Masonite Architectural rebrands as Forte Opening Solutions

Masonite Architectural announces its rebranding as Forte Opening Solutions. Forte stands for strength and expertise, aligning perfectly with the organization-wide commitment to delivering tailored solutions, expert guidance, and a seamless customer experience. 

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TAMPA, Fla. — Masonite Architectural rebranded as Forte Opening Solutions, which the company says marks a "significant milestone in the company's evolution."

Forte stands for strength and expertise, aligning perfectly with the organization-wide commitment to delivering tailored solutions, expert guidance, and a seamless customer experience, the company said.

The company supplies built-to-order wood doors and components and quick ship services to a wide range of customers in commercial and institutional settings, including hospitality, healthcare, education, and office environments. With a legacy spanning 134 years and uniting of iconic brands—Marshfield DoorSystems, Algoma Hardwoods, Mohawk Doors, Baillargeon, and Harring—Forte brings unparalleled expertise and a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet the needs of commercial customers.

Helping lead the transition to the new brand identity is the new CEO Alex Legall who was recently named a 2024 Market Leader by FDMC magazine and Woodworking Network. Legall said the decision to divest was not easy, it was a smart one for both the commercial and residential door businesses, Legall said. “I’m grateful to Masonite for making this decision,” he said. “We’re in the midst of creating a new culture and vision for Forte Opening Solutions — building on the legacy and rich history of our business in the commercial wood door segment. It’s an exciting journey as we shape something that will last well beyond my tenure...It’s a really exciting time for our business and our team.”

Masonite Architectural was acquired by private equity firm Industrial Opportunity Partners (IOP) from Masonite International Corporation on May 14, 2024. The acquisition and rebranding to Forte marks a new beginning for the company, with a renewed vision and set of values focused on enhancing the commercial customer experience.

“We’re creating a new vision and energized culture at Forte Opening Solutions, building upon the organization’s extraordinary legacy and rich history in the commercial and architectural wood door segment,” said Alex Legall, CEO of Forte Opening Solutions. “Our rebranding is more than just a new name. Forte represents our continued commitment to excellence in the service and support we provide to our customers.”

IOP Operating Principal Tom Ninneman added, “The rebrand to Forte Opening Solutions sets the stage for continued excellence and investment in the architectural door market and is a testament to the company's dedication to its long-standing customers.”

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Larry Adams | Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).