Who We Are

Detectable Warning Systems was founded in 1994 with one mission: to make pedestrian pathways safer and more accessible for all. From the beginning, we focused on manufacturing ADA-compliant surface solutions that installers could trust; products that didn’t just meet regulatory requirements, but stood up to real-world conditions like snow, heat, wear, and constant use.

Our early innovations, such as flexible surface-applied mats and radius-ready solutions, helped set new industry standards for ease of installation and durability. That focus on practicality and long-term performance has remained at the heart of everything we do.

In 2018, we were acquired by Mar-Bal, Inc., a U.S.-based leader in thermoset composite molding. This partnership gave DWS full vertical integration, meaning our materials, molds, and quality controls are managed entirely in-house. That translates into tighter tolerances, faster turnarounds, and higher consistency across every product we ship.

Today, with distribution and operational centers in Chagrin Falls, OH (Corporate HQ), Pulaski, VA (East Coast Distribution), and Rancho Cordova, CA (West Coast Distribution), DWS supports projects nationwide. Our products are installed in thousands of municipalities and infrastructure sites across the U.S., helping contractors, DOTs, engineers, and designers deliver spaces that are accessible, code-compliant, and built to last.

Through every milestone, one thing hasn’t changed: our belief that safer streets and walkways start with thoughtful design, trusted engineering, and products that are easy to install and even easier to rely on.