Friday, 11 July 2025

Freezer and Cold Room doors now available from Hörmann


Hörmann UK has announced that is has expanded its Construction Project range of doors to include insulated hinged and sliding doors for cold rooms and freezers. Suitable for cold rooms at temperatures as low as 0°C and for freezers at –28°C the doors are ideal for use in cold storage facilities, supermarkets and in the food processing industry.

The cold storage doors HID-80 (hinged) and HIS-80 (sliding) are manufactured with an 80mm thick door leaf that is foamed with polyurethane (PU), with both doors featuring bespoke sealing technology to prevent energy loss. Whilst the new freezer doors, HID-120 (hinged) and HIS-120 (sliding), are manufactured with a 120mm foamed with PU door leaf, offering impressive insulation. Both freezer door variants are fitted with an integrated, self-regulating frame heating feature preventing the sealing around the door frame from freezing while minimising energy consumption. This extends the life of the seal and ensures that the doors can be opened easily at any time, with all the door seals being easily removed and replaced in case of maintenance.

Both the cold storage doors and the sliding freezer doors are manually operated, being fitted with extra-large rollers to ensure easy handling with little force required and are available with either a wall or bottom guide. They can also be combined with Hörmann double-action doors, meaning that whilst the sliding door is open during the storage or removal of goods, the double-action door keeps the cold air in the cold room/freezer, reducing energy consumption.

All doors are delivered to site having undergone a large amount of pre-fabrication, meaning that they can be quickly and easily fitted in front of the wall opening within a thermo-block frame.

The hinged doors are available up to a maximum size of 1100mm × 2300mm, whilst the maximum size for the sliding doors is 4000mm × 2800mm. They are available in two hardwearing, surface finishes - stainless steel with a polished or a matt circular textured finish, or in galvanised stainless steel in Grey White (RAL 9002). RAL colours of choice are available as an option.

For further information on Hörmann cold storage and freezer doors visit Insulated doors for the cold room and freezer | Hörmann or call 01530 516868

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Thursday, 10 July 2025

GaraPro Automation Kit + Door Package


Garador announces a Complete GaraPro Automation Kit including a Carlton or Horizon Up-and-Over Door for just £949

Garador has just launched its all-in-one GaraPro automation solution, combining the renowned reliability of Carlton and Horizon up-and-over doors with the new GaraPro electric operator and framed retractable gear — all for just £949 + VAT, fully fitted.


Key features of the GaraPro complete kit include: 
  • Choose between two of our most popular steel garage‐door designs - Carlton or Horizon - each engineered for strength, weather resistance, and low maintenance. Available in four sizes: 2134 × 1981 mm, 2134 × 2136 mm, 2284 × 1981 mm, and 2284 × 2136 mm.
  • GaraPro Operator: A compact, high-torque motor unit engineered to deliver smooth, whisper-quiet operation with minimal headroom. Includes one handset.
  • Framed Retractable Gear: Precision-engineered gearing housed in a slimline frame for wear-resistant, low-noise performance and easy installation.
  • Retractable Plus Upgrade £88 + VAT (optional): Retractable Plus lifting gear has specially designed lifting arms for narrow openings, which allow for maximum use of the clear passage.
Priced at £949 + VAT, the package covers your selected door, GaraPro operator, framed retractable gear and fitted by the nearest garage door specialist. The optional Retractable Plus enhancement is available at an additional cost.



This exclusive offer is available through Garador’s nationwide network of approved installers. To learn more or book your installation, email promo@garador.co.uk, call 0330 4415 222, or visit www.garador.co.uk

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Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Why Installers Choose Ellard’s Promax+ for Their Marantec Motors


In industrial door installations, selecting the right control panel can make or break the installation and long-term user interface. Lost time, complex set-up, fault diagnostics and unreliable performance not only affect your bottom line, they hit where it costs the most – your reputation.

The Promax+ isn’t just a control panel; it’s your shortcut to faster installs, smarter troubleshooting, and total control. That’s why more and more installers are turning to Ellard’s Promax+ with its intelligently engineered design, aligned with real-world installation practice. The Promax+ delivers straightforward setup, minimal configuration, and clear, error-free operation.

Pair it with the proven strength of the Marantec MDF industrial motors (from 140Nm to 2000Nm), and you’ve got a fully integrated, plug-and-play system that’s built for all solutions.


Promax+ Key Features That Set It Apart
 
Digital Limit Setting
No more ladders. Set open and close positions directly from the panel, saving time and making setup safer.

Customisable Digital Display
A clear, intuitive interface that’s easy to learn and even easier to use. Tailor settings quickly to the specific site.
 
Built-In Fault Diagnostics
Real-time fault codes right on the screen help you find and fix issues fast, minimising downtime.
Encoder Compatibility

Works with both KOSTAL and Elektromaten encoders, making it ideal for new builds and retrofit projects alike.
 
Expandable Input/Output

Add safety edges, photocells, external switches, and more. It’s built to scale as the site evolves.
Plug-In Modules

Optional expansions include ground loop detection, wireless safety edge receivers, and radio control; just slot them in as needed.

Get to know the MDF Range

The MDF range delivers industrial-grade strength with the simplicity of plug-and-play integration.

Available with torque ratings from 140Nm to 2000Nm, and with 24rpm speed options for fast-acting doors, each model is built for heavy-duty performance.

All motors are ready out of the box for pairing with the Promax+, cutting install time and boosting long-term reliability.
The Plug-and-Play Advantage

Here’s how easy it is:
  • Choose your motor – Select the right MDF model based on your torque and speed needs.
  • Choose your controller – Go with the Promax+ for streamlined, intelligent control.
  • Plug in and go – Connect. Power up. Operate. All within minutes.
No complex programming. No surprises. Just results.

Built for Industrial Environments

Whether you’re working on a high-traffic warehouse or a demanding logistics site, the Promax+ and MDF pairing seamlessly delivers where it matters most:
  • Speed – Reduce install and configuration time and costs.
  • Flexibility – Adaptable to any demands with Ellard’s modular, customisable features
  • Reliability – Built to last and tick all the boxes.
It’s the smart choice for tight timelines and demanding environments.

Speak to a member of our team today at sales@ellard.co.uk to find out how the Promax+ and MDF system can streamline your installs and simplify your day on site.

www.ellard.co.uk

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Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Hörmann RollMatic Roller Doors awarded Secure by Design Accreditation


Following the success of their Door Secure Team video and social media campaigns highlighting that not all roller garage doors are the same, Hörmann have announced that their RollMatic T and RollMatic 2 roller garage doors can now be supplied with Secured by Design (SBD) as standard.

Established in 1989, SBD is the flagship security accreditation that has instant industry recognition. Created by the UK Police Force to support the designing out of crime, the accreditation means that the Hörmann doors have undergone stringent security and safety tests to ensure they have been manufactured and designed with the security of the customer in mind. This has been verified through independent testing which involved a prolonged brute force attack, demonstrating the strength and robust nature of the doors.

SBD accreditation is an optional extra which is simply selected when ordering a RollMatic door and is at no additional cost. For the accreditation to be valid, doors should be installed behind the brickwork and not include any glazing options or external releases. SBD roller doors can be supplied in a range of sizes – for widths between 1601mm to 3000mm and heights of 2000mm to 3100mm maximum. Registration of the door will take place automatically when an order is placed.



David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK said, “Our slightly controversial, yet fun approach to highlighting the inferior performance of some roller garage doors on the market has certainly been noticed and achieved results. We have seen an impressive 40% increase in sales of our RollMatic doors when compared with last year, with our Door Secure Team helping to educate the market that low-cost garage doors are just not the answer.

"We have now further added to our market leading credentials for supplying high quality and secure roller doors with the recent SBD accreditation for both RollMatic T and RollMatic 2. Dealers can now be assured a Hörmann roller garage door will provide them with an easy to fit, high performance door - that they can ‘fit and forget,’ whilst end consumers have the added peace of mind that their roller door is one of the most secure on the market.”

To see the Door Secure Team in action click here

For further information on Hörmann UK’s RollMatic T Roller garage door visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Monday, 7 July 2025

50 Years of the Safedrive®: A Timeline of Innovation


GfA, the industrial door drive specialist, celebrates 50 years of the Safedrive®, a product which established GfA as a global industry leader. CEO Stephan Kleine reflects on his grandfather's legacy, engineer Hans Meyer, who invented the Safedrive®, and how it was instrumental in Shaping the Future of Industrial Door Automation.


1972: A Safety Revolution Begins

Prior to the Safedrive®, industrial doors were often operated by chain or gear-driven systems. In Europe, these door designs used a separate anti-fallback device (safety brake) to prevent uncontrollable door closure in the event of chain or drive failure. Meyer designed an anti-fallback device with a patented damping device to activate on door acceleration, such as following a chain break or detachment.

The energy was absorbed by the damping device and the door would come to a controlled, safe stop.


Industry Breakthrough

While chain-driven systems are still used today, they come with complications and limitations; speed, barrel construction, door set-up. The obvious evolution to alleviate issues associated with chain-driven systems and alike was to combine the anti-fallback device into the drive to create one compact solution which fitted directly onto the barrel shaft of the door.

Meyer successfully solved this problem with the design of the first Safedrive®, which not only incorporated a twin worm configuration anti-fallback device within the drive unit’s gearbox (allowing for a far simpler door construction resulting in easier and quicker installations), but it was also not activated by speed, allowing new applications across the door industry.


1974: The Safedrive® hits the Market

Known in Europe as “der Sichere” (“the Safe One”) the Safedrive® previewed at R+T 1974 at Messe Stuttgart. Later that year Meyer’s patent was granted and in 1975 the Safedrive® was officially launched to the industry, solidifying its place in the industry.

Two Decades of Growth

The Safedrive® quickly became the preferred choice for industrial door manufacturers. It offered simplicity, cost efficiency and expanded application potential, while enabling door companies to expand their own product range by utilising its technology. Its non-speed dependent anti-fallback device made the Safedrive® ideal for use with high-speed doors, revolutionising the industry.


1996: Advancing Safety and Performance

GfA reengineered the Safedrive® in 1996, replacing the original twin worm configuration with the design we know today, with improved drive efficiency and enhanced damping when activated. This design allowed for the expansion of the Safedrive® range into new markets and applications, demonstrating GfA’s continuous drive for innovation.


2009: Introduction of the Safedrive® Fi

The Safedrive® Fi featured a built-on frequency inverter, offering the advantage of adjustable output speed, soft-start, and soft-stop. This transformed the use of frequency inverter drives across the industry and became the benchmark for high-speed door technology, opening up further application types.


2011: SG186F Gearbox Introduction

The SG186F gearbox, launched in 2011, delivered up to 5000Nm of torque and expanded the range and size of doors to which the Safedrive® can be applied.

Today and Beyond

Now, Safedrive® solutions exist for almost every application; offering options for speed, door size, environment, and frequency-of-use. With plug-and-play functionality as standard, and the broadest range of output speeds and torques of any direct drive on the market, GfA is the go-to manufacturer for industrial door drives.

Fifty years on, the Safedrive® remains a benchmark for safety and innovation. Looking to the future, one thing is certain: the spirit that led to the creation of the Safedrive® will continue to drive GfA forward globally, shaping the next generation of industrial door automation.

www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk

01926 452452

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Sunday, 6 July 2025

THE BENTLEY OF THE FUTURE REVEALS NEW WINGS


Bentley Motors has unveiled a new ‘Bentley Wings’ emblem – the first step of a design and brand revolution at the British marque. The new ‘Winged B’ is just the fifth iteration in Bentley’s 106 year history and will be previewed with the reveal of a future vision concept car on 8th July, coinciding with the opening of a new Design Studio at its headquarters in Crewe, England.

The original ‘Winged B’ design was created by F. Gordon Crosby in 1919. Developments followed in 1931, the 1990s and 2002, but the new 2025 design is the biggest change to the instantly-recognisable mark in more than a century of history.

Created in-house by Bentley’s own design team under the watchful eye of Director of Design Robin Page, the new Winged B is the first step of the next chapter for the Bentley brand and its DNA. Crafted with confidence, care and creativity, the new emblem is symbolic of an exciting future for Bentley.

The new emblem has been revealed on the front of an as-yet unseen new future vision concept car, which in turn heralds the start of a new era of Bentley design language. The design of the new Winged B was led by Robin Page, supported by a small and dedicated internal team. Initially, a competition was run, allowing the entire design team to submit concepts and sketches.

The final design chosen was proposed by Young Nam, a member of the Interior Design team, and that concept was then developed and detailed into the final version. The mission in designing the new emblem was to capture some of the beautiful details from the previous designs – for example, the diamond pattern of the inner wings and the B ‘centre jewel’ - but create a more modern and progressive design.

The shape of the new wings themselves are sharper and more dramatic than the outgoing version – more reminiscent of the angled wings of a Peregrine Falcon than the previous softer shapes.

The lower feathers underneath the B have been removed entirely, for a visually-cleaner shape. The centre of the wings retains the B centre jewel, but redesigned in such a way that the device can stand alone and be used as a graphic without the wings. The jewel has been redesigned to capture the high-quality details seen in luxury watch design, including a bevelled glass edge and chamfered metal surround, with a 3D depth of the “B” below the surface.

Bentley’s Director of Design, Robin Page, comments: “If a luxury brand is the product of the stories it has created, then its emblem is its signature. In more than a century of history, this is only the fourth evolution of Bentley’s iconic Winged B, and redesigning it was a formidable task for which we’ve taken great care. In an era of ever-increasing complexity and fidelity from digitalisation, an exercise of simplification and refinement is a modern necessity – and so the new emblem is cleaner, sharper and more impactful than its predecessor. The new Winged B – and the concept car that introduces it – both symbolise a powerful, exciting future for this company and its exceptional, handcrafted products.”

 


The elements of the Bentley iconography have always been the same – a prominent B at the heart of the design, flanked by a pair of feathered wings. When W.O. Bentley started his car company in 1919, he needed an emblem that summed up his quest to push the boundaries of performance.

He turned to his friend F. Gordon Crosby, the most famous motoring artist of the prewar years, who brought distant motor races and continental tours to life for readers of The Autocar. Crosby created the original Winged B – with the ‘B’ of Bentley inside a pair of wings chosen to represent the exhilaration of motion – and perhaps also a reference to W.O.

Bentley’s background as a designer of engines for fighter planes in the First World War. Crosby gave each wing a different number of feathers to make it completely unique – and stay one step ahead of fraudulent imitations.

When Bentley passed into the ownership of Rolls Royce in 1931, a new emblem was created. This second iteration was symmetrical, with 10 straightened feathers each side, flanking a simpler B in a plain black oval. This version is the longest-standing example in the company’s history, in use until the emblem’s third revision in circa 1996 – when, as a nod to Crosby the central ‘B’ was revised to echo the original, the emblem became more ornate and more pronounced curvature returned to the wings.

Following the purchase of Bentley by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, the emblem was redesigned again in preparation for the first Continental GT, launched in 2002. For the new era of Bentley ushered in by the Continental GT – a car that took annual production from 1,000 cars to 10,000 – a new Winged B was created. This honoured the 1919 original by reverting to an asymmetric design, with 10 feathers to the left an 11 to the right. This Winged B has been in use ever since as the main identity of Bentley.

Bentley’s 2025 Winged B will have two debuts this week. First, it will be officially unveiled at Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England on Monday 7th July, as part of the opening of Bentley’s new, state-of-the-art Design Studio. This three-storey development has been created within the original headquarters building of the factory, first built in 1938. On Tuesday 8th July, the new concept car will be revealed, as the first Bentley model to wear the new wings.

www.bentleymedia.com

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Saturday, 5 July 2025

Hörmann Expands Installer Rewards Programme


Hörmann UK has announced a significant expansion to its popular Rewards loyalty scheme, broadening the range of qualifying products and increasing the number of trade-relevant redeemable rewards on offer.

The enhanced programme now includes the full range of Hörmann Truedor composite doors, including the Platinum44 steel door, the thermally efficient Clima63, and the Draig 30-minute fire door, along with the RollMatic T roller garage door. These additions provide the opportunity for more installations to translate into extra rewards for fitters, reinforcing Hörmann's commitment to supporting its trade partners.


 Recognised as the first independent installer loyalty programme of its kind in the sector, Hörmann Rewards allows installers to earn points for each qualifying product installed and logged. The process is straightforward: after registering online, installers simply complete a short form and upload a photo of the installation. Points are then added to their account and can be viewed via a personalised dashboard.

Installers can now choose from 19 reward items, including essential jobsite items such as power tools, retail vouchers, and the ever-popular Makita Jobsite Radio - a staple on building sites.


The programme has continued to gain traction, with over 200 installers now actively taking part, and regularly earning rewards. By expanding the product range and reward options the company is making it easier than ever for installers to benefit from their loyalty.

To find out more about the Rewards programme visit the Rewards website www.hormannrewards.co.uk

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Friday, 4 July 2025

Beyond the Tick Box: Why Training Is Our Industry’s Strategic Superpower


The term “training” gets thrown around a lot in our industry. Too often, it’s something you do to tick a compliance box or to make sure engineers are signed off for insurance purposes. But at GfA, we’ve come to see training in an entirely different light—and we’d like to encourage the rest of the industrial door sector to do the same.

Training, in our view, isn’t just an obligation, it’s a competitive advantage. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to drive growth, innovation, and customer loyalty. That might sound grand but let me explain why it’s true—and why now is the time to act.
 
From Product Training to Business Enablement

Historically, product training in our industry has been narrow in scope. Come in, learn how to wire a drive, maybe a quick tour of the manual, and off you go. That’s fine as far as it goes. But what if training did more than that? What if it created confident salespeople, technical experts, and customer-facing ambassadors who could differentiate your business in the field?

That’s the approach we’ve taken at GfA over the past few years. We recognised early on that there was a vacuum in the market—an absence of structured, forward-thinking training. Apprenticeship pathways were patchy at best. Companies were relying on informal methods, or worse, not training at all. So, we stepped in—not just to fill that gap, but to redefine what industrial door training should look like.

Our programmes now reach far beyond installation and connecting. Yes, we still teach engineers the practical nuts and bolts. We also cover compliance, new standards, value-added selling, and how to spot commercial opportunities. We help them understand where the industry is going and how to align with it. In short, we don’t just teach people how to install our products—we empower them to make better business decisions.
 
Training for the Real World

One of the things that makes our training different is that it’s grounded in reality. Customers tell us that as well as referring to a trade or certification body, they come to us for clarity around the interpretation of new standards and regulations. We don’t sit on the fence. We talk about how regulations apply in practice, what industry officials are really looking for, and how to meet standards in a way that’s commercially viable.

Take fire shutters, for example. When the standards changed, we didn’t just release a new product—we ran sessions explaining what the changes meant, how to adapt, and how to support end-users in the transition. We demystified the jargon, unpacked the risks, and gave customers the confidence to navigate change.

That’s where the value lies. Training should remove friction. It should remove fear. And it should give businesses a clear roadmap for success, even when the landscape is shifting.
A Strategic Imperative, Not Just an Option

Let’s be clear—training isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a business-critical activity. The pace of technological change in our sector is accelerating. Whether it’s IoT, AI, or advanced safety integrations, we’re entering a new era. And companies that fail to keep up will fall behind fast.

At GfA, we’ve made it our mission to be the bridge between emerging technologies and practical implementation. We don’t just understand new developments—we actively interpret them for our customers. We explain what IoT really means in an industrial door context. We talk through how IoT might enhance diagnostics, maintenance planning, or safety systems. Then we train customers on how to apply these technologies in the field.

Often, these innovations don’t even originate with us. But we make it our business to learn, adapt, and support our customers with integrated solutions. That’s the kind of value people remember—and it’s what builds long-term loyalty.
 
The Decline in Skills: Stop sidelining and undervaluing engineers who service and install

All of this comes at a time when the skills base in our industry is under serious pressure. For years, government policy has focused on academic achievement, and vocational pathways have been sidelined. Engineering, construction, and trade skills have been underfunded, under-promoted, and under-valued. And now we’re paying the price.

We see it every day—too few qualified engineers, a lack of structured development, and companies struggling to find and retain skilled staff. Meanwhile, university graduates are saturating the job market with degrees that don’t align with economic demand.

This is a national issue, and we need a national response. But within our sector, we can take responsibility too. We can stop waiting for others to solve the problem and start building talent from the ground up. That means investing in training—not just as a compliance tool, but as a pillar of recruitment, retention, and performance.

For decades we’ve been importing skilled workers and investing in non-vocational soft-subject degrees. We need to invest heavily in vocational training and show respect to NVQs, apprenticeships and people who do the work.
 
Making the Industry Attractive Again

There’s also a perception problem to fix. In the UK, engineering doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. That’s a cultural failure. In Germany, engineers are held in the same regard as doctors and lawyers. Here, we still sometimes treat the trades as a fallback option.

But the tide is turning. Wages are rising, the work is becoming more complex and more rewarding, and young people are starting to see the appeal. We have an opportunity to rebrand the industrial door industry as a smart, modern, well-paid career choice. Training plays a massive role in that. The better your onboarding, the better your culture. The better your culture, the longer people stay. And the longer they stay, the stronger your business becomes.
Partner Training: The Hidden Advantage

Our training doesn’t stop at our own front door. It extends to strategic product associations—for example complimentary company product lines like those from BEA, CEDES, or other leaders in sensing and automation. If we’re supplying a complete package that includes third-party products, we make sure we’re experts in those products too.

Why? Because integration matters. A brilliant drive unit is no good if the safety sensors aren’t installed properly. A control panel is only as effective as the system it’s connected to. If we can’t support the full package, we’re failing our customers. So, we invest in cross-training. We build strong links with our suppliers. And we pass that expertise on.

That’s one of the reasons why industry leading suppliers like working with us. They know their products will be represented correctly. They know the end user will get a joined-up solution. And they know we’ll back them with technical competence and real-world knowledge.
The Role of the DHF

The DHF plays a critical role in raising standards through the training they offer. Since their first training course in 2013 to the more recent roll-out of the ESA accredited NVQ’s, they provide a variety of accessible programmes and support to both members and non-members alike.

But we need to collectively raise the baseline across the industry. That means consistent standards, accessible programmes, and clear messaging about why training matters. A skilled, knowledgeable workforce is in everyone’s interest and benefits the entire supply chain. It improves safety, reduces rework, enhances customer satisfaction, and makes our industry more competitive.
 
Where Do We Go From Here?

If you take one message from this article, let it be this: training is no longer optional. It’s no longer a cost centre. It’s an investment—and one that pays back many times over.

Whether you’re a small installer or a multinational manufacturer, you should be thinking seriously about how you train your people and more importantly customer training. Not just for today’s challenges, but for tomorrow’s opportunities. What will your engineers need to know five years from now? How will your salespeople position integrated systems? What technologies are already reshaping your customers’ expectations?

Those aren’t questions you answer with a toolbox talk. They require structured learning, shared understanding, and a company-wide commitment to excellence.

At GfA, we’re proud to be leading the charge. But we don’t want to do it alone. If the industry steps up together, we can create a new standard—one where training is respected, pursued, and celebrated as the strategic superpower it truly is.

By Andy Collett, Managing Director, GfA UK Limited

www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk

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Thursday, 3 July 2025

MDS’s High-Performance Shutter Installation: An Ellard Case Study


At Ellard, we’re always excited to see how our products perform in real-world applications. Recently, MDS completed an impressive installation featuring our VDA180 motors, designed to meet the demands of a high-traffic racking environment. Given the complexity of the project—where speed, safety, and fire evacuation were top priorities—we were eager to learn more about how our solutions played a role in its success.

We spoke with Laura Rose at MDS to get her insights on the project, the decision-making process, and MDS’s overall experience. Here’s what she had to say.

Meeting the Project Requirements

Can you please give an overview of the project requirements and the solution you offered to your customer?

Laura explained:

The shutters are to be used in a busy racking environment. We were looking to cover 3 main bases.

1. Speed

2. Safe Operations

3. Fire Evacuation

Speed was essential due to high traffic flow in the area, safe operations were key due to high operations and personnel, and for fire evacuation, we needed the doors to open via a fire alarm signal so there would be a clear fire exit path.

From the outset, it was clear that this wasn’t a standard shutter installation. The combination of speed, operational safety, and fire evacuation meant that the solution needed to be highly responsive and reliable under all conditions. Our VDA180 motors, known for their robust design and control functionality, were an ideal fit for these requirements.
 


Choosing the Right Motors

What made you choose our VDA180 motors for this solution?


Laura shared:

I was keen to use Ellard’s motors and controls for two key reasons.

1. We use Ellard’s equipment on our fire shutter range and although we usually use them to close a shutter in the event of a fire but in this instance, we were signalling the doors to open. We trust in the products as we have little to no issues with Ellard’s fire controls and have used them for a number of years.

2. We supplied eight of these type of shutters, same customer, same environment back in 2013 to which have been used daily in high traffic environments, and they have worked well since they have been installed, the service/maintenance schedule we advised has been adhered too and I can confirm the shutters have worked consistently for the last 10+ years.

Hearing that our fire shutter solutions have been delivering reliable performance for over a decade is exactly the kind of feedback we strive for. The fact that MDS had already seen our products withstand the test of time in a demanding environment reassured us that the VDA180 motors were the right choice for this new project. The ability to trust in a product’s longevity and resilience is crucial when working on large-scale installations like this.

Project Execution and Collaboration

How would you describe the experience of working with our team during the project? Did any members of the Ellard team stand out to you?

Laura stated:

I contacted Adam Robinson advising that there was potential for 24 of the doors and from this point we have worked together alongside Ralph of MDS and Dave England of Ellard’s to ensure we could offer the same level of service we had provided back in 2013. We had one slight hiccup during commissioning, I contacted Adam directly and Ellard’s were in attendance the next day onsite, and all doors were installed and commissioned within the time scale.

At Ellard, we pride ourselves on providing not just high-quality products but also exceptional support. We know that large-scale projects like this come with challenges, and our goal is always to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. The fast response from our team ensured that the project stayed on schedule, reinforcing the trust MDS placed in us.


Final Results and Customer Feedback

Now that the project is completed, have you received any feedback from your own customers or internal team regarding the finished solution?

Lastly, Laura added:

The project was delivered by MDS manufacturing team, and the installation was led by Josh Westwood. Everybody who has seen the end result have advised how aesthetically pleasing the shutters look, we were impressed with the speed of the doors, the easy set-up of the control panels with the audio-visual panels. We have also had further interest from other customers about the shutters on this project.

Overall, it has been a successful project for MDS.

It’s always rewarding to see our products in action and to hear that they are not only performing well but also generating more interest from customers. The combination of speed, ease of use, and aesthetics makes these shutters a standout solution in a high-demand environment.

We are proud to have worked with MDS on this project and look forward to seeing how our collaboration continues to deliver results in the future.
www.ellard.co.uk

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Wednesday, 2 July 2025

‘A shared understanding of responsibilities and expectations’


On the eighth anniversary of the Grenfell fire tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, DHF is reflecting on a number of significant steps that have been taken in response to the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.


The Grenfell fire took place on 14th June 2017 and rapidly engulfed a 24-storey residential building in North Kensington, exposed critical failings in building safety, regulation, and governance. It burned for 60 hours and was the deadliest structural fire in the UK since the 1988 Piper Alpha oil-platform disaster, and the worst UK residential fire since the Blitz of World War II.

In the eight years following the tragedy, a wide-ranging public inquiry, legislative reform, and a national reckoning with the responsibilities of those entrusted with public safety, have taken place.

On 4th September 2024, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry released its final report, concluding that the fire resulted from "decades of failure" by the government and construction industry to address fire safety risks. The report includes58 recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

In February 2025, the British government published its response to the Inquiry's Phase 2 report, accepting the recommendations and outlining plans for their implementation. In May 2025, a progress report was released detailing steps taken, including the establishment of a publicly accessible record of recommendations from public inquiries.

Alongside its response, the government published a Construction Products Reform Green Paper, proposing comprehensive reforms to the construction products sector. Key proposals include
  • expanding the regulatory scope to cover a broader range of construction products,
  • establishing a national construction products regulator,
  • enhancing oversight of product testing and certification processes,
  • introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms, including unlimited fines and potential prison sentences for non-compliance.
“A key area of reform since Grenfell has been improving the competence of those working in the built environment,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Central to this is BS 8670-1:2024, a new standard developed by the British Standards Institution to define core principles, terminology, and requirements for competence in safety-critical roles. It serves as the foundation for role-specific competency frameworks across the industry, ensuring a shared understanding of responsibilities and expectations.

“DHF has played a key role in shaping the built environment’s evolving competence framework, contributing its expertise as a member of SLG 10 – Installation and Maintenance,” she continues. “This group focuses on addressing competence challenges within the installation and maintenance sector. Our involvement is identifying training gaps and defining the skills needed to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act 2023, ensuring the sector is better prepared to deliver safe, compliant work in line with new regulatory expectations. We are also developing a Building Hardware Training Programme to provide a solid foundation in the fundamentals of building hardware, an initiative that supports the delivery of safer, more compliant building environments by ensuring workers are equipped with essential knowledge and skills.”

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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