The Door Industry Journal

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

SWS UK and Somfy Continue to Deliver Innovation Together

For more than three decades, leading garage door manufacturer SWS UK and global automation specialist Somfy have shared a successful partnership built on innovation, reliability and technical expertise.

Together, the two companies have consistently delivered high-performance solutions that combine premium garage door engineering with intelligent automation - helping installers confidently meet evolving customer expectations.

Today, that collaboration continues to evolve, with a renewed focus on supporting installers working with the latest automation technology. The introduction of the Somfy Rollixo io control panel, available with SeceuroGlide Roller Garage Doors, highlights how the partnership translates innovation into practical benefits both on-site and beyond.

Supporting Installers with Practical Guidance

To help installers get the most from Rollixo io, SWS UK and Somfy have collaborated on a new series of exclusive “How To” videos, created specifically for SWS UK customers.

Filmed in partnership with Somfy expert Alex Dickenson, the short videos provide clear, straightforward guidance on setup, configuration and key functions. Designed to be simple, informative and easy to access, they serve as a reliable tool for installers needing quick support on site, as well as an effective training resource for teams looking to build confidence with the latest system.

By combining Somfy’s technical knowledge with SWS UK’s understanding of installer requirements, the video series delivers practical assistance exactly where it matters most - helping streamline installations and support growing product knowledge.

Available on https://www.youtube.com/@swsuk1985

Confidence Backed by a Seven-Year Automation Warranty

The strength of the SWS UK–Somfy partnership is further reflected in the extended seven-year automation warranty available exclusively with SeceuroGlide Roller Garage Doors. Covering both the Somfy motor and the new Rollixo io control panel, the extended warranty provides valuable reassurance for installers and homeowners alike. For SeceuroGlide Sectional Garage Door customers, the seven-year warranty is also available with the Somfy Dexxo range of operators.

Collaboration Beyond Products

The companies work closely to deliver tailored training events for customers and installers, ensuring professionals remain up to date with new technologies and installation best practices.

Furthermore, joint participation at trade shows allows both brands to showcase their integrated solutions while engaging directly with the industry, and ongoing collaboration on co-branded promotional materials helps showroom partners present automation benefits clearly to homeowners.

These combined initiatives strengthen knowledge sharing across the sector and ensure consistent support at every stage of the customer journey.

Built on Trust, Focused on the Future

As automation continues to shape the garage door market, the partnership between SWS UK and Somfy remains focused on delivering innovation supported by practical expertise. From intelligent control systems and installer training resources to industry-leading warranties, the collaboration demonstrates how strong partnerships can drive real value for the trade.

www.sws.co.uk

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Monday, 13 April 2026

Hörmann UK Launches Comprehensive Brochure for Sliding Sectional Garage Doors

The newest version of Hörmann UK’s brochure, highlighting the innovative HST 42 sliding sectional garage door range is now available. The brochure offers a detailed and easy-to-navigate overview of the entire product line, including design options, automation systems, accessories, surface finishes, and colour selections.

The sliding sectional door is specifically engineered for garages where ceiling space must remain unobstructed or where structural limitations prevent the use of more conventional door types such as sectional, up-and-over, or roller doors.

Safety and security are key design priorities. Featuring precise door travel the specially shaped section transitions and hinges help prevent accidental finger trapping, and a reliable automatic safety cut-out that halts the door immediately upon detecting any obstacle in the opening zone.

For added protection, the door leaf is firmly secured with three security bolts engaging with the side frame. Manually operated models include a hook catch lock, while doors with automation benefit from an anti-lift kit that automatically locks the door when closed, guarding against forced entry.

The range includes wicket doors and matching side doors, ensuring ease of access and aesthetic harmony. A newly introduced side sliding side door, with a minimum clear passage width of 730 mm, offers a compact solution for restricted spaces—making it an ideal choice for tight garage layouts.

Customers can select from an extensive selection of accessories, surface finishes, and colour options. Surface textures include Woodgrain, Silkgrain, Duragrain, and Decograin, which emulates natural timber. Hörmann’s MatchColour option enables perfect coordination with front doors, and bespoke colours are also available via the full RAL colour palette.

The HART 42 aluminium frame door is also available in a sliding version, offering a stylish alternative that can be tailored with large, glazed panels for maximum light or any of 12 grille infill designs to suit individual design preferences.

To complete the product offering, full automation of the sliding door range is available via Hörmann’s SupraMatic and ProMatic operators—developed in-house by Hörmann to work seamlessly with their garage doors, delivering smooth, reliable performance.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Sunday, 12 April 2026

JAECOO 7 BECOMES THE UK’S BEST-SELLING CAR IN 2026

The JAECOO 7 has been confirmed as the UK’s best-selling new car in March 2026*, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)*. The milestone marks the first time the JAECOO 7 has secured the number one position, having consistently ranked among the UK’s top ten best-selling new cars sold, since September 2025.

With 10,064 JAECOO 7s registered in March alone and 15,569 JAECOO 7s sold year-to-date. The JAECOO 7 significantly outperformed its closest competitor during the month of March, too, recording sales 70% higher than the second-placed vehicle.

The success of the JAECOO 7 has been driven by strong consumer demand across both private and fleet channels, with JAECOO confirming a 55% retail mix, highlighting its broad appeal among UK buyers and in particular through its 124-strong national dealer network. Notably, the range-topping, plug-in hybrid variant – equipped with JAECOO’s advanced Super Hybrid System (SHS-P) – accounted for 85% of all JAECOO 7 sales in March. This contributed to the model achieving a 2.66%* share of the total UK car market in March, too.

Commenting on the achievement, Gary Lan, CEO of JAECOO UK, said:

“Securing the number one position is a landmark moment for JAECOO. The JAECOO 7 has resonated strongly with British customers thanks to its combination of advanced technology, standout design and real-world usability, particularly with our Super Hybrid System.

“This result reflects not only the strength of the product, but also the commitment of our growing UK retail network and the confidence customers are placing in our brand. While we are relatively new to the market, our global Chery Group manufacturing base and extensive experience in vehicle exports have enabled us to adapt quickly to UK market needs and grow sustainably here [in the UK].”

Available with a choice of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the JAECOO 7 line-up includes a 1.6-litre TGDi petrol powertrain alongside its headline SHS-P plug-in hybrid system. The latter delivers a combined driving range of up to 745 miles, including up to 56 miles of pure electric driving, and supports rapid charging capability.

The JAECOO 7 is priced from £29,105 OTR**, rising to £35,175 OTR** for the SHS-P, and is supported by a comprehensive seven-year warranty. Customers can access the model through JAECOO UK’s rapidly expanding 124-strong retailer network.

Looking ahead, the brand is continuing to expand its offering in response to customer demand. The JAECOO 7 range will be enhanced with the introduction of a pure hybrid (SHS-H) variant, alongside a new Black Luxury Edition of the SHS-P, with deliveries of these models to start in May.

In addition, the eagerly-anticipated flagship JAECOO 8 – available in both Executive six-seat and Luxury seven-seat configurations – will arrive in the UK in May, further strengthening the brand’s presence in the growing SUV segment, with pricing starting from £45,500 OTR**. It is available exclusively as an all-wheel-drive SHS-P, offering fast- and self-charging capability, more than 700 miles of total range, including up to 83 miles of EV-only driving.

* SMMT, smmt.co.uk/vehicle-data/car-registrations
** All prices quoted are correct at the time of writing, April 2026

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Saturday, 11 April 2026

40 Years of British Manufacturing in One Short Video

To mark a significant milestone in its journey, SWS UK recently premiered a new brand video, SWS UK: Our Story, created to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary.

More than just a film, the video captures the heritage, values and manufacturing expertise that have defined SWS UK for over four decades and continue to set the business apart within the industry today.

A Film Created to Celebrate a Proud Heritage

Shot with a focus on SWS UK’s people, processes and products, the video highlights the pride the company takes in designing and manufacturing in the UK. It showcases the expertise built over 40 years, the attention to detail that defines the company’s work and the strong values that guide how it operates – from quality and reliability to long-term partnerships and customer trust.

A Powerful Marketing Asset for Trade Distributors

While the video celebrates the SWS UK story, it has been created with trade distributors firmly in mind. It is a versatile marketing tool designed to support sales activity and strengthen customer engagement across multiple channels.

By clearly communicating SWS UK’s heritage, manufacturing credentials and commitment to quality, the video helps establish credibility before a sales conversation even begins. It provides reassurance to end customers that they are buying from and working alongside a trusted and long-established British brand.

An Open-Door Invitation to Experience SWS UK First-Hand

Beyond showcasing the company’s history and capabilities, the video also reflects SWS UK’s longstanding open-door approach to customer relationships. Visitors are always warmly welcomed to experience the business first-hand, whether they are long-standing partners or new customers discovering SWS UK for the first time. By encouraging visits to its facilities, SWS UK continues to strengthen transparency, collaboration and trust, whilst allowing customers to see the people, craftsmanship and innovation behind the brand in action.

The anniversary video serves not only as a reflection on the company’s heritage but also as an invitation to be part of its future. By combining proud British manufacturing with strong partnerships and an open, collaborative approach, SWS UK remains focused on building lasting relationships and continuing its journey of growth and innovation for years to come.

www.sws.co.uk

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Friday, 10 April 2026

Why Security is the Blueprint for Britain’s Housing Boom

The government’s ambitious Getting Britain Building Again initiative is a watershed moment for the UK economy. With plans to reform planning regulations and deliver 1.5 million homes over the next parliament, the construction sector is poised for an unprecedented surge. For manufacturers of doors, windows, and locks, this represents a massive window of opportunity - but it also carries a profound responsibility, says Jon Cole, Secured By Design.

As we scale up production, we must resist the temptation to prioritise quantity over quality. Sub-standard fixtures do more than just frustrate homeowners; they place a preventable burden on the environment, local authorities, and the criminal justice system. While Part Q of the Building Regulations provides a mandatory security baseline, it is exactly that: a minimum.

To truly future-proof these 1.5 million homes, developers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to Secured by Design (SBD). Known as the "Police Preferred Specification", SBD standards far exceed basic building regulations. For over 25 years, this standard has identified products robust enough to resist physical attack by opportunistic burglars. It remains the only way for security products to achieve official UK police recognition.

The secret to a truly secure development lies in the Designing Out Crime philosophy. By embedding crime prevention techniques into the very fabric of a building - from the initial blueprint to the final brick - developers can earn the prestigious SBD Development Award.

This process is supported by specialist police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who provide free, expert guidance to ensure every aspect of a site contributes to a safe environment. The result? Award-winning spaces where residents, business users, and visitors feel genuinely secure.

For manufacturers, SBD membership is more than a badge of honour; it is a powerful driver of ROI.

Rigorous testing: Every SBD-listed product undergoes independent testing by UKAS-accredited bodies
Sustainability: High-quality, secure products last longer and are less likely to need replacement due to criminal damage
Market visibility: The police service actively directs high-volume buyers - including architects and large-scale developers - to SBD members

In an industry where trust is the primary currency, the Police Preferred Specification instantly elevates a brand above the competition. It provides clear evidence of quality that resonates with consumers and satisfies mandatory security requirements across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Every family deserves a home that is both decent and secure. As we embark on this national building mission, we invite manufacturers and developers to join the industry leaders who have already discovered the benefits of SBD.

By prioritising security today, we build the resilient, cohesive, and vibrant communities of tomorrow.

www.securedbydesign.com

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Thursday, 9 April 2026

Knowledge as Standard: Ellard’s Initiative on Staff Training

At Ellard, we believe the strength of our team comes from the knowledge we share. That’s why in 2026 we’re rolling out a new initiative to create a consistent standard of product knowledge across the entire business, from customer service and finance to the warehouse and beyond.

Why now?

As our product range continues to grow and the solutions we provide become more technical, it’s increasingly important that everyone understands not just what we sell, but why it matters. Product knowledge shouldn’t sit within one department; it should be part of how we operate.

What is “Knowledge as Standard”?

This initiative introduces a clear and structured training framework covering product fundamentals, application guidance, compliance considerations, and common customer scenarios. The training will be delivered through a mix of in-person workshops and practical assessments, ensuring the knowledge gained is both understood and applied in day-to-day roles.

Leading the programme are our Account Managers, Nick Lord and Justin Whitaker. Their hands-on experience and in-depth product understanding mean the training is practical, relevant, and closely aligned with real customer needs.

The sessions are intentionally cross-functional, with each group made up of colleagues from different departments. Bringing together teams from all departments encourages open discussion, shared insight, and stronger collaboration across the business.

Every team member will complete an initial training session, followed by refresher modules and a final assessment. This structured approach helps ensure that knowledge is not only delivered but retained. The focus isn’t just on completing the training, it’s on building genuine understanding.

The programme is also designed to be supportive and flexible. Staff can revisit the training as often as they wish, allowing everyone to learn at a pace that works for them while still maintaining a clear standard across the business. It’s about balancing accountability with encouragement and creating an environment where continuous learning feels accessible.

To make sure this initiative delivers real impact, we’ve set clear objectives. These include creating a consistent baseline of product knowledge across departments, improving first-time response accuracy to customer enquiries, and reducing the need for internal escalations. By building a shared understanding of our products and their applications, we expect smoother internal communication, greater confidence across teams, and a more efficient overall service.

Ultimately, this initiative is about delivering the best support possible for our customers. When everyone across the business speaks the same product language, enquiries can be resolved quickly, advice becomes clearer, and solutions are delivered with confidence.

This isn’t just another training programme. It’s a practical commitment to doing things properly, and to ensuring our customers receive the knowledgeable, reliable support they expect from Ellard.

www.ellard.co.uk

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Wednesday, 8 April 2026

ADSA Leads Industry Push for Safe Automation of Fire-Rated Doors

Across the built environment, manual fire-rated doors are regularly upgraded with automation. In hospitals, care settings and public buildings, automation can improve accessibility for wheelchair users. In offices, education environments and transport hubs it can help manage footfall and improve the flow of people through busy spaces. In some buildings, automation may even support evacuation strategies by improving egress during an emergency.

However, converting a manual fire door into an automated system is not simply a matter of fitting an operator. Installing sensors, routing cables through the door leaf or replacing existing closing devices can alter the construction of the door itself. Without careful consideration, those modifications may affect the door’s fire performance.

This issue has led the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) to initiate a collaborative industry approach to develop clearer guidance on how fire-rated doors can be safely automated while maintaining their integrity as fire-resisting systems.

ADSA members and leading equipment manufacturers Record UK, Dormakaba and GEZE UK, are part of the steering group which aims to strengthen understanding of how retrofit modifications can be undertaken without jeopardising the integrity of doors. The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, the British Woodworking Federation and a major test house will also involved in the project.

Findings from this research will form the basis of new guidance for engineers and building owners/managers. The publications should be available later in the year.

Importantly, the aim is not to discourage automation or force unnecessary door replacement. With the right technical insight and careful installation practices, many existing fire doors can be adapted safely - helping building owners improve accessibility and usability while avoiding the cost and disruption of replacing entire door sets.

Understanding the retrofit challenge

For engineers and specifiers, retrofit automation is often the most practical way to upgrade an existing building. Many fire-rated doors were originally designed for manual operation, yet evolving accessibility expectations mean building owners increasingly want automated solutions.

The difficulty lies in understanding how modifications may affect the integrity of a fire-rated door.

“Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors,” explains Darren Hyde, Technical and Training Manager at ADSA.

“When you retrofit automation - whether that’s installing operators, sensors or routing cables through the door leaf - you’re potentially changing the construction of the door. What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”

While manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for new installations using specific combinations of doors, operators and hardware, the retrofit market is far less straightforward.

“In the new-build market, everything is far more controlled,” says Darren. “Manufacturers can specify the exact door, operator and components and provide test evidence showing the system will meet its fire rating if installed correctly.”

“In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist. We want to close that gap in understanding.”

Collaborative testing and industry expertise

Central to ADSA’s initiative is collaboration across the sector. The newly formed steering group brings together expertise from manufacturers, technical specialists and fire testing organisations to address the challenge collectively.

Working with Warringtonfire - one of the UK’s leading fire testing organisations - the group plans to undertake controlled testing designed to replicate the types of modifications engineers commonly carry out in real-world retrofit scenarios.

These tests will focus initially on timber fire-rated doors, which represent the most common scenario when automating existing manual doors but review of steel, aluminium and composite doors may follow at a later date.

Typical modifications may include drilling holes through the door leaf or replacing existing hardware. Each of these changes can potentially affect the integrity of the door structure.

By recreating these scenarios in controlled fire tests, ADSA hopes to build a clearer picture of how such modifications influence performance.

“Once we understand what happens in those conditions, we can begin to provide meaningful guidance,” Darren explains.

“It allows us to move beyond assumption and base advice on real testing and observed outcomes.”

Building clearer guidance for the sector

The ultimate aim of the project is to translate testing insights into practical guidance for ADSA members and the wider industry.

Rather than prescribing a single universal solution, the work will help engineers better understand the likely implications of common modifications and how they can be managed responsibly.

For example, guidance may include recommendations on acceptable hole sizes for cable routing, appropriate fire-stopping methods and other installation considerations that help maintain fire integrity.

This will provide engineers with greater confidence when adapting existing fire doors while also helping specifiers and building owners make more informed decisions.

Crucially, the initiative reflects ADSA’s wider commitment to aligning technical understanding across sectors that share responsibility for fire safety.

Bringing together expertise ensures that the conversation reflects the realities of modern building design and maintenance.

Supporting safer decisions for building owners

For building owners and facilities managers, the guidance will also highlight an important message: automation and fire safety should be considered together, not in isolation.

Many decisions to automate doors are made with positive intentions but without technical understanding, modifications could unintentionally affect fire performance.

By strengthening the evidence base around retrofit modifications, ADSA aims to help building owners approach automation projects with greater awareness.

At the same time, the initiative recognises that replacing an entire fire door set is not always the most practical or sustainable solution.

With the right technical insight, many existing doors can be adapted responsibly.

“We’re not saying that fire doors shouldn’t be automated,” Darren reiterates. “Automation plays an important role in improving accessibility and usability in buildings. What we want to ensure is that when those modifications are made, they’re done with a clear understanding of how they affect the door’s fire performance.”

By bringing together industry expertise, test evidence and practical guidance, ADSA and its partners hope to close the knowledge gap around retrofit automation - ensuring fire-rated doors continue to perform as intended, even as buildings evolve to meet modern accessibility and operational needs.

For more information about ADSA’s work, to find an approved ADSA member, or to enquire about membership, visit www.adsa.org.uk

Alternatively, contact the ADSA team at info@adsa.org.uk or call 01827 216136

[Photo credits: GEZE UK and Autom8]

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Tuesday, 7 April 2026

Engineering Investment, Proven Capability and What’s Next for Marantec UK

Across the industrial door sector, reliability has always mattered, but in today’s environment it matters more than ever. Installers, distributors and end users want confidence not only in the products they specify, but in the people and processes behind them. Consistency, dependable support and clear technical expertise remain central to building long-term relationships.

At Marantec UK, recent investment in both product development and manufacturing capability reflects that reality. The focus is straightforward: delivering solutions customers can rely on, backed by engineering credibility and practical UK-based support. Two areas currently shaping that direction are an increased emphasis on tubular motor solutions and a significant investment in advanced manufacturing technology, including a fully automated barrel assembly system.

Together, these developments strengthen Marantec UK’s ability to provide dependable, competitively positioned automation solutions while continuing to invest in the future of the business.

A Renewed Focus on Tubular Motor Solutions

Tubular motors have long formed part of the wider Marantec offering, but historically they have not always been front and centre within the UK market. That is now changing. Demand across both domestic and light industrial applications, from garage doors and roller shutters to shading systems and smaller commercial installations, continues to grow; and Marantec UK is responding with a clearer focus on this segment.

In the tubular motor market, the difference between products is rarely where they are manufactured, but who manufactures them. Marantec UK works with one of the most respected producers in the sector, widely regarded within the industry as the “Rolls-Royce” of tubular motor manufacturers. By sourcing from a top-tier specialist and specifying the exact standards required, Marantec is able to combine high-quality manufacturing capability with carefully defined product specifications, ensuring consistent performance, durability and long-term dependability.

Working closely with this specialist manufacturer also allows Marantec UK to define its own specifications and quality expectations. By combining strong manufacturing capability with carefully controlled product standards, the result is a tubular motor range that delivers consistent performance, reliability and long-term dependability.

These motors are designed to perform across a wide spectrum of uses. Domestic garage doors, shutters and light commercial systems all benefit from compact, efficient drive solutions that are straightforward to install and dependable in operation. By focusing on practicality, reliability and ease of integration, the Marantec tubular motor range supports installers working across a broad range of projects.

Ease of installation remains an important consideration. Predictable performance, straightforward setup and strong technical support help installers complete projects efficiently while maintaining confidence in the finished system. In many cases, the reliability of the drive solution is just as important as the mechanical components surrounding it, particularly where doors are expected to operate frequently and consistently.

Pricing has also been carefully considered. Competitive positioning alongside dependable engineering helps provide value without compromising on performance, something increasingly relevant as installers balance customer budgets with expectations around reliability and long-term serviceability.

Looking ahead, development work is underway on a new garage door control unit designed specifically to complement the tubular motor range. While still in development, this project represents a continued investment in tooling, housing design and expanded functionality within Marantec UK itself. The intention is to deliver a cohesive system that simplifies installation while enhancing reliability and control integration. Further details will follow, and customers are encouraged to stay tuned as the project moves closer to launch.

Investing in Manufacturing Capability

Alongside product development, Marantec UK has made a substantial investment in manufacturing infrastructure, including approximately €600,000 in advanced laser-cutting equipment. This investment reflects a commitment not only to product innovation, but to improving the processes behind the products customers depend on.

Modern laser-cutting technology offers measurable benefits:

Improved dimensional accuracy
Greater production consistency
Faster processing times
Reduced material waste
Enhanced safety through automation

For customers, these improvements translate into dependable lead times, consistent product quality and greater confidence in the finished installation.

However, the most significant development linked to this investment is the introduction of a fully automated barrel assembly system, a capability that remains rare within the industrial door automation sector.

Automated Barrel Assembly

Barrel assemblies are fundamental to the operation of roller shutter and industrial door systems. Precision alignment, structural integrity and consistent manufacturing standards all influence long-term performance and reliability. Traditionally, many aspects of barrel assembly have relied on manual processes, which can introduce variability despite best efforts.

By implementing a fully automated barrel assembly system, Marantec UK has taken a significant step toward enhanced consistency and repeatable engineering precision. Automation helps ensure each assembly meets exact specifications, reducing variability while improving operational smoothness and durability.

Key advantages include:

Consistent assembly accuracy
Improved production repeatability
Faster manufacturing throughput
Reduced potential for manual error
Enhanced workplace safety
More predictable lead times

For installers, this means greater confidence that each assembly will perform as expected. For distributors and end users, it provides reassurance that product quality remains consistent across every installation.

From a broader industry perspective, this investment reflects a shift toward more advanced manufacturing practices. Automation at this level supports the increasing technical sophistication of modern industrial door systems, aligning production processes with evolving product expectations.

Reliability Backed by Engineering Experience

With over 50 years of engineering heritage behind the Marantec name, ongoing investment remains central to maintaining industry confidence. Products must perform consistently, but equally important is the expertise supporting them. Technical advice, accessible customer support and dependable aftercare all contribute to the overall customer experience.

Recent communications have emphasised ensuring both products and people remain among the most helpful in the industry, so that when customers need support, they know it is readily available. That philosophy continues to guide product development, manufacturing investment and customer engagement alike.

Strong engineering expertise combined with responsive UK-based support provides a balance customers can depend on. Installers benefit from strong technical foundations alongside accessible advice and service, helping projects run smoothly from specification through installation and beyond.

Looking Forward: Stability, Innovation and Continued Investment

As the industrial door automation sector evolves, expectations around safety, sustainability, performance and operational efficiency continue to rise. Marantec UK’s recent investments reflect a proactive approach to those expectations, focusing on practical engineering improvements rather than short-term marketing claims.

The expanded tubular motor focus, upcoming control unit development and automated barrel assembly capability all support a broader strategy centred on reliability, consistency and long-term customer relationships. These are not isolated initiatives but part of an ongoing commitment to strengthening both product capability and operational infrastructure.

Further developments are expected as projects progress, including additional product integration, training resources and technical support initiatives. Customers can expect continued communication as these developments move closer to launch.

Dependable Performance for the Year Ahead

Ultimately, the goal remains simple: delivering automation solutions installers and customers can rely on. Engineering investment, manufacturing innovation and experienced technical support all contribute to that objective.

As Marantec UK continues building momentum into 2026 and beyond, the focus remains on strengthening trust, maintaining consistent quality and ensuring customers feel confident choosing products backed by proven expertise.

For more information about Marantec UK products, support services or upcoming developments, visit www.marantec.co.uk or contact the team directly at sales@marantec.co.uk.

Stay tuned for further updates as Marantec UK continues investing in performance you can rely on.

#together

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Monday, 6 April 2026

Hörmann Employee Hermione Farmer Selected for Leicester Tigers

Hörmann is proud to announce that Hermione Farmer, a valued employee at FBS Hörmann, has been selected to join the Leicester Tigers Women’s squad competing in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league. To support this achievement, the company are providing Hermione with a 12-month sponsorship, reinforcing its commitment to supporting sporting excellence and opportunity.

Hermione’s route into rugby is an inspiring story – one of late beginnings and rapid progression. Having first picked up the sport at the age of 16 during a touch rugby session at Kesteven Rugby Club, she quickly demonstrated natural talent and joined the club’s Under-18 team soon after. Her passion for the game grew, leading her to secure a sports scholarship at Newcastle University, where she played for the university’s first team for four years.

“The support from Hörmann has been incredible,” says Hermione. “Having the opportunity to play in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league is a dream come true, but it comes with significant travel and training commitments. Hörmann’s sponsorship and flexibility have made it possible for me to pursue this opportunity and continue developing as a player.”

In May 2025, Hermione attended an Under-23 trial day with Leicester Tigers Women. Her impressive performance earned her an invitation to pre-season training , and by August, she was offered a contracted place within the squad. Typically playing in the back row as a flanker, Hermione now has the opportunity to compete at the top level of the women’s game.

Balancing a demanding rugby schedule with her role in the Reactive Purchasing Department at FBS Hörmann has required commitment and teamwork both on and off the field. Thanks to a flexible working arrangement, Hermione is now able to finish early three days a week, allowing her to attend training sessions in Leicester.

“We’re incredibly proud of Hermione’s success and delighted that our backing is making a real difference in helping to support young and talented athletes like her,” said Wolfgang Gorner, Managing Director at Hörmann UK. “Her dedication, teamwork, and determination reflect the very values that drive our business.”

www.hormann.co.uk

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Sunday, 5 April 2026

A BESPOKE CELEBRATION OF MARINE CRAFT AND DESIGN

Rolls-Royce presents Cullinan Yachting: four Private Commissions celebrating the aesthetics, materials and spirit of contemporary yachting. Each motor car is defined by one of the cardinal points of the compass – North, South, East or West – a subtle thematic thread expressed through both interior and exterior details.

All four commissions feature marine-grade teak detailing, hand-painted nautical fascias, Mediterranean wind-pattern Starlight Headliners, and distinctive exterior finishes. Together, they reflect Rolls-Royce’s longstanding relationship with the world of maritime craft – from Charles Rolls’ own family yacht to contemporary client collaborations with leading yacht designers.

HAND-PAINTED FLOURISHES: AWASH WITH COLOUR

Hand-painted elements are an increasingly sought-after form of Bespoke expression, with Rolls-Royce now employing full-time artisans dedicated to this specialised craft. In each of the Cullinan Yachting motor cars, the fascia and picnic tables include artworks that capture the trailing wake of a tender at speed, bound for a yacht at anchor. The direction of the wake reflects the orientation of each commission – North, South, East or West – ensuring each motor car is a true one-of-one.

Development of the composition required two months of experimentation, refining paint hue combinations, application techniques and lacquering processes. To achieve the lifelike wave effect, pigment is airbrushed onto the wet lacquer before being shaped by hand with a fine brush. By directing air across the surface and manually guiding the paint, the artist achieves a natural sense of movement.

The painted composition sits within a broader treatment spanning the full width of the motor car. The fascia is finished in a Bespoke paint named Piano Milori Sparkle: a rich, metallic blue that evokes the deep, crystalline tones of the Côte d’Azur.

Beyond the fascia, Open Pore Teak is used throughout the interior, including the rear Waterfall, rear centre console lid and door panels. Commonly found on yacht decks, this material was selected for its maritime authenticity, natural tactility and understated visual warmth.

On the rear Waterfall, a marquetry compass motif anchors the theme. Each design comprises more than 40 individual pieces of veneer in Sycamore, Teak, Ash and Black Bolivar, precisely cut and assembled by hand.

BESPOKE INTERIOR: A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

The interior is finished in Arctic White and Navy Blue leather, with contrast stitching, piping and headrest monograms in Navy. The seat inserts feature a Bespoke rigging pattern, hand-stitched in diagonal bands using Rolls-Royce’s signature thread. Created by an artisan with a personal connection to the Royal Navy, and trained in yarn, weave and embroidery construction, the piece has been carefully orchestrated to echo the twining of rope, where multiple strands are twisted together to create strength. The direction of each stitch reflects this structural composition, elegantly translating the craft of nautical ropework into embroidery. A rope motif also appears on the illuminated treadplates, visible when opening the coach doors.

STARLIGHT HEADLINER: STEER BY THE STARS

Each Cullinan Yachting is fitted with a unique Starlight Headliner, combining static and animated hand-placed fibre-optic ‘stars’ in patterns inspired by Mediterranean wind maps. The shifting air currents – charted and interpreted by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, craftspeople and engineers – are rendered in subtle motion across the roof of the interior suite.

FOUR DIRECTIONS, FOUR IDENTITIES

The exterior finish of each Cullinan Yachting reflects the cardinal point of the compass it is named after. North is presented in Crystal over Light Blue, evoking the colder waters of higher latitudes; South captures warmer climes in a deep, serene Crystal over Arabian Blue IV; East is rendered in Dark Silk Teal, suggesting the calm and mystery of deep water; while West appears in Sapphire Gunmetal, echoing a storm-lit ocean sky. The motor cars are finished with a hand-painted compass motif on the front wings, in which the corresponding directional point is highlighted in red, complemented by a hand-applied Twin Coachline in Phoenix Red and Arctic White.

Each commission is resolved with 22-inch Fully Polished alloy wheels, subtly recalling the mirror-polished brightwork and deck fittings of contemporary yachts.

ROLLS-ROYCE’S YACHTING LEGACY: MORE THAN A CENTURY OF CONNECTION

The connections between Rolls-Royce and the world of yachting are deep and longstanding. In Rolls-Royce's design language, the lower line of the bodywork – known as the ‘waft line’ – borrows directly from yacht design, creating an uncomplicated sense of motion by reflecting the road passing beneath it, much as a yacht hull reflects the water as it cuts through it.

Many heritage motor cars, together with Goodwood-era series models including Phantom Drophead Coupé and Spectre, as well as the contemporary coachbuilt Boat Tail commissions, have incorporated design cues and material influences from racing yachts. A particularly potent reference-point is the peerless J-class, built in the 1930s to compete in the prestigious America’s Cup. With their elegant proportions, long overhangs, sweeping lines and large sail plans, these classic high-performance vessels combined beauty with breathtaking speed, and are still revered as floating works of art.

There is also a more direct, personal link between the marque and the maritime world. Long before he met Henry Royce, Charles Rolls’ family owned the substantial but graceful Santa Maria – a schooner-rigged steam yacht, with two masts and auxiliary steam power, typical of fashionable late Victorian and early Edwardian nautical society. After graduating from Cambridge in 1898, the youthful Rolls briefly served as her Third Engineer in what was one of his earliest engineering roles, before fulfilling his true vocation as a pioneer of both motoring and aviation.

Logbooks and records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries show Santa Maria taking the family on frequent cruises from Shoreham, less than 30 miles from the Home of Rolls-Royce, on the south coast of England to the Mediterranean, where her ports of call included Naples, Malta, Algiers and Côte d'Azur. The latter – still a favoured destination and home port for many Rolls-Royce clients who are also yacht owners – provides the creative focal point for Cullinan Yachting.

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