco’s consistent quality supports Tough Tek’s ability to deliver high-quality safety products that meet regulatory standards. These precision zinc components integrate seamlessly into Tough Tek’s production line, ensuring a high-quality final product.
“Having a partner like Deco who shares our commitment to quality has strengthened our supply chain, supported our growth, and ultimately helped us deliver better outcomes to our customers,” says Tough Tek.
This collaboration also supports small businesses in the United States. Maintaining economic value within local communities while reinforcing the USA’s claim that customers value it.
Built for Growth, Safety, and Small Business Success in the United States
As housing safety standards evolve, demand for products that prevent falls and resist impacts continues to grow. Tough Tek Metals is preparing for this future with expanded offerings in hurricane-rated safety screens. Additionally, impact-resistant solutions that meet multiple safety needs in one product.
“We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve with purpose-driven innovations,” the team says. “We are committed to protecting families and lower long-term costs for property owners.”
Tough Tek Metals uses Deco’s zinc parts in their solution. Zinc has excellent impact strength performance, making it an outstanding choice for manufactures looking to field high-performance product. While other companies are adding more and more plastic to window and door components, Tough Tek continues to value the strength and performance of a premium die-cast product.
This shows how small businesses in the U.S. can lead. They do this through engineering skills, strong supplier partnerships, and a commitment to American manufacturing values.
The combination of products made in the USA, tested safety performance, and a proven domestic supply chain gives customers the confidence they need.
Learn More:
To see their storm door components and safety products in action, visit the Security Storm Doors page or learn more about Tough Tek Metals®.
If you have a story about American-made manufacturing you’d like to share with us, please reach out to sales@decoprod.com.
