Origins with Ventilated Awnings
Focusing on Fenestration Products
Components, Sales Tools and Displays
Continuing the Manufacturing Legacy
1946-1974 – Origins with Ventilated Awnings
In 1946, Durward Smith, Sr. moved from Atlanta to Winston-Salem, NC to manufacture Koolvent awnings under a licensing agreement. The business saw early success and expanded into aluminum products like screens and storm windows during the 1960s. In response to growing demand for energy-efficient solutions, Aluminum Products Company (APC) was founded in 1972 to focus on window and door production. By the early 1970s, the company was preparing for a new phase of family leadership.
1960-1985 – Focusing on Fenestration Products
In the 1960s, Durward Jr. and Paul Smith joined the family business, and after their father’s passing in 1974, they assumed full leadership. By 1976, they had built a new factory in Rural Hall, NC, enabling APC to grow significantly as a leading aluminum storm window and door manufacturer. In 1985, the family sold APC to John Ellison—later known as Atrium Window and Door, allowing them to shift focus and pursue new opportunities within the building products industry.
1987-2017 – Components, Sales Tools and Displays
In 1987, Durward Jr. founded DAC Products to continue the family’s manufacturing legacy with his sons Durward, Anthony, and Chris. The company started with door cores but soon expanded into case goods and kit bags, which became the foundation for Smith Case. By the late 1990s, DAC added showroom displays to its offerings. In 2007, the acquisition of 21C Retail Arts doubled its size and capacity, allowing DAC to diversify further into the store fixtures market.
2017-Today – Continuing the Manufacturing Legacy
By 2017, DAC entered a new phase of growth and transition—enhancing operations, phasing out door core production, and introducing product segmentation. Leadership passed to the fourth generation, with Chris’s sons, William and Andrew, taking on key executive roles. Under their guidance, DAC is embracing innovation and a forward-thinking culture while maintaining its legacy of reliability and strong relationships. Now over 75 years in, the Smith family continues to lead DAC with a blend of tradition and vision.
In 1946, Durward Smith, Sr. moved from Atlanta to Winston-Salem, NC to manufacture Koolvent awnings under a licensing agreement. The business saw early success and expanded into aluminum products like screens and storm windows during the 1960s. In response to growing demand for energy-efficient solutions, Aluminum Products Company (APC) was founded in 1972 to focus on window and door production. By the early 1970s, the company was preparing for a new phase of family leadership.
In the 1960s, Durward Jr. and Paul Smith joined the family business, and after their father's passing in 1974, they assumed full leadership. By 1976, they had built a new factory in Rural Hall, NC, enabling APC to grow significantly as a leading aluminum storm window and door manufacturer. In 1985, the family sold APC to John Ellison—later known as Atrium Window and Door, allowing them to shift focus and pursue new opportunities within the building products industry.
In 1987, Durward Jr. founded DAC Products to continue the family’s manufacturing legacy with his sons Durward, Anthony, and Chris. The company started with door cores but soon expanded into case goods and kit bags, which became the foundation for Smith Case. By the late 1990s, DAC added showroom displays to its offerings. In 2007, the acquisition of 21C Retail Arts doubled its size and capacity, allowing DAC to diversify further into the store fixtures market.
By 2017, DAC entered a new phase of growth and transition—enhancing operations, phasing out door core production, and introducing product segmentation. Leadership passed to the fourth generation, with Chris’s sons, William and Andrew, taking on key executive roles. Under their guidance, DAC is embracing innovation and a forward-thinking culture while maintaining its legacy of reliability and strong relationships. Now over 75 years in, the Smith family continues to lead DAC with a blend of tradition and vision.
