Summit Automation
Custom Door Automation Solutions with a Global Impact

Patrick J. Gruetzmacher, CEO

Since its inception, Summit Automation has excelled globally in designing, engineering, manufacturing, and delivering state-of-the-art door and window automation systems sought after by architects, builders, door manufacturers, and installers. From standard and retrofit to custom-engineered solutions, it provides the best options to clients with unparalleled customer care. The firm’s innovative multi-slide, pivot, and window automation systems help redefine architects’ and builders’ creative boundaries, enabling them to push structural class sizes to their absolute limits.

Needless to say, Summit Automation stands as a pinnacle in the modern door automation space, distinguished by its highly dependable, smooth, quiet, and safe products. Each of its products is ‘ETL Listed’ and ‘UL325 Compliant,’ allowing architects to specify the systems safely at the beginning of each project. “Our product offering extends beyond mere automation; we elevate the aesthetics of doors, transforming them into elegant features,” says Gruetzmacher, CEO of Summit Automation.

Designed for modern lifestyles, Summit Automation’s door automation systems offer versatile control options with voice command capability, allowing users to operate them effortlessly through virtual assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. Its solutions are also controllable via interior or exterior keypads, touch screens, biometric scanners, smart motion sensors, tamper-proof security code-operated boxes, secure phone apps, or wireless key FOBs. In other words, it allows for easily controlling and operating doors and windows while providing added safety and utmost security.

Heavy doors and windows can be effortlessly opened and closed using Summit Automation’s multi-slide, pivot, and window automation systems and add a touch of elegance and luxury to the space. The firm, to this end, employs sophisticated automation to transform doors into elegant masterpieces, as opposed to clunky motor systems available in other retail settings. This enables the firm to specialize in seamless, quiet, and secure automation of large doors and windows.

The firm’s design feature involves using 24-volt low-voltage motors integrated with a control box. This is positioned at chest height within the house, preferably in a conditioned space to allow homeowners easy access for replacing batteries or making speed adjustments. Summit Automation’s system has a built-in lithium-ion battery backup with a smart card, ensuring optimal charging for an extended battery life that typically exceeds a three to five years range. All its controls boast cutting-edge touchscreen interfaces and advanced sensors, including discreet ones, not to mention the capability to communicate with the door.

A Solution that Checks all the Boxes

Summit Automation’s flagship motor, Peak, is designed to swiftly move panels that weigh up to 3000 pounds. This motor has been optimized for most door systems, ensuring efficient performance. Furthermore, its Sierra motor can handle up to 1000 pounds, while the Tahoe motor is specifically designed for lightweight applications with the capability to accommodate 400 pounds. The firm’s standout is the Everest motor, boasting a remarkable capacity of 8000 pounds that can be extended to an impressive 12,000 pounds with various additional accessories.

In addition, Summit Automation’s advanced multi-motor module allows it to synchronize numerous motors along the same axis. This feature is especially beneficial when dealing with expansive doors, such as those spanning 100 to 200 feet. Another crucial part of its multi-slide, pivot, and window automation systems is the 9-in-1 touchscreen, which has a compact design consolidating nine unique functionalities into a single unit. Despite its modest size, the touchscreen encompasses nine versatile features, of which the camouflage mode stands out. This mode allows users to embed images, patterns, or colors that match the surrounding wall, concealing the switch discreetly.

“We are the only firm in the U.S. that holds a UL 325-compliant listing from ETL, certifying our entire systems. Being a veteran-owned firm, we prioritize sourcing materials and components within the US,” says Gruetzmacher. The firm’s commitment to high quality extends to its in-house facilities, which include a fully-equipped machine shop, electronics labs, and 3D printing labs. The firm provides one-stop shopping for components, assemblies, testing, and engineering, all of which are seamlessly integrated under one roof. This strategic approach helped the firm to provide systems even during COVID sourcing woes that other companies experienced due to their China sourcing strategy.

Notably, Summit Automation’s products are not directly sold to homeowners due to the certification requirements for installation. However, it extends an opportunity for certification to all. Its monthly two-day certification class, hosted at the firm’s HQ in Mesa, AZ, is free for trainees, with the only cost being their travel and expenses. This comprehensive training ensures that participants can confidently install systems after completing the program. Customers usually buy the automation systems through Summit Automation’s dealer network or master manufacturing representatives (MMRs). To facilitate installation, users can also easily scan a QR code to find a certified local installer, ensuring a smooth setup process.

Exemplifying Excellence

Summit Automation’s cutting-edge and extremely reliable automation systems are used by home and business owners that demand the highest quality products on the market. Its expertise in designing custom automation systems was recently showcased when Chick-fil-A headquarters approached it for their corporate office front doors. The client wanted each side of their bi-parting door to operate independently as well as together. Summit leveraged its design capabilities to create a system that accurately met its specifications, allowing for individual and simultaneous control of each door side.