The Door Industry Journal

Tuesday, 20 August 2019

Roller Shutter Manufacturers Demonstrate Growth with Office Move

Roller shutter manufacturers CGT Security have moved to a new state-of-the-art headquarters with five times more space for manufacturing.

CGT Security is the manufacturer of innovative shutter systems suitable for any security challenge in private or public environments.

The new Reading HQ for CGT Security means it can provide even more innovation alongside its family of shutter systems: Xonar, Vortex and Stackdoor.

The Darwin Close site will allow CGT Security to put new production procedures in place and to explore new areas of development with a dedicated research and development area for product testing.

At 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space the new site is five times bigger than their previous premises – also in Reading. They can boast 2,500 square feet of office space which is three times the size they occupied previously.

Roger Humphreys, managing director of CGT Security, said:

“We have been based in Reading since 2007 and we’re very pleased to be able to stay in the town while getting the opportunity to grow and expand.

“For our team, this is the start of an exciting future. Having experienced rapid growth over recent years we now have stunning office space and purpose-built research and manufacturing space.

“Our customers will be able to see the difference as we offer them better production times and faster delivery schedules while continuing to invest in innovation to bring them the very best markets.”

A dedicated Research and Development area within the factory offers our product and design innovators a dedicated space for product testing.

Serving the entire UK, CGT Security will continue to develop and innovate through their shutter ranges: Xonar, Vortex and Stackdoor.

The CGT Security ranges offer architects and specifiers for corporate projects high quality, reliable security systems that minimise adverse effects on the final property design, desired by clients.

Fore more information please visit: https://cgtsecurity.com

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Monday, 19 August 2019

Quality Aluminium Gates from Horizal attract UK Installers

Horizal Gates combine good looks with strength and durability

In this article Darren Weatherill – Operations Director at Alucorb - warns about the dangers posed by inferior quality aluminium gates.

The popularity of aluminium gates is rising, as they are rightly seen as a long-lasting and weather-proof alternative to wooden gates.

And at Alucorb we are benefiting from this trend, as we are the sole UK partner of HorizAL - a French-based manufacturer of high-quality aluminium gates. Together, we have launched a concept that’s unique to our market - the “Portalier” network, which is the only professional aluminium gate installer network in the UK.

In France, “Portaliers” are gate installation experts who are trained, approved and regulated by HorizAL to install the product in their own designated and exclusive geographical area. Gates are delivered straight to site on request, with Alucorb also assisting with each “Portalier’s” first installation.

We also help our “Portaliers” with marketing materials, sample gates, and presentation cases, whilst continuous sales, marketing and installation training are all available at our headquarters. In addition, each “Portalier” has their own homepage on our website, whilst we work hard to generate quality leads that we then hand over to the installer most local to the customer, accompanied by full prospect information, quote, visuals and dimensioned design drawings.

In short, we not only offer our network the highest quality aluminium gates in the UK at the best possible prices, but also an incredible level of support. As a result, the “Portalier” network is growing rapidly, with installers from all regions joining us.

Of course, with success comes competition and we are now finding that other companies are jumping on the bandwagon and trying to copy what we are doing, but with cheaper, poorly manufactured aluminium gates.

And this is causing problems for both installers and their customers, because these gates simply aren’t good enough or strong enough to cope with the adverse weather conditions we experience throughout the UK.

Also, the support is not there - so if there’s a problem and the gate isn’t
operating properly, or arrives damaged, then installers are being left on their own.

In fact, just recently four installation companies, disillusioned with their experience in the supply of aluminium gates, have come to visit us and could not believe the difference in the quality of the HorizAL product to what they had been offered elsewhere.

After we went through the unbelievable level of support we provide, they didn’t hesitate to join our network.

But what exactly sets a HorizAL gate apart from the competition?

Well for starters every HorizAL gate is properly engineered, rather than ‘tek-screwed & glued’ like cheaper alternatives. They are rigorously factory-tested at the production facility in Lyon before being CE marked, expertly packaged and shipped to us.

Next, they must go through our own quality control process, before we organise dedicated transport to make sure everything arrives perfectly to each “Portalier” and their customer. After that, there is full post-sales support from our side, so the installer is never left with any unanswered questions or unsolved problems.

None of our competition can get close to this level of service and product quality, which – despite the problem of cheap gates entering the market – is why the “Portalier” concept will continue to thrive.

In short, good gates are good for business. Fit a quality HorizAL gate, which stays looking great and performing well, and word is going to get around and your business will grow thanks to glowing reviews.

Fit an inferior quality gate and word will also get around, but for all the wrong reasons!

To follow the whole sales, manufacturing processes and to give you a real insight into the quality brand of aluminium gates you could be selling scan the QR code.

Alternatively, go to www.horizal.co.uk, click on the ‘About Us’ tab and you’ll find the video in the ‘Who are we?’ section.

It could be the most important video you’ve ever watched!!

These are some of the problems caused by inferior quality gates from other manufacturers:

Bottom pivot coming loose

Fixing to hollow extrusion not strong enough

Top pivot coming loose

Don’t miss out – call 0161 4065912 today to discover more about becoming a “Portalier”. Or visit HorizAL’s UK website: www.horizal.co.uk

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Sunday, 18 August 2019

Aston Martin Targets WEC Title Challenge in FIA World Endurance Challenge

Aston Martin Racing is aiming high as it returns to the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone (GB), the competitive home of the luxury sportscar brand, on 31 August, with an optimised version of its Vantage GTE, a strengthened driver line-up and an eye-catching new livery.

Coming off the back of an excellent debut season for the Vantage GTE, which established itself as a front-runner in a fiercely-contested GTE Pro class with victories in Shanghai and Spa-Francorchamps and a pole position at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing is now focussed on regaining the FIA WEC GTE Pro and Am titles it last won in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Moreover the racing car, based on the critically-acclaimed Aston Martin Vantage road car, will make its class debut in GTE Am with a bold new driver roster of Paul Dalla Lana (CDN), Darren Turner (GB), and Ross Gunn (GB)

Darren Turner

"I'm really looking forward to joining Paul and Ross in the #98 car and challenging for the 2019/20 GTE Am championship," said three-time Le Mans class winner Turner.

"It’s going to be very hard work and I think it is going to be the most competitive season in the category, with some very quick cars and some very strong line-ups. Paul is an extremely talented driver with a great deal of experience in the WEC and as a package we are very strong."

Gunn added: “It’s an honour to be joining the works Aston Martin Racing team for the start of the FIA WEC season. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter of my career at the pinnacle of GT racing and I will be pushing for a solid result."

Ross Gunn

And while the GTE Pro class field has reduced in number for 'Season 8', the strength in depth is as formidable as ever as Aston Martin's old rivals Ferrari and Porsche also return.

With that in mind, Aston Martin Racing's exceptional GTE Pro driver line-up remains unchanged for this season, with Nicki Thiim (DEN) and Marco Sørensen (DEN) returning to their regular #95 'Dane Train', while Alex Lynn (GB) and Maxime Martin (BEL) once again occupy the #97 Vantage GTE.

"We are coming in to Silverstone far better prepared and with a better package than last year," said Martin.

"It’s going to be a really tough fight with our rivals as they are really competitive, and as a team we will have to put everything together to be able to win and be at the front consistently. The target for everybody is to try and win the championship this year with the Vantage GTE."

Thiim added: "The car is only one season old, and because the season was so long, sometimes people forget that it has only done eight races! We are really proud of what it has achieved already. Now we want to attack the championship and I really want to bring it back to the 'Dane Train' along with Marco and the rest of the team."

As well as the new colour scheme, the team has used the off-season break to use the knowledge gained in the eight-race 'Super Season' to further improve and enhance the Vantage GTE, which will also benefit from a new suite of tyres from technical partner Michelin specifically designed around the car.

There are changes to the WEC season format too, with the Silverstone opener and the Shanghai round (10 November) shortened to 4 Hours, while Bahrain returns to the calendar on 14 December with a 8-Hour race and Brazil on 1 February with a 6-Hour event at Interlagos. The season will conclude with the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans on 13-14 June.

John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Managing Director summed up:

"We are fully ready for the new FIA WEC season and we can look ahead to it with a measure of confidence given our form at the end of last season, where we won two of the last three races and were on pole for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"We're relishing the opportunity to fight against our old rivals Porsche and Ferrari, for together the three brands are the longest-serving teams in the championship. Our driver line-up is very strong and all the GTE Pro drivers are capable of delivering race-winning performances, and they will need to be if we are to deliver on our targets.

"We have changed the GTE Am line-up after a long period of stability and we expect this to produce results. This is a great opportunity for Ross to prove his ability at world level, while I think we are all fully aware of what Darren is capable of, and this gives him a chance to fight for a world championship and capture a fourth Le Mans victory."

David King, President of Aston Martin Racing said:

"After 18 months of sustained development and improvement, which culminated in the Vantage GTE being a double-race winner and a pace-setter in qualifying at Le Mans, we are now ready to challenge for world championship titles again at the highest level of sportscar racing.

"Vantage GTE has already proved itself to be an exceptional car, in keeping with the traditions and standards of its predecessors. As the current standard-bearer for Aston Martin Racing, much rests on this car, this exceptional team and its outstanding group of drivers' ability to get the maximum performance from it and deliver on all the promise we've shown so far."

The 4 Hours of Silverstone begins at 1200 BST on 1 September.

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Saturday, 17 August 2019

ADIA Annual General Meeting 2019 Sponsored by Citation

The ADIA’s Annual General Meeting (sponsored by Citation) will take place on the 1st October at the wonderfully located Watermill Hotel in Hemel Hempstead, not far from London.

ADIA would like to invite their wonderful members (and non-members, of course) to attend this FREE event so you can learn more about what ADIA as an association has to offer, their plans for the future, as well as ways to save money and grow your business.

The meeting will conclude with a delicious buffet lunch.

Meeting Details

Date: 1st October 2019

Time: 10 am for tea and coffee, 11 am meeting start

Location: Watermill Hotel, London Rd, Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead HP1 2RJ

What to bring: Notepad, pen and yourself!

You can view the agenda and book your free place here .

ADIA's Mission Statement

At the Automatic Door Installation Association we want our entire membership to feel as if they are to the standards their clients expect.

We help our member’s gain this assurance by ensuring they are qualified, trained and represented by a body that will assist them in their field.

It is our aim:

To conform to the highest standards of safety and quality

To be the representative umbrella body for installation of door technology, products and systems

To promote at all times the highest levels of quality and professionalism within the automatic door industry

To promote the use of ADIA members, their products and system

To lobby for a business environment in which ADIA members can thrive by maintaining fair trade and competition throughout the industry

Find out more at: http://www.theadia.co.uk

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Friday, 16 August 2019

New ‘AlproMAX7’ secures maximum rating

Alpro, the UK’s leading independent supplier of door access control and hardware, has launched a new range of ultra-secure mechanical mortice deadlocks, the AlproMAX7.

Independently tested under extreme physical attack by internationally renowned test and certification house Element Materials Technology, the AlproMAX7 complies with BS EN 12209, the most stringent British and European standard for mechanically-operated locks, latches and locking plates.

Under the BS EN 12209 standard, products are tested and classified accordingly. The AlproMAX7 has been tested to the most stringent classification regarding security, ‘Grade 7’, denoted as ‘very high security with drill resistance’. This means the lock, as well as being tested to withstand a sideload of up to 10 kilonewtons, is also subject to a five-minute constant attack with a drill.

The most likely sources of attack are would-be intruders armed with hand tools and a cordless drill. The drill-resistant and completely sealed case on the AlproMAX7 means that even if the door were attacked with a drill, it prevents access to the internal mechanism of the lock. With an upgraded cylinder and an external escutcheon, intruders would also be unable to attack from the most commonly used angle.

As well as attack with a drill, evaluation of the lock at the testing facility included salt spray testing, function during temperature changes and durability testing.

Products tested to British and European standards provide greater durability, longer warranty periods, peace of mind and evidence of professional specification. In keeping with the name AlproMAX7, Alpro is offering a seven-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

The AlproMAX7 offers fabricators and engineers 30 and 40mm backset options and has been designed to retrofit existing hook locks without any modification to the lock, door or frame.

Peter Keen, Sales Director at Alpro, said:

“Alpro has invested significantly in R&D over the last few years to develop the AlproMAX7. We are excited to be able to offer our customers and end-users an increased level of door security and the peace of mind that goes with it.”

“While the AlproMAX7 fills a void in high-security mission-critical applications, its price and features are also finding favour in other applications. Furthermore, we believe we are the only manufacturer to have an independently tested Europrofile cylinder mechanical deadlock that complies with BS EN 12209 Grade 7” concluded Peter.

The AlproxMAX7 is specifically designed for aluminium and steel doors for the commercial market. There has been significant interest from the domestic door market due to its superior security features. Statistics suggest that most criminals can burglarize a home in less than ten minutes and often enter via the front door. Coupled with a high-quality front door, the AlproMAX7 could help improve defence against home invasions.

Historically a UK supplier, Alpro is also receiving significant interest from European security equipment suppliers as an alternative to existing lower-grade, less secure deadlocks.

For more information visit: www.alpro.co.uk

Alpro Architectural Hardware (‘Alpro’) is a division of IEC Limited.

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Thursday, 15 August 2019

Challenge yourself: become a qualified door hardware professional

Architectural ironmongers who are keen to complete their career to become a fully qualified door hardware professional can now re-enrol in the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ (GAI) education programme, without having to start from the beginning.

The Challenge Exam is designed for those who have taken a break during their studies of the GAI Diploma (stage 3) or the Certificate in Architectural Hardware (stage 1 or 2) training courses for three years or more.

It consists of a short test covering all areas of the last stage of learning that they have passed. Once the Challenge Exam has been passed, they can then progress to the next stage of the education programme without having to start at stage 1 again.

There will be two challenge exams held this year ready for potential students to enrol in the 2019/20 programme. Both exams will be held at the GAI head office in London on 14 August and 3 December 2019. Online invigilation can be arranged for international students who would like to take the exam.

The Guild’s education programme is the only recognised programme in the world that leads to a qualification in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards. It is open to all industry professionals and trainees across the world, not just those within GAI membership.

There are two qualifications available within the GAI education programme. The Certificate in Architectural Hardware (CiAH) consists of two stages with 24 education modules covering everything an architectural ironmonger is required to know.  

Once this has been completed, students may choose to continue their studies by enrolling for the GAI Diploma. This stage focuses entirely on the skills and learning needed for scheduling the architectural ironmongery, electric hardware and key control for a project, and is of particular importance to those architectural ironmongers working on projects being built to UK and European standards across the globe. Once they have completed the diploma, they become a DipGAI, an industry recognised symbol of professionalism. 

The 2019/20 education programme prospectus has been published on the GAI website, outlining the qualifications, course content and training support available. It also gives further information on becoming a Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) through the Continued Professional Development (CPD) programme. The programme offers flexibility for busy professionals and far more opportunity to gain the CPD points. 
 
Enrolments are open from 2 September until 20 December 2019.  

For more information on how to apply for the Challenge Exam, email education@gai.org.uk.

www.gai.org.uk

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Wednesday, 14 August 2019

Bolstering Security With Data-driven Facilities Management

Trevor Ball, business development manager UK & Ireland at Allegion UK, explains how facilities can improve security with big data.

Ever since the inception of the internet, data has been used to improve processes across the globe. Since the turn of the millennium in particular, the storage and use of data has expanded considerably.

A 2018 report by IBM found that 90% of the data in the world (at the time of the report) was created in the previous two years alone. As technologies develop and new devices become available to new users – the collection and analysis of data is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.

This is no different for facility management. As the IoT continues to change the landscape, new tech-driven solutions that adopt a data-driven approach offer new ways to manage buildings. From healthcare facilities to commercial and residential properties, these intelligent devices can offer added security and a host of other benefits. So, in future years to come, as access control becomes more IT-led, how do we use data to improve security?

Trevor Ball, business development manager UK & Ireland at Allegion UK

Data-driven decisions

Despite new technologies becoming available to market, the future of the construction industry and its adaptation to digital tech is a topic that is hotly debated.

Intelligent access control, such as cloud-based systems, can track a host of useful metrics, all with the potential to improve both security and processes in general. Once integrated, these systems track both users and access points, collecting and storing what is known as big data, on information including approved access, declined access and lockdown instances. Collecting and using this information can present facilities with a myriad of security improvements. At a basic level, knowing which (and more importantly when) access points of a building are being used helps determine whether those areas are being used correctly.

Take the healthcare sector as an example. Most healthcare environments are designed to house open-plan areas, but all contain ‘off-limit’ areas that house confidential medical records, equipment and pharmacuticals. Some of these areas, such as medicine cabinets, require stringent security. By collecting data on medicine cabinets access, a facility can detect any instances of declined access or wrongful access (think unusual after-hours activity). This information can then be used as the rationale for changing or revoking access rights, adding an extra layer of security when it is most needed.

A facility’s physical environment can also be optimized with this approach, from process efficiencies to budgeting. Collecting and analyising data on footfall for example, allows a facility to understand more about the flow of movement within the building and then necessary adjustments can be made based on data trends. Optimising these areas can not only impact processes but also provide a knock-on effect for both patient and staff satisfaction and outcomes. This isn’t to mention the potential of driving positive financial results.

Lacking information on data

Understandably, we must then question why more facilities aren’t using data as a key component in their security efforts. If data-driven facilities management can enhance security and processes, why aren’t we seeing widespread use of it?

Well, it’s fair to say that the integration of big data analytics comes with its challenges. Until recently, the UK has been slow to move on the use of data in facilities management, meaning information has sometimes been limited, even for those interested in adopting the practice. The lack of information has left a hovering ambiguity over the topic, leaving both installers and end users unclear as to how data-driven management could be helping their facilities. Accountability is also a potential issue for those who do implement it into their systems, with IT teams and facility managers needing to agree on a system that works for everyone.

With this in mind, it becomes transparent as to why many are reluctant to adapt to these moving technologies. Without a clear understanding of intelligent systems and how to use data, decision makers are reluctant to leave their comfort zones. For some, the old mantra rings true - ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’.

However, this stance could be seen as backwards thinking. While it’s true that this approach may not be beneficial to each and every facility right now, it seems that this progressive trend could one day leave them in the dark. Is it not better to be more proactive than reactive when it comes to security? Right now, sectors such as healthcare and education, could be taking advantage of tailored, intelligent access control systems. Those that are under security pressures or are subject to budget issues could benefit in both the short and long term by adopting a data-driven approach.

The bigger picture

Data-driven facilities management provides us with a new-look method when ensuring our facilities are secure. We can no longer afford to use intuition or wait for potentially serious incididents to push us in to making the correct security decisions. Instead, the use of data now presents us with a structured, strategic option - securing facilities with the use of analytics and evidence.

So, education is the key. Where required, certified training days could help provide a clearer understanding of these systems and their possibilities. Highlighting what’s available, how to integrate these systems and the end user benefits will widen the horizon of access control options for installers and subsequently the facility managers that adopt them.

www.allegion.com

The information available in this article is not aimed at providing any advice. Allegion cannot be held liable for any damage which would be incurred by using information provided herein. Allegion has the exclusive copyright to its article its design and its complete content. Any use of the article or parts thereof, in any form whatsoever, is prohibited without Allegion’s prior written consent.”

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Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Incorporate on-style colours into the home with on-trend steel doors and windows

Ever popular for their industrial nature, steel windows and doors have quickly become part of home interior styles as internal partitions, shower screens, replacements for exterior walls among others.

Although mostly recognised for their solid black frames, steel windows, doors and their fixtures are available in a whole host of colours to complement any residential scheme.

Homeowners can incorporate brass, bronze or copper steel windows or doors to tie an industrial look together enabling new frames to match industrial accessories such as copper light fittings or brass framed glass tables. Alternatively, if the homeowner is looking to bring luxury materials into to the mix, they can opt for pewter.

This colour is perfect for matching steel windows or doors with the current trend for Scandinavian style. Pewter steel windows or doors work well with “cosy” items, such as light grey sofas, fluffy cushions and blankets in muted tones.

Homeowners can also opt for handles in a variety of metallic shades, including bronze, brass, copper, chrome, pewter and gun metal. The industrial colours are able to bring current trends into contemporary and historic homes.

Additionally, if metallic tones aren’t the right style to complement a home’s interior style, there are 15 powder coated colours which offer a different feel. In shades of cream, ivory, green or grey, there is a colour to suit every home.

Choosing cream or ivory shades is a great way to allow steel windows and doors to blend in with a muted interior scheme, such as soft aqua or terracotta colours, while deep greens and powerful greys provide the bold striking style of traditional steel windows with added personality.

So, when it comes to choosing steel windows and doors, homeowners don’t have to stick with black. Steel Window Association members offer a multitude of colour options available to suit every home and interior scheme.

Members of the Steel Window Association offer a UK-wide service for the repair and replacement of various types of old metal windows, doors and screens, as well as being able to manufacture new fenestration which fully meets the requirements of the building regulations.

Choosing an SWA member to manufacture and install your steel windows and doors ensures that you are receiving the highest standard of fabrication, installation and customer service.

For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 020 8543 2841.

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Monday, 12 August 2019

ASSA ABLOY announces Aperio® training dates for the second half of 2019

The ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control Group has released the latest dates for its free Aperio® technical training course, which provides an invaluable insight into the innovative wireless locking technology’s many benefits.

Offering an informative overview of the Aperio® system’s capabilities, the free course covers its intelligent hardware features, product specifications, operating processes, best installation practice and other technological advantages.

Attendees are also given a demonstration of the system’s wireless hub configuration, how to install, configure and commission Aperio® devices. The course then finishes with a meeting focused on troubleshooting, and a question and answers session.

A straight-forward, convenient and cost-effective alternative to wired, high-end access control solutions, Aperio® is a smart technology that enables the wireless linking of mechanical locks to existing access control systems. The technology uses a card-based solution to eliminate the logistical challenge associated with lost keys.

Richard Hall, Technical Sales Support Manager at the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control Group, explains:

“The Aperio® course gives installers an invaluable opportunity to see how integrating the technology into their existing access control systems can cut energy and maintenance costs, while removing the frustration and administration involved with lost keys.

“We continue to hold the course at a centre of excellence for training – our dedicated ASSA ABLOY Academy in Willenhall. Over 100 attendees benefitted from the course in 2018, and we hope to host many more in 2019. The course is suitable for access control manufacturers, installers, and engineers.”

The available training dates for the second half of 2019 are as follows:

• Wednesday 14 August
• Wednesday 25 September
• Wednesday 30 October
• Wednesday 27 November
• Wednesday 18 December

Refreshments are provided throughout the day, as well as lunch. Larger companies wishing to book onto the Aperio® training course may be able to specify a separate training date.

To book a place on the training course, please visit the Aperio® training page.

For more information on Aperio® from the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control Group, please visit the Aperio® product page.

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Sunday, 11 August 2019

10 Millionth Mini built as Brand Celebrates 60th Year

As MINI continues to celebrate its 60th anniversary, the brand has achieved a new feat as the ten millionth MINI produced globally since 1959 rolled off the assembly line.

The landmark car – a MINI 60 Years Anniversary Edition – was built on July 24th 2019 at MINI Plant Oxford and took pride of place at a special event at Oxford on Friday.

To celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary, MINI has been on the hunt for 60 owners of 60 cars, one from each year of production - with 60 personal stories from across the decades. Shared across the MINI digital channels throughout the year, the stories from owners around the UK shows the love they have for their cars and the important part they have played in so many people’s lives.

Today, MINI has bought together these cars at Plant Oxford for a special birthday gathering, before heading to the International MINI Meeting in Bristol, an annual festival for MINI fans globally. The cars will be led by 621 AOK – the very first Mini built - with the 10 millionth MINI bringing up the rear.

Launched in 1959 and designed by Alec Issigonis, the classic Mini revolutionised the automotive world and was produced at Oxford until 1968, before moving to Longbridge, near Birmingham, where it continued to be built until October 2000. Between 1959 and 2000 more than 5.3 million classic Minis were built.

Since the brand’s rebirth in 2001 under BMW ownership, sales around the world have gone from strength to strength. Last year nearly 400,000 MINIs were sold in 110 countries across the globe.

Three UK plants have a part to play in MINIs production today – Hams Hall near Birmingham makes engines, Swindon produces the body pressings and sub-assemblies for MINI, and this all comes together at the Oxford manufacturing plant with body shell production, paint and final assembly.

Daily output at Oxford has grown from around 300 cars a day in 2001 to around 1,000 today. The 4,500 strong workforce at Oxford produce one new MINI every 67 seconds.

Since 2000, over £2 billion has been invested by BMW Group in its UK manufacturing sites and, at Oxford this has included an extension to the plants body shop and new facilities in the paint shop and final assembly areas. In November 2019 the MINI Electric will begin production at Oxford and mark the beginning of a new era for the brand.

Peter Weber, managing director, MINI Plant Oxford and Swindon, said:

“As we celebrate 60 years of our iconic brand and look towards an electric future, I would like to thank everyone who has made MINI such a global success, from my team here to the loyal customers and fans around the world. To see the 10 millionth MINI roll of the production line here at Oxford was a moment of great pride for the whole team, a number of whom have relatives who were here building the very first Minis in 1959. This is a wonderful chapter in the MINI story and proof of the passion that our customers have for this very special British car.”

Just as Alec Issigonis’ first car did in 1959, MINI has continued to push the boundaries, whilst keeping creative use of space, driving fun, style and individualisation at its core.

Models built at Oxford today include the three and five door MINI Hatch and MINI Clubman. Around 80 per cent of MINIs built in Oxford are exported. The Convertible and Countryman models are built in The Netherlands.

www.bmwgroup.com

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Saturday, 10 August 2019

Lorient, leading door seal manufacturer celebrates its 40th anniversary

Devon based company Lorient, celebrated its 40th anniversary on 1st August 2019. Lorient is a market leading designer and manufacturer of high performance sealing systems for acoustic, smoke, fire and energy containment.

Founded in 1979, Lorient was responsible for introducing intumescent technology for fire doors to the UK; and the first combined fire and smoke seal was created in a small industrial unit in Surrey.

Intumescent seals are a vital part of a fire door assembly, helping to defend buildings against the spread of fire. Smoke seals restrict smoke movement around a building – giving people time to escape, and reducing property damage.

Lorient’s flagship acoustic, smoke and fire seal products now sit within a comprehensive range including fire resistant glazing systems for doors, screens and partitions; fire and smoke resistant damper/air transfer grilles for doors, walls and ducts; and a range of fire resistant door hardware.

In 2013, Lorient launched a commercial testing and technical services division including acoustic testing, indicative fire testing as well as fire door inspection services – with 5 fully qualified fire door inspectors in 2019.

The Lorient Group has grown to encompass businesses around the world and has established presence in Australia, the Middle East, USA as well as the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong.

While the company’s services and operations have expanded, its underlying principles have remained the same. Proudly a Made in Britain company, Lorient designs and manufactures the highest quality sealing systems that protect people and property throughout commercial, public, residential and industrial buildings.

Through constant development, evolution and refinement, Lorient has created many industry firsts; always underpinned by independent third-party accreditation, and extensively tested to relevant building codes and regulations.

Today, Lorient is recognised worldwide for quality, technical capability, and service; with over 100 employees and 100s of products in its range. In December 2018, Lorient was acquired by ASSA ABLOY – the global leader in opening solutions; which brings a wealth of technology, resource and capability to support customers.

Speaking of the anniversary Kerry Hicks, Managing Director said:

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate 40 years in business. It provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our history, and look forward to an exciting future as part of ASSA ABLOY. We owe our successful 40 years to our great teams past and present; most importantly to our loyal customers – without them, we wouldn’t be Lorient. Here’s to the next 40 years!”

To honour the landmark 40th anniversary Lorient will be launching a number of marketing initiatives; which included a brand-new website earlier this year – www.lorientuk.com. A family fun day was held on 2nd August 2019 for staff and their families to celebrate this momentous occasion.

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Friday, 9 August 2019

Origin Receives Secured by Design Accreditation

Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, has achieved Secured by Design accreditation – a top accolade for recognising product quality – for the doors and windows from its Origin Home range.

First introduced in 1989, Secured by Design (SBD) is the flagship UK police initiative designed to help reduce crime through the use of high-quality, innovative products and processes.

The accreditation focuses on the level of security performance, ensuring that products like doors and windows are sufficiently robust to resist attack by opportunistic burglars, and has helped decrease new home break-ins by up to 87 percent.

Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, comments:

“We are delighted to have achieved the Secured by Design accreditation. Not only is it the only way for products to be officially recognised by the police in the UK, but it is increasingly seen by commercial audiences and consumers as a valuable mark of quality.

“At Origin, we pride ourselves on the high quality of our bespoke products, so this recognition both reaffirms our confidence in our offering and ensures we stand out from the crowd in a competitive marketplace. This accreditation clearly demonstrates that our products combine best-in-class design with superior security, making them the perfect addition to any home.”

In order to achieve Secured by Design status, the product has to adhere to rigorous test standards set by the police, which include PAS 24 for enhanced security; BS EN 6375 Part 1 for weathertightness; BS EN 6375 Part 2 for operational and strength characteristics; BS EN 6375 Part 3 for basic security and ISO 9001 for quality management.

The products are then fully certified by an independent third-party accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Only products which achieve and surpass these standards can be registered with SBD and use its logo.

Doug Skins, Development Officer at Secured by Design, said:

“As Origin is a leading, family owned, manufacturer of premium quality, bespoke aluminium bi-folding and residential doors, and windows, I am pleased that they have joined Secured by Design. Their membership of SBD, with products that have achieved Police Preferred Specification, promotes their commitment to safety and security in the industry. I am looking forward to working with them during the SBD membership ".

For further information about Origin, please visit www.origin-global.com.

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Thursday, 8 August 2019

Woodrite doors - 5-10% lower cost than the rest of the market?…

Woodrite has always produced, what it considers to be, the best range of timber garage doors available. That is certainly the status the company holds in the market and Woodrite remains unwavering in its pursuit of quality.

With that reputation, the assumption is that there will be a high price tag attached. Not so with Woodrite.

Take a look at Woodrite’s prices for Cedar doors and compare them to the rest of the market… …You’ll find even the most basic design such as a 7’0” x 7’0” vertically boarded style show between a 5% and 10% saving at list.

Add to the favourable pricing the edge-to-edge timber (no metal chassis on show) and the wonderful finishes with up to 5 or 10 year warranties, it’s quite a proposition.

“We expend a lot of energy talking timber and quality and often forget to mention that over the last few years our prices have become increasingly competitive!” Said Sharon Cleaver, Woodrite’s Sales Director. She added, “Other timbers – Oak, Idigbo and the amazing Accoya with its 10 year finish give Woodrite a really unique position – the best choice and quality at a price that really stacks up.”

Next time you are asked to quote for a timber garage door why not check a price from Woodrite. Alternatively give Sharon a call and she’ll be delighted to quote – Call 01280 841010 or visit www.woodritedoors.co.uk

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Tuesday, 20 August 2019

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Saturday, 10 August 2019

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