Sunday, 29 March 2026

“Cars so fast, they need parachutes to stop them” – Santa Pod at 60


Sixty years ago, “Cars so fast, they need parachutes to stop them” was a slogan Santa Pod Raceway used to advertise its unique arrival on the British motor racing scene. And parachutes remain vital braking equipment to this day.

Conventional brakes have improved beyond measure, but so have dragstrip speeds. Late-1960s dragsters astonished fans with finish-line speeds pushing 160mph. Today’s track record is 321mph – that’s 0-321 in 3.7 seconds, performance figures far exceeding the most fevered imagination when Santa Pod opened its gates as Europe’s first permanent dragstrip on Easter Monday 1966.

Santa Pod’s 60th Anniversary calendar taps a rich vein of motorsport and musical attractions. The dragstrip remains the heart of the matter, but Santa Pod has expanded to become much more than just a racing venue.

It is a busy place. Every weekend from the beginning of March to the end of October (except August bank holiday, a well-earned weekend off for the staff) yields an event of some kind. Alongside the dragstrip, the Live Action Arena presents Monster Truck and stunt shows, fine family attractions, and a music stage often occupies the acres beyond. 

Across the strip, the vast, paved paddock can accommodate more than 300 teams at the big races – with their vehicles, transporters and trailers and weekend living facilities – and music stages, funfairs and all manner of displays at the venue’s lifestyle festivals. And there is space too for the regular midweek Public Drift Days.


Music is an integral part of the Santa Pod programme, whether as night-time entertainment at the multi-day race meetings or on a grander scale at the festivals, with leading artists often featured.

Santa Pod’s 60th Anniversary celebrations will focus on the two FIA/FIM European Championship events, The Main Event (22-25 May) and the European Finals (10-13 September), and on the venue’s historic drag racing centrepiece, Dragstalgia (26-28 June).

Of the two major automotive lifestyle weekends, Bug Jam 39 is just one year short of its own significant anniversary. The massive Volkswagen festival (24-26 July) has been a Santa Pod staple for almost two-thirds of the venue’s existence. A week later, USC-Ultimate Street Car (31 July-2 August) bills itself as “the largest, loudest, hottest and fastest modified car festival in Europe”.

To mark the 60th Anniversary, Santa Pod will release an exclusive branded FIA Championship clothing range and a limited edition anniversary jacket. A special bookazine will celebrate the venue’s entire history on a year-by-year basis, and a range of limited-edition paintings will be issued.

Some 400,000 spectators a year pass through Santa Pod’s gates to experience the exceptional and varied programme of events offered by the Raceway. Visit https://santapod.co.uk/events/ to see the full programme.

Tickets for all events may be booked online at https://santapodtickets.com/ or by telephoning the Box Office at 01234 782828.

PS: So how did the venue come by its memorable name? It’s an amalgam: ‘Santa’ to evoke the spirit of Southern California, the cradle of drag racing; ‘Pod’ for Podington, the WW2-surplus airfield on which it stands. Imaginative fellows, those brave business types who launched the venture on a wing, a prayer and a derelict aerodrome, six boisterous decades ago.

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Saturday, 28 March 2026

DIJ Hits the Road for DHF’s Training Launch


Two men walked into a bar… It may sound like the start of a joke but it was actually the start of something that will seriously change the landscape of building hardware training.

One night turned into 18 months of development and the UK’s first Ofqual-regulated and ABBE-accredited qualifications dedicated to the building hardware industry was born.

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has shifted the gears of professional training in our industry. Held at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, its launch event put the spotlight (or should that be headlights?) on competence, collaboration, and the future of the sector – and DIJ was there to experience it first-hand.

Innovation on display – in more ways than one

The museum proved the perfect backdrop, with some of the most iconic vehicles in British automotive history reminding attendees that innovation is often the engine of progress. Inside, almost 100 industry professionals were all focused on the future of competence in the sector.

The launch showcased a significant change in how competence in the building hardware industry is developed, measured, and recognised. The day began with a presentation mapping out the journey of creating the Core Competence in Building Hardware programme and explaining its practical applications.


A journey mapped out – forge your own learning path

The programme is comprehensive, covering 178 learning outcomes and 750 assessment criteria, from the history of door hardware to modern smart locking systems. One of its standout features is flexibility: learners can build their own path and select the modules most relevant to their role.

As attendees were reminded; customers don’t want to see a salesman – they want to talk to a product expert. This approach ensures that the training equips professionals with the skills and recognised competence to advise, support, and innovate confidently.

Fuel for thought – collaboration is key to success

The Q&A session was a highlight, with attendees asking insightful questions and a panel discussion exploring assessment methods and the wider impact on industry standards. The presence of representatives from organisations including the Construction Products Association, Master Locksmiths Association, Police CPI, the Office for Product Safety and Standards, CITB, Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, Clearview Group, and BRE reflected a strong, collaborative effort to improve competence across the sector.


Driving the future of competence

The Core Competence in Building Hardware programme aligns with the Construction Product Competence Standard set out in the Construction Products Association White Paper, placing it at the forefront of wider competence reform. DHF members will have exclusive access for the first six months, with a full public launch scheduled for Spring 2026.

The programme represents a much-needed jump start for the industry, providing a structured, credible, and flexible approach to training that addresses current challenges, including a talent pool that is shrinking faster than it is being replenished.

Full Speed Ahead – after this landmark launch

Beyond the presentations, the event offered opportunities to network and discuss ideas with peers across the sector, all over a lovely lunch. The combination of practical insight, collaboration, and friendly conversation made for an engaging and informative day.

DHF’s efforts in creating and launching this programme mark a significant milestone for building hardware competence in the UK. It demonstrates how the industry can innovate while keeping professional standards and practical training at the forefront.

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Friday, 27 March 2026

Hörmann Duragrain Motif - Personalised Garage Doors Like Never Before


Hörmann UK is once again setting new standards in design flexibility and customer personalisation with the launch of its Duragrain Motif Collection. This innovative, creative development offers homeowners the ability to transform their garage doors with striking, design elements that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any property.

Available on LPU 42 L-ribbed sectional doors homeowners and designers can choose from over 80 exclusive motifs featuring cityscapes, landscapes, vehicles, abstract graphics, and bold graffiti art, plus stunning X-Large designs that feature large-scale imagery of textures like stone, concrete, and timber.

The addition of a Custom Print option allows customers to upload their own images – a favourite photo, artwork, or branding – and see it come to life. This personalised printing technology provides high-resolution, UV-resistant finishes that are both durable and visually stunning.

The new motifs are available via the Hörmann online configurator, an intuitive interface where users can select from preset designs or upload their custom visuals. The configurator enables visualisation of door designs, allowing customers to see exactly how their chosen image will look on their garage.

The introduction of Duragrain Motif sees Hörmann continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in garage door design, delivering both technical excellence and artistic freedom.

For more information on Duragrain Motif call 01530 516868

www.hormann.co.uk

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Thursday, 26 March 2026

LiftMaster is proud to announce the new Professional EVX Line of Garage Door Operators


LiftMaster unveils the new EVX Series, a breakthrough generation of professional garage door openers engineered with direct input from dealers and installers.

Designed to set a new benchmark for reliability, flexibility, and sustainability, the EVX Series combines advanced performance with installer‑friendly features that streamline setup and enhance day‑to‑day efficiency.

Built with Dealer Insight. Designed for Professional Excellence. The EVX Series was developed in close collaboration with industry professionals to meet the evolving demands of modern installation projects.

Every improvement—from performance upgrades to packaging innovation—reflects real‑world insights from the field.

Key Features of the LiftMaster EVX Series

Three Speed Profiles

Three selectable speed profiles allow installers to tailor operation to any garage door type, including sectional, one-piece, or heavy custom doors. The three speed settings ensure smooth, quiet, and safe movement, customised to each installation.

Extended Power Cable

Up to 25% more lifting capacity enables the EVX Series to support larger and more robust garage doors, expanding project possibilities without sacrificing safety or reliability.

More Lifting Capacity

The 1.6 m extended power cable enables faster and more flexible installations, reducing the need for extension cords and simplifying work in garages with difficult outlet placement.

Sustainable, Efficient Packaging

Eco-Friendly Carton Inlays

Committed to sustainability, LiftMaster uses recyclable carton inlays and eliminates foam packaging. Accessories are consolidated within the main box for cleaner, simpler handling and reduced waste.

Digital Manuals & QR Codes

Each EVX opener includes a concise one-page guide with QR code access to the latest digital manuals and the myQ app—ensuring in‑ stallers always have the most up‑to‑date information without bulky paper inserts.

A Product Shaped by Partnership – Now Elevated by Our New Website

The EVX Series reflects LiftMaster’s deep commitment to its professional partner network. Every enhancement is built on installer feedback, resulting in a system that is easier to install, more durable, and perfectly aligned with business growth for professionals.

With the launch of our new LiftMaster website, liftmaster.eu in June 2025, this commitment is stronger than ever: homeowners are now guided directly to certified dealers, and all consumer inquiries are routed to our professional partners. This ensures that business stays firmly within the expert installation channel — where LiftMaster products perform at their best.

Powered by innovation, partnership, and a dedicated pro‑first approach, LiftMaster continues to support partners with high‑performance, sustainable solutions made for long‑term success. LiftMaster encourages professional installers across Europe to take the next step toward becoming an officially recognised LiftMaster Partner and securing their place within our growing professional network.

www.liftmaster.eu

www.chamberlain.eu

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Wednesday, 25 March 2026

SeceuroDoor: Strengthening SWS UK’s Position as a Leading Steel Door Manufacturer


With continued investment in manufacturing, technology and customer support, SWS UK is reinforcing its standing within the steel door market. Reflecting this growth, SeceuroDoor industrial steel doors are going bigger, with expanded size capabilities designed to support larger and more demanding commercial applications.

Built for Nationwide Demand


With dual manufacturing sites in Lancaster and London, SWS provides national coverage, enabling faster lead times, reliable supply and consistent quality across every order. This operational strength allows SWS to respond quickly to project requirements while maintaining the high manufacturing standards expected by installers and specifiers alike.

Versatile Security for Modern Commercial Spaces

Designed for a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, SeceuroDoor delivers versatile, high-performance steel security solutions. The range is suited to shopfronts, commercial premises, car parks, factories and warehouses, offering dependable protection across diverse sectors.

Products include tubular motor shutters, heavy-duty industrial doors and manual spring or chain-operated options, all available in both single-skin and insulated profiles to meet varying performance requirements.

Speed That Keeps Installers Moving

Speed and reliability remain central to the SeceuroDoor proposition. Industry-leading turnaround times help installers respond quickly to customer needs, particularly in emergency repair situations. By prioritising manufacturing efficiency and stock availability, SWS ensures installers can keep projects moving without unnecessary delays.


Designed with Fitters in Mind

A key differentiator for the range is its installer-focused engineering. Designed with fitters firmly in mind, SeceuroDoor products combine high levels of security with practical installation benefits.

Universal laser-cut endplates, pre-drilled components and clearly labelled accessory packs simplify onsite work, while the latest EVO design reduces installation time by up to 25%, helping installers improve productivity and profitability.

Support Beyond the Product

SWS supports customers throughout the entire project lifecycle. Dedicated customer service includes assigned account managers, field-based support and access to a 24/7 technical support line, ensuring expert assistance is always available when required.

Digital innovation also plays an important role in the customer experience. Through the industry-leading SWS Online portal, customers can generate instant quotes, create own-brand quotations, track orders in real time and access detailed technical drawings immediately - streamlining project planning and administration from enquiry through to installation.

Building a Reputation in Steel

Commenting on the company’s growth in the sector, Managing Director Colin Reoch said: “We’ve made significant investment in both our people and our manufacturing capabilities to ensure SeceuroDoor delivers exactly what today’s installers and businesses need - reliability, speed and ease of installation. Our ambition is clear: to be recognised not just as a shutter manufacturer, but as a leading UK steel door specialist known for quality, service and innovation.”

www.sws.co.uk

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Tuesday, 24 March 2026

NT60 Sectional Garage Side Doors Now Available on Fast Track from Hörmann


Hörmann UK has announced that its popular NT60 sectional garage side doors are now available on Fast Track delivery, with a commitment to supply in just three to four weeks from point of order. This significant reduction in lead times enables installers to respond faster to customer demand while continuing to offer a premium, market-leading garage side door solution.

The new Fast Track programme opens up further opportunities to supply homeowners with the convenience of additional access to their garage - all perfectly matched to their main garage door. Manufactured to the same exacting standards as Hörmann’s renowned sectional garage doors, the NT60 side door range delivers robust construction, precision engineering, and a high degree of security for added peace of mind.

With this major enhancement in lead time, Hörmann is making it easier than ever for the trade to specify and install a fully coordinated garage door package without extended waiting periods. The improved delivery represents an exceptional turnaround not previously available from Hörmann for this product category.

The Fast Track programme encompasses both single-leaf and double-leaf NT60 sectional side doors, with no size limitations, providing maximum flexibility for projects of all sizes. A range of practical hardware options is included, such as the electric strike upgrade, standard lever handle sets, and standard hinge colour finishes, ensuring suitability for a wide variety of applications. 

Installers can also choose between block frame and corner frame configurations to suit different site requirements, helping to streamline specification and installation.

In terms of finishes, the Fast Track programme also includes a wide choice of surface finishes to suit a variety of property styles. M and L-ribbed designs are offered in Woodgrain, Silkgrain and Planar finishes, available in seven popular colours including Anthracite grey, Jet black, and White aluminium. Decograin options in Golden Oak and Dark Oak, enable homeowners to achieve an authentic timber-effect appearance.

By combining shortened lead times, a broad range of options and the renowned Hörmann build quality, the NT60 Fast Track programme gives the trade a faster, more flexible way to deliver a fully coordinated garage door package.

To find out more about Hörmann garage doors and the NT60 side door visit Garage Doors | Garage Door Suppliers | Hörmann

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Monday, 23 March 2026

Ellard’s Go-To Control Panel for Direct Drives, Flange Motors & Sectional Door Drives


In industrial door installations, reliability is essential. Control panels are expected to manage high traffic volumes, meet strict safety standards, and perform consistently in demanding environments. For that reason, Ellard has standardised on the Promax+ control panel across the majority of our Direct Drive (DDO and MDF), Flange, and Sectional Door ranges.

Promax+ is more than a controller - It’s a platform designed to make installation simpler, fault finding quicker, and future upgrades easier to manage.

Designed to Make Installation Faster and Smarter

The Promax+ has been developed with installers firmly in mind. Digital limit setting allows open and close positions to be configured directly from the control panel, removing the need for ladder work, mechanical fine-tuning, or unnecessary guesswork. The result is faster commissioning and greater accuracy from the outset.

A clear, customisable digital display provides an intuitive interface that’s straightforward to navigate, even for engineers using the panel for the first time. Less time spent navigating menus means more time completing the installation.

Built-In Diagnostics That Reduce Downtime

When an industrial door stops, business operations are immediately impacted. Promax+ helps minimise disruption with integrated fault diagnostics, displaying clear fault codes directly on the screen. Engineers can identify issues quickly, understand the cause, and resolve them efficiently without time-consuming trial-and-error checks.

These features make the panel particularly well suited to logistics hubs, manufacturing facilities, and other high-demand sites where uptime is critical.

Flexible for New Installations and Retrofits

Industrial environments rarely operate with entirely new equipment. The Promax+ supports both KOSTAL and Elektromaten encoders, providing the flexibility needed for mixed or retrofit sites. This compatibility simplifies upgrades and helps avoid the complications that can otherwise arise when integrating with existing systems.

Expandable and Ready for Change

Site requirements evolve, and control systems need to adapt accordingly. Promax+ offers expandable inputs and outputs, allowing additional safety devices such as photocells, safety edges, and switches to be integrated as needed.

Plug-in expansion modules make it straightforward to add features including ground loops, wireless safety edges, radio control systems, and traffic light systems. This modular approach keeps installations clean, scalable, and ready for future developments without major redesign.

Reliable Performance as Standard

Promax+ is engineered for demanding industrial applications, offering:
  • 400Vac 3-phase or 230Vac single-phase power supply
  • Motor capacity up to 2.2kW (3-phase) or 1.2kW (single-phase)
  • 24Vac / 24Vdc accessory output at 700mA
  • 230Vac output (neutral required)
  • Volt-free outputs for door open and close status
Safety is fully supported, with compatibility for OSE and 8k2 safety edges, photocells, and an adjustable auto-close timer ranging from 3 to 180 seconds.

A Complete Promax+ Ecosystem

The wider Promax+ accessory range extends functionality even further. Installers can configure each panel to meet site-specific requirements using options such as traffic light control cards, loop detector cards, wireless safety edge systems, and 868MHz radio receiver and transmitter solutions.

This flexibility ensures each installation can be tailored without adding unnecessary complexity.

Setting the Standard

By standardising with Promax+, Ellard delivers consistency across installations while reducing training requirements and simplifying ongoing support. Customers benefit from a proven, adaptable control solution designed to perform reliably in demanding environments.

For industrial doors where safety, performance, and scalability matter, Promax+ provides a practical and dependable standard.

www.ellard.co.uk

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Sunday, 22 March 2026

TWISTED UNVEILS THE TRRC - ITS FIRST-EVER INTERPRETATION OF THE RANGE ROVER CLASSIC


Twisted Automotive, the world-renowned specialists in re-engineering iconic British 4x4s, has unveiled its first-ever Range Rover project: the Twisted interpretation of a Range Rover Classic (TRRC).

Following 25 years of perfecting the Defender, Twisted has applied its ‘anti-ordinary’ philosophy to the two-door Range Rover Classic. The TRRC is a project rooted in deep personal nostalgia. For Twisted founder Charles Fawcett, the Range Rover Classic was the "king of the road" during his childhood.

"When I think back to the 1980’s, my father always seemed to have a two-door Range Rover, and there was one particular one that stood out," says Fawcett. "It was terracotta brown with fibreglass extended wheel arches and white Weller eight-spoke wheels shod with General Grabber road-oriented tyres. On the front, he’d fabricated a valance out of an MGB GT front spoiler. To me, it was just iconic. Today, the TRRC exists out of unapologetic nostalgia, recreating something I remember from when I was a tiny boy. I think many customers will relate to that feeling.”

At the core of the build is a high-performance LT1 V8 conversion producing 500hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. To manage this power, Twisted utilised two decades of engineering heritage from its Defender program.

While the TRRC drives similarly to Twisted’s T90 and T110 (re-engineered Defender), in terms of performance and communication, the handling has been specifically tuned for the Range Rover's unique character. 

"We spent an age tweaking the bushings so that you got something that was sharp and super drivable but not too harsh," explains Fawcett. "A Range Rover needs to be supple.” 
 

True to the Twisted ethos, the TRRC is a curated mix of the best eras of the Classic, blending a 1970s front bumper with a 1990s-style grille and headlight surrounds. British engineering excellence runs through every detail, with bespoke tooling being designed to create new hammer-formed aluminium panels for every external surface of the TRRC. Twisted’s panel gap tolerance on the TRRC is obsessive.

Other bespoke design choices include the C-Pillar. Twisted customers can choose not to have the traditional floating roof look, instead painting the C-pillar in body colour to accentuate the two-door silhouette. The vehicle sits slightly lower on the nose to suit the Classic’s profile. Design touches such as vents formed in the C-pillar panel will be included in the final production design.

The TTRC's interior has been reengineered, too. Seats have been positioned lower than the originals, so the driver's eyeline is directed at the upper half of the windscreen, making the most of the vehicle's legendary glass-everywhere visibility.

In a move that honours the bare metalwork of early Range Rovers, Twisted attaches soundproofing to the underside of the carpet rather than the interior shell. It’s a small, obsessive detail synonymous with Twisted - allowing customers to peel back the carpet to see the pristine paintwork, or even leave the rear inner arches uncarpeted to fully appreciate the metalwork.

Pricing for the Twisted TRRC starts at £350,000. Vehicles will be shipped globally. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous 500-mile validation program before delivery. Twisted will hand-build up to 12 TRRCs per year. 

“All of our 2026 build slots are already taken and 2027 is looking over-subscribed,” says Fawcett. “The Range Rover Classic is a British icon. It’s not for everyone, and that’s the point. As with all Twisted products, not everyone will want one and of those that do, not everyone will get one.”
 
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Saturday, 21 March 2026

Adaston unveils ambitious five-year growth strategy and announces six senior hires


To support long term growth, the Harrogate-based fire protection specialist has invested heavily in recruitment, filling six key roles across continuous organisational improvement, technical compliance and customer success in the last three months..

Kevin McLaughlin, has been appointed as Technical and Compliance Manager to lead Adaston’s technical compliance and competency functions.

As compliance and regulation are complex and constantly changing, Kevin will ensure that Adaston continues to provide market-leading consultancy, surveys and the Golden Thread of information that guarantees a fully transparent, audit-ready compliance data trail.

Kevin is supported by Alan Smith, who joins as Lead Surveyor to head up a growing team of five surveyors.

Further strengthening the firm’s operational core is Daniel Parry, who takes on the newly created role of Head of Continuous Improvement. Oliver Holmes also joins as Cost Manager with 15 years of industry experience to lead the estimating function.

The expansion is rounded out by Nigel Tomlinson as Contracts Manager and Samantha Chesson as Key Account Manager

Samantha, formerly National Key Account Manager for Arnold Laver, part of National Timber Group, will strengthen the strategic customer support for Adaston’s clients, driving industry standards in customer service and retention.

Paul Ward, Acting Managing Director of Adaston, said: “This isn't just about increasing our headcount; it’s about building the strategic foundations for the next five years of Adaston. When you partner with Adaston you gain a guarantee that matters. We have a ten-year history of successful delivery and an uncompromising right-first-time approach to all works. These hires are a commitment to continued growth, future-proofing our offering and guaranteeing that with Adaston you will always get the gold standard in Passive Fire Protection.”

The appointments come as Adaston bolsters its national footprint, securing a multi-year year contract with Swindon Borough Council with a potential value of £3.5m.

The organisation is also currently in the final stages of bidding for high-profile projects in London, including a significant fire stopping contract and fire door installation project.

www.adaston.com

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Friday, 20 March 2026

Hörmann Bollards Secure Sanderson Transport’s Distribution Hub


FBS Hörmann has recently completed the installation of five Hörmann Security Line automatic bollards at the main entrance to the East Midlands storage and distribution facility operated by Stephen Sanderson Transport. The new bollards have been installed to enhance traffic management and site security, complementing the company’s existing automated gate and security systems.

The Hörmann Security Line automatic bollards provide a highly reliable and flexible solution for controlling vehicle access at busy logistics sites. Designed for continuous operation, the bollards can be fully raised in just 1.5 seconds, allowing for rapid response in emergency situations. Integrated battery back-up systems ensure continued functionality and site protection even during power outages.

Safety is a key feature of the system, with each bollard incorporating force limitation technology. In the unlikely event of pedestrian contact during operation, the bollard automatically retracts to prevent injury. The installation also includes a fully integrated safety control system featuring induction loops, photocells, and a traffic light interface, ensuring safe and efficient access control for vehicles and personnel alike.

Chris Sanderson, of Stephen Sanderson Transport, commented: “Security and efficiency are essential to our operations, and Hörmann’s systems have consistently delivered both. The new bollards provide added control and reassurance at one of our busiest access points. As their transport partner we have worked with Hörmann over many years, and when it comes to updating and securing our sites we value their technical expertise and attention to detail.”


The project was fully project-managed by FBS Hörmann’s Perimeter Protection division, working closely with civil contractors and the Sanderson Transport team to coordinate installation and commissioning.

This latest installation reinforces the long-standing partnership between Hörmann and Sanderson Transport. Previous projects at the site include the installation of 3-metre-high automated swing gates spanning an 8-metre opening, a 16-metre automated sliding gate, and a set of master/slave automated barriers, plus the installation of Decotherm industrial roller shutter doors across the goods handling and storage areas.

Tom Kirk Head of the Perimeter Protection Division at FBS Hörmann, added: “It’s been a pleasure to continue our partnership with Stephen Sanderson Transport. The Security Line bollards provide a robust and responsive access solution designed for the high demands of logistics operations. Our project management team worked closely with both the client and contractors to ensure a seamless and efficient installation.”

www.hormann.co.uk

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