Two Decades of Innovation: How Janus International Group Built a Global Self-Storage Powerhouse

When Janus International Group Inc. launched its operations in Temple, Georgia back in 2002 with just 18 employees, few could have predicted the trajectory that would follow. Today, as the company (NYSE: JBI) marks its 20th anniversary, Janus International Group operates a network of 17 manufacturing and distribution facilities across four continents, serves more than 10,000 active customers, and employs over 1,500 professionals worldwide.

From Regional Player to Global Leader

The company’s expansion strategy has been methodical and strategic. Following its initial manufacturing plant opening in Temple, Georgia in 2002, Janus International Group established operations in Surprise, Arizona (2003), Houston, Texas (2004), and eventually extended its manufacturing footprint to Butler, Indiana (2014). Parallel to this domestic expansion, the company pursued international growth through subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Singapore, alongside a joint venture in Mexico.

A turning point came in 2018 when Clearlake Capital Group acquired Janus International Group, catalyzing the company’s transformation into a public entity on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021. This move accelerated both operational consolidation and market visibility.

Strategic Acquisitions Shape Product Portfolio

Janus International Group’s growth narrative cannot be separated from its acquisition strategy. The company integrated Epic Doors (2009), Steel Storage Europe (2014), Asta Door Corporation (2017), and most significantly, Nokē Inc. (2018)—bringing its industry-leading Smart Entry Systems into the Janus International Group ecosystem. Subsequent acquisitions of BETCO, DBCI, and Access Control Technologies, combined with the addition of the Facilitate division, have transformed Janus International Group into a comprehensive solutions provider.

These strategic moves enabled Janus International Group to expand beyond traditional self-storage hardware into the commercial and industrial sectors, which now represent approximately one-third of the company’s revenue stream.

Innovation as a Competitive Advantage

The R3 program—centered on restore, rebuild, and replace principles—has become emblematic of Janus International Group’s innovation commitment. The Nokē Smart Entry System, featuring a 4.9-star app rating, represents breakthrough technology deployment in the self-storage sector. These innovations have helped facility owners maximize both rental rates and operational efficiency across Janus International Group’s customer base.

Industry Recognition and Market Position

Janus International Group’s contributions to the self-storage industry have not gone unnoticed. The company has earned 11 Inside Self-Storage awards for Best Door, 3 awards for Innovation, and appeared on Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking eight times. The Self-Storage Association has acknowledged Janus International Group’s support of industry advocacy, state-level programs, and scholarship initiatives.

CEO Ramey Jackson emphasized the company’s core philosophy: “Over the past two decades, staying ahead of industry evolution required constant innovation, rigorous quality control, and service excellence. Our global footprint and diversified product portfolio reflect both strategic foresight and operational discipline.”

Looking Forward

With 1,574 full-time employees as of year-end 2021, Janus International Group continues to position itself at the intersection of industry consolidation and technological advancement. The company’s 20-year journey demonstrates how strategic acquisitions, product innovation, and geographic diversification can transform a regional manufacturer into a global market leader in building solutions.