The Door Industry Journal: July 2013

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Dorma Stays Top Of The Class For New £2bn Priority School Building Programme

As part of the Government’s new £2 billion Priority School Building Programme (PSBP), 261 of the UK’s most dilapidated schools will be rebuilt over the next five years, with 42 of the most in need to be started immediately and complete by 2014. To ensure door and access solutions meet stringent building regulations and performance criteria, DORMA has produced a comprehensive brochure which provides specification guidance for automatic doors, manual doors and space management systems.

‘DORMA for Education & Schools’ not only showcases the company’s comprehensive range of internal and external access products but advises which meet the performance criteria defined by the Department for Education and Schools, Approved Document M and Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (SENDA).

With detailed information for both manual and automatic door types, the brochure advises on both internal and external door applications including automatic sliding door systems – ideal for heavy traffic areas. It also details a range of automatic swing door systems, as well as low energy door operators, automatic folding and revolving door options.

The majority of doors in an education organisation will be manually operated fire doors. The brochure looks at the criteria involved in making the right selection for door closers in order to meet the opening force requirements of SENDA and BS8300, and details the options available – which include a whole range of cam action, free swing and electro-magnetic hold open devices.

Of particular importance to educational establishments is the selection of robust panic hardware to ensure that security and safe egress come together at final exit doors. The client can choose from self-locking latches and in addition to conventional operation, swipe cards and other electronic security devices can be interfaced with the DORMA range. DORMA also offer a large selection of CERTIFIRE approved locks for general use throughout the building to provide peace of mind.

The brochure also details internal space management options ideal for schools, colleges and universities, and for the ultimate in adaptable space, DORMA’s unique lightweight movable MOVEO® wall system, (which is approximately half the weight of conventional systems), allows large areas such as halls to be converted into smaller spaces in seconds.

With the Priority Schools Building Programme set to inject investment into the building of UK educational establishments, the DORMA Schools brochure will make the selection of internal and external doors and their hardware easier.

For a copy of the brochure – DORMA for Education and Schools – download at www.dorma-show.com/schools, contact 01462 477600 or email schools@dorma-uk.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Dorma Exhibits Versatile Product Range at £74m Glasgow Riverside Museum

At the £74 million Riverside Museum in Glasgow – designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid – an extensive range of glass doors, floor springs and architectural ironmongery from DORMA is providing a first class experience for more than 4,000 visitors every day.

Funded by Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Riverside Museum Appeal, the museum houses over 3,000 exhibits and showcases the city's transport, shipbuilding and engineering heritage. With the needs and expectations of the visitors a priority throughout the design process, careful consideration was given to every element specified across its 7,000m² exhibition area.

Appointed to supply and install a comprehensive range of complex exhibition systems, street scenes and displays, fit-out specialists Mivan turned to global partner for premium access solutions and services, DORMA. For a series of internal door specifications, the company supplied patches, profiles, rails, handles, floor springs and glass to provide safe and reliable operation every time.

The Riverside Museum – Zaha Hadid’s first major public commission to open in the UK – welcomed over two million visitors in its first sixteen months of opening. Millions of visitors now enjoy a smooth, high quality experience as they navigate through 150 interactive museum displays thanks to an innovative range of glass products and architectural ironmongery from DORMA.

For more information please visit www.dorma-show.co.uk. All DORMA products are backed up by a nationwide team of service and maintenance engineers.

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Monday, 29 July 2013

AN EDUCATION IN DOORSETS FROM LEADERFLUSH SHAPLAND

Leaderflush Shapland has supplied nearly 600 doorsets from its Urban Edge range to the combined student and staff accommodation quarters, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Cornwall.

As the first combined site of its kind for Plymouth University, enabling medical staff and students to mix freely, the accommodation quarters at the Royal Cornwall Hospital are designed to provide a high quality living space that is fitted out with products and materials that will be able to stand the test of time.

Specified by BAM Construction, Urban Edge supplied a total of 582 doorsets finished in a sarum grey laminate. Due to the nature of the project, safety was paramount - as a result, doorsets were specified to meet up to 30 minutes fire resistance for installation to hall entrances, corridors and bedrooms to help provide barriers in areas where there is a higher risk of fire spreading. Within the busy, high capacity living areas, doorsets were specified to meet up to 32RwdB sound reduction.

The £8.5million Truro accommodation houses 232 bedrooms with modern facilities that have replaced the current 1960’s accommodation, but will retain a ‘domestic’ feel in keeping with the surrounding neighbourhood.

David Roper, Project Manager from BAM Construction commented:

“We worked alongside Urban Edge as it is a trusted supplier to student accommodation projects. Its renowned industry solution within this specific sector offers a highly cost-effective solution making it a perfect choice for this particular development.”

Garry Clark, Business Development Director from Leaderflush Shapland said:

“Leaderflush Shapland recognises the needs of sectors such as student accommodation, which is why we pride the Urban Edge brand as a dedicated division that can supply a variety of doorset solutions to meet the specific needs of this sector.”

For more information on Urban Edge products please visit www.urbanedgedoorsets.co.uk

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Sunday, 28 July 2013

1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider Leads Latest Highlights for RM Auctions' Multi-Million Dollar Monterey Sale

Reinforcing its reputation as the world’s largest collector car auction house for investment-quality automobiles, RM Auctions is delighted to announce the latest premiere offerings for its flagship two-day sale in Monterey, California, August 16–17, during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance motoring week.

With no less than 25 cars estimated to achieve in excess of $1,000,000 each, anticipation for the Monterey sale is at an all-time high, as it has captured the attention of the international collector community, who are all keen to bid on a roster of automobiles that represent some of the finest cars to be found anywhere in the world.

Leading the latest series of highlights confirmed for the sale is a spectacular 1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spider, chassis 0364AM. A model that is rare in the extreme and highly prized by collectors, 0364AM is a particularly special example of the breed. Specially commissioned new by Jim Kimberly, heir to the Kimberly-Clark business empire, the car on offer is the only 375 MM Spider to sport pontoon fenders, a design element specifically requested by Kimberly in order to improve brake cooling.

Similarly unique is the color, known as Kimberly Red, which is a shade that was blended by “Gentleman Jim,” as he was known, along with his long-time college friend Harley Earl, who famously went on to become the head of design and a vice president of General Motors. Chassis 0364AM was campaigned extensively by Kimberly in period and enjoyed an extraordinarily successful 1954 season, winning virtually every race and going on to secure the SCCA National Championship that year.

With known-ownership history from new, the car has remained in Detroit virtually ever since, and has been in the current owner’s hands since 1968. The owner, former Ford suspension and handling engineer Chuck Weiss, conducted an exceptionally well-researched restoration in time for the Ferrari’s unveiling at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in 1989. The restoration process reunited the car with engine number 0436AM, which is confirmed by the Ferrari factory to have been ordered specifically by Jim Kimberly and was intended for use as a spare by this very car.

“It is a rare occasion unto itself to offer a 375 MM at auction, and this particular occasion is made all the more special by the fact that we have been entrusted to offer the car by the man who bought it in 1968, and whose family has been involved with the car for nearly half a century”, says Rob Myers, Chairman and Founder, RM Auctions. “Chuck Weiss is a brilliant engineer and privateer racer in his own right, and we can’t imagine the car having been in a better home for the last 45 years.”

Below is a short video showcasing this 375MM, as well as the remembrances of Chuck Weiss and his daughter Dr. Beth Bosley.

Another significant automobile set to cross RM’s Monterey podium is the 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster, one of the truly iconic pre-war grand touring cars and another example that will undoubtedly feature on many collectors’ lists of “most coveted” automobiles. Featuring one-off coachwork by Sindelfingen, chassis 408383 is an incredible Art Deco masterpiece. Chassis 408383 was completed in early August 1939 for its first owners, the Horn brothers, proprietors of an exclusive boutique in Berlin, and it is believed that Rolf Horn, one of the brothers, had a major influence on its conception and design. Offered in outstanding, freshly restored condition, the example on offer is superbly presented throughout (Estimate available upon request).

The 375 MM Spider and 540K Special Roadster join an exceptional list of motor cars already announced for the flagship sale including the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider being sold to benefit charitable causes - see video below - and the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show-winning 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Roadster.

Among other recently confirmed blue-chip automobiles slated for RM’s Monterey sale are:

1958 Lister-Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ Prototype $2,500,000–$3,000,000
1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT $2,000,000–$2,700,000
1974 McLaren M16C Indianapolis $1,250,000–$1,750,000
1996 Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione $1,250,000–$1,550,000

A longstanding tradition for collectors, spanning more than 25 years, RM’s Monterey sale returns to the Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center in downtown Monterey, California, from August 16–17. In 2012, RM’s Monterey auction, set during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, generated a remarkable $96 million in sales and established numerous world records in the process. This year’s event is set to feature yet another exclusive selection of best of category automobiles, as more than 100 blue-chip motor cars are slated for the auction podium.

For further information, or to view a complete list of entries, visit www.rmauctions.com .

Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel (c) 2013 Courtesy of RM Auctions

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Saturday, 27 July 2013

Garage too Narrow or Need More Parking Space?

Up to three quarters of recently built homes with garages have garage doors that are too small to truly accommodate today’s larger cars, a recent survey by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) has shown.

The federation carried out an informal survey amongst its garage door members which revealed that around 75 per cent of new homes with integral garages built in recent times have garage doors that are too narrow. And the DHF worries that developers are continuing to specify garage doors that are too narrow.

If you missed the full story when we first published it, you can view it here.

Double Garage too small for two cars?

Whilst the survey and report above concerns single sized garage doors, some so called double garages can also be a little on the tight side for two cars. Here is a rather innovative solution that's available in the UK.

Park and Slide
Park and Slide is a simple device, made and designed in the UK, to assist car owners to park two cars in a limited space.

View the video below to see how it operates.

Trouble viewing the video? View directly on YouTube.

Two cars and only space for one?

If you have enough space to park just one car, this device from Lyfthaus could be the answer.

Lyfthaus Car Parking Lift
The Lyfthaus Car Parking Lift is the ultimate car parking solution for every location. Engineering excellence and designed and manufactured to your exact specification by Edmolift UK Ltd here in the UK .

View the video below to see how it operates then visit the company's website www.lyfthaus.com for more information. There's also a range of other innovative lifting solutions on the site that may be of interest.

Trouble viewing the video? View directly on YouTube.

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Friday, 26 July 2013

Powered gate safety group is now 60 strong ... and still growing

The Powered Gate Group of the Door & Hardware Federation is now the largest industry body devoted to improving the safety of powered automatic gates. This follows the recruitment of its 60th member since the group was formed almost two years ago.

All DHF Powered Gate Group companies must work within the guidance contained in the HSE-endorsed DHF Guide to Gate Safety Legislation and Standards. They must also put their installers through the DHF Gate Safety Diploma scheme, an intense two day training course, the first of which is taking place later in the year. Training will be compulsory for all DHF members that make or install powered gates.

The DHF set up its Powered Gate Group following a series of fatal accidents that involved wrongly specified or poorly installed automatic gates. The DHF rose to the challenge of providing an independent platform for the industry to drive up levels of safety in gate manufacture, installation and maintenance. The group is open only to companies that can demonstrate their credentials of quality, safety and adherence to high technical and safety standards.

The rapid growth of the DHF Powered Gate Group means that it now represents the leading UK manufacturers, suppliers, and installers of powered perimeter and driveway gates and associated gate equipment.

Said Andy Holz, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group:

“There’s a passion amongst powered gate companies to raise safety levels within the industry to prevent any further tragedies happening. With the availability of the DHF safety guidelines, and the introduction of our compulsory training scheme, we expect to see further strong membership growth of the DHF Powered Gate Group in the months to come.

“Correct and safe gate manufacture, installation and maintenance are vital factors to minimise the chances of injury but also to reduce the gate owner’s liability if an incident occurs. Increasing our membership will help ensure that every current and future gate installation in the UK will be safe and will comply with the law.”

For more information about DHF’s work in raising safety levels in the powered gate sector, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk .

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Thursday, 25 July 2013

BWF ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL

Woodworking and joinery manufacturing firms that are part of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) will receive increased benefits and opportunities to participate in industry development, as part of plans announced by David Pattenden, the new President of the BWF.

David Pattenden is Managing Director of Specialist Joinery (South) Ltd which trades as Westgate Joinery and Hailsham Joinery. He set up the business 23 years ago, and has been an active and committed advocate for the industry throughout this time.

Although his involvement with the BWF first started in 1986, David has served on BWF’s Council since 2005, becoming a director and BWF officer in 2007 and holding the post of Senior Vice-President since 2011.

David Pattenden has already made his mark on BWF strategy, particularly for his involvement in BWF Members Day 2013. This year’s event was the biggest yet and focused on helping joinery businesses ‘shape up for the future’, including master classes and keynote speakers offering advice and support to BWF members on a wide range of critical legislative, technical and operational issues. David was instrumental in the decision to make a free place available to all members this year for the first time.

He says:

“Making this day free to members was very important to me. There should be no barrier for members to get involved and benefit fully from the great work BWF does. Engagement with members is the theme of my presidency. Each and every firm will get even greater value from their membership of the BWF and will have the opportunity to add their voice and shape the joinery industry of the future.

“We are seeing continued significant membership growth – about 80 new applications to join the BWF in the last six months alone, compared with just over 100 in the whole of last year. But I don’t simply want to see numbers going up; our aim is for active participation, debate and input from all member firms.”

Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of the BWF, said:

“Under David’s leadership, the Council and staff have a clear strategy to ensure the BWF is a strong, authoritative voice working for a profitable industry. We are member led, guided by close contact and consultation with the membership.

“We remain at the forefront of the political and technical debate on joinery products, health and safety, construction, skills and fire safety, so we are also introducing a new consultation and campaigns area on the website to ensure all members have the maximum opportunity to engage with upcoming policy issues and to have their say. Building on a strong information platform, our aim is to combine more events, traditional and digital communications to drive active engagement from all firms, and we are planning a 20% increase in participation in next year’s Members Day.”

At the BWF’s AGM, other Council members were elected including Gordon Nelson (MS, Eurojoinery & Doors) as Senior Vice-President, Cliff Thrumble (MD, Boyland Joinery Ltd) as Junior Vice-President and Paul Bailey (MD, European Door Sets Ltd) as Honorary Treasurer.

Robin Baker (General Manager, Premdor) and Jon Gorf (MD, Parker & Highland Joinery Ltd) have also become new directors of the BWF.

www.bwf.org.uk

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Wednesday, 24 July 2013

AluK launches a complete Specification Guide

AluK (GB), a leading manufacturer of innovative aluminium building systems is pleased to announce the launch of its complete Specification Guide, detailing its portfolio of products including curtain walling, window and door systems.

The comprehensive guide provides specifiers and architects with information on design features, options, technical specification and product performance & accreditation, and it is available to download for free from the AluK website www.aluk.co.uk/literature.php.

To provide further support to its partners, AluK also offers the ability to download a complete range of CAD files and BIM components for its products, helping specifiers, fabricators and contractors to make the right choice when specifying and installing windows, door and curtain walling systems.

The AluK website has been designed to provide a resource for users, offering intuitive and easy access to what they are looking for. All downloads are free, including BIM components.

To get a free hard copy of the Specification Guide please call +44 (0)1633 81 04 40

www.aluk.co.uk

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Tuesday, 23 July 2013

NEW DoP’s AVAILABLE FROM ARGE

In the build up to its conference in Budapest this September, ARGE has introduced a series of new Declaration of Performance examples for a variety of lock and hardware products.

Available to download from the ARGE website the new Declarations of Performance (DoPs) are a key concept in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), for which ARGE is working hard to increase awareness and accessibility amongst its members.

The DoP examples for lock and hardware products, which have been issued by ARGE along with correct guidelines for their usage following recommendations from CEN and ARGE, can be used by any manufacturer to deliver the information needed and increasingly required about the essential characteristics of any CE-marked product intended for the market.

Since July 2013 DoPs are required when a product covered by a harmonised standard (hEN) or a European Technical Assessment (ETA) is placed on the market, the provision of new examples by ARGE are crucial in helping members remain competitive and access lucrative specifications.

By drawing up a DoP, the manufacturer or provider of the DoP assumes the responsibility for the conformity of the construction product with the declared performance. The general DoPs issued by ARGE are designed to assist manufacturers in achieving this, as well as helping the specification process, as increasingly end users and specifiers will select products based on the information contained in the DoP.

The relevance of DoPs is further enforced through their involvement in the CE marking system, which follows the DoP and certifies that the manufacturer has strictly followed all the applicable procedures for drawing up the DoP and producing an accurate and reliable declaration.

Commenting on the new material available from ARGE Joachim Kieker, General Secretary of ARGE, said:

“The new DoPs have been uploaded to the ARGE website making them accessible for all national associations and their manufacturing members – allowing them to add their own logos. The provision of these examples is very much inline with what ARGE is trying to achieve with EPDs – generating entry level material to support our members and associates in an increasingly competitive and global market – something which ARGE is well placed to deliver.

“The new examples have been issued ahead of the conference in September, which will serve to reignite the importance of the sustainability agenda and explain why documents, such as DoPs are becoming mandatory in many building specs.”

There is still time to register for the ARGE conference, which, as well as many social highlights will also include presentations from the chairman of CEN TC350 and information on how ARGE is providing a commercial advantage to its members through the production of entry level EPDs. Registration documents can be found at http://arge.org/events/2013-budapest.

Alternatively you can engage with ARGE on its website forum at http://arge.org/forum

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Monday, 22 July 2013

LEADERFLUSH SHAPLAND REVIVES MICROSOFT HEADQUARTERS

Leaderflush Shapland has supplied a range of flush performance timber doorsets to the new Microsoft Research building in Cambridge.

The Leaderflush Shapland doorsets offered Wates Construction a best value solution that met both the aesthetic and long-term performance requirements of the project.

The 83,000sqft, six-storey office building forms part of the CB1 masterplan for Cambridge, a mixed-use development designed to provide a much needed boost to the heart of the city’s central business district and one of Cambridge’s most popular areas for visitors, Station Road.

Wates Construction specified 328 performance doorsets from Leaderflush Shapland’s Designer and Extended Performance ranges. The doorsets were constructed using the cost effective engineered performance core EnduraCor – its durability and stability make it especially suitable for busy office environments. In a recent independent test, EnduraCor was shown to be one hundred times more durable than multi-layered chipboard, achieving 1,000 more impacts than required by EN1192 Class 4, (at which point, the test was stopped), as well as achieving 2,000,000 cycles, 1,000,000 more than required by EN1191 Class 8. This highly cost-effective solution could significantly reduce ‘whole life’ repair and maintenance costs and may never have to be replaced.

Each doorset was finished with Hygienilac, Leaderflush Shapland’s anti-microbial additive incorporated within the lacquer on all veneered doorsets as standard, which inhibits the risk of infection against harmful bacteria such as E.Coli, Salmonella and Listeria, boasting a proven 99.9% kill rate.

For electrical and server rooms, noise transmission has been dampened by utilising doorsets to meet performance characteristics of up to 46RwdB sound reduction. All doorsets were finished in an American cherry quarter cut veneer, in-keeping with the design values of the project.

John Daltrey, Project Director from Wates Construction commented:

“Leaderflush Shapland’s extensive experience and efficient production techniques ensured that even with a large fast track project, such as the Microsoft Research offices, guaranteed the timely delivery quality could be maintained”.

Steve Crease, Operations Director from SJ Eastern Carpentry, sub-contractor for the project, said:

“We needed a durable, long-lasting product that looked good. The high acoustic performance criteria was also a crucial requirement, which is why Leaderflush Shapland’s Extended Performance range doorsets were ideal. Through working closely with Leaderflush Shapland and the main contractor, all of the project requirements were easily achieved.”

Garry Hatton, Project Manager from Leaderflush Shapland said:

“We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional levels of service and cost-effective, high quality products. From our vast range of doorset solutions, we were able to supply the products that individually suited the different requirements of the Microsoft Research building, from our high acoustic doorsets in the Extended Performance range to our engineered performance core EnduraCor for long-lasting durability.”

For more information please visit www.leaderflushshapland.co.uk

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Sunday, 21 July 2013

Fifteen-year relationship celebrated as Vulcan returns to RIAT

Marshall and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust hail the 15th anniversary of a unique relationship that enabled the return of the spectacular Avro Vulcan to flight.

At the Royal International Air Tattoo this year, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust are celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of their first joint working meeting, on 30th June 1998, which resulted in the return of Avro Vulcan XH558 to flight in October 2007 following its retirement from RAF service in 1993.

The importance of Vulcan XH558 to British aviation and military history and the need to return this aircraft to flight was recognised in 2004 by the award of a major grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the costs of her restoration to airworthiness.

This highly costly restoration resulted in a major fundraising campaign and in addition to providing extensive technical support, Marshall stepped in with a significant financial commitment which allowed the project to continue to the successful first post-restoration flight on 18th October 2007. The credibility of the return-to-flight project relied on the reputation and proven capabilities of Marshall as the Engineering Authority, and the support of the British aerospace industry.

Dr. Robert Pleming

Dr Robert Pleming, Chief Executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, states:

“I would like to place on record the grateful thanks of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust and all of XH558’s many thousands of supporters for the vital contribution of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group to the return of XH558 to flight, and their on-going support in her subsequent operation. In particular, I would like to highlight the skills and expertise of the Marshall’s Aircraft Design Office in working on one-off aircraft projects, something that I believe is a uniquely valuable asset to the British aerospace industry.”

Steve Fitz-Gerald

Steve Fitz-Gerald, Chief Executive of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, comments:

“Marshall has an unrivalled international reputation for its work on a variety of aircraft, which today includes the C-130 Hercules, executive jets and a range of civil aircraft. The work which led to the return of this iconic aircraft to flight could not have been achieved without the depth of engineering support and skills, innovation, and experience of the Marshall Aircraft Design Office and our highly motivated workforce.”

XH558, the world’s last flying Avro Vulcan and the UK’s most popular heritage aircraft, is now expected to receive a vital airframe modification that will help to keep it airworthy until the end of 2015. It had been feared that Vulcan XH558 might be retired at the end of this year but, following extensive research, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust believes that the series of technical challenges that could have grounded her have been resolved.

“If fund-raising goes to plan, we should be able to release sufficient additional flying hours for XH558 to complete full display seasons in both 2014 and 2015, in addition to this year’s spectacular,” continues Dr Pleming.

“There are still many gateways to pass through, but we are sufficiently confident to begin the vital fundraising that will make this exciting extension to XH558’s flying life possible.”

Dr Pleming says that by the end of 2015, the aircraft will have flown for around 80 hours more than the 250 hours anticipated during the award winning restoration in 2005-7.

“That we will have been able to beat all our targets by a significant margin is a testament to the fantastic team work exemplified by the relationship between Marshall and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust,” he says. “XH558 is now enjoyed by around three million people every year – 50% more than two years ago – including children and young people who are inspired to learn more about engineering and aviation, hopefully to help fill the UK’s desperate technology skills gaps. We have packed tours of adults and young people at the hangar at Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport and we also support engineering training for local businesses.”

“When XH558 does finally touchdown for the last time,” he concludes, “it is hoped that she will form the heart of a new type of engineering inspiration, education and experience centre to inspire new generations of youngsters – think of an environment with the scale and ambition of the Eden Project with engineers and designers as heroes.”

More details are available at www.vulcantothesky.org where readers can also find out where to see XH558 fly this year and sign-up for the latest Vulcan news. There is also a popular Facebook community, Vulcan XH558 and a Twitter feed @XH558

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Saturday, 20 July 2013

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY SAFE, THANKS TO FITZPATRICK

Helping to modernise residential care services and address the shortage of suitable accommodation for homeless families, Fitzpatrick has worked closely with Brent Council and Bouygues UK to supply 41 metal doorsets to three social housing projects throughout the London Borough of Brent.

Due to the nature of the project, Bouygues UK was keen to ensure the products used would keep the area as secure as possible. As a result, Fitzpatrick provided its ‘Level Two’ Securicel doorsets.

Offering resistance to attacks by burglars - who are not afraid to make noise by using heavier hand tools, including pipe wrenches, claw hammers or hand drills, the ‘Level Two’ Securicel doorsets were fitted to apartment entrances in the Winchelsea, Brook Avenue and Fawood Avenue social housing developments. Supplied in Ochre Brown and Slate Grey colours to complement the surroundings, the Securicel range was perfect for this high capacity social housing project.

From an added safety perspective, the Securicel doorsets also offer an FD30 fire rating, making them effective against fire outbreaks for up to 30 minutes.

To ensure the most suitable solution was delivered, Fitzpatrick maintained a close relationship with Bouygues UK, who formed part of the Brent Coefficient (BCE) that delivered the project for Brent Council.

Jody Bishop, Bouygues UK Project Manager for the Winchelsea and Brook Avenue projects, said:

“We required doorsets that would offer an added level of security and would help keep residents safe 24/7. For this reason, the Securicel range was ideal and gave both Bouygues UK and Brent Council the added peace of mind that the doors would provide the level of protection required.”

Similarly, Nicolas Villepinte, Bouygues UK Project Manager for the Fawood Avenue project, commented:

“Fitzpatrick provided good technical support during the design development stage and their commercial approach towards challenges on site was greatly appreciated. The installation was also very well organised, giving us the confidence that the projects would be completed to a high standard.”

Following completion, the Fawood and Winchelsea developments were awarded Ecosite status by Bouygues UK in recognition of the achievements made to minimise and manage the environmental impact of the sites, coupled with the implementation of best practice procedures. Fitzpatrick was instrumental in achieving this due to its commitment to introduce a more streamlined working practice to the projects and has achieved ISO 94001 compliance, with relevant environmental legislation, as a minimum level of achievement.

Offering total design, manufacture and installation services throughout the UK, Fitzpatrick supply a range of performance metal doorsets that are suitable for use in a variety of settings. All doorsets can be manufactured to specific opening sizes, allowing differences in size, configuration and construction to be accommodated. All Fitzpatrick doorsets can be manufactured in stainless or mild steel and finished in primer or powder coated to any RAL or BS colour.

For more information visit www.fitzpatrickmetaldoors.co.uk

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Friday, 19 July 2013

LAIDLAW ONLINE PORTAL PROVIDES DIRECT ACCESS TO DECLARATION OF PERFORMANCE DOCUMENTS FOR IRONMONGERY

In line with CE marking requirements, which became compulsory on 1st July, Laidlaw has introduced its online Declaration of Performance (DoP) portal, providing direct access to the supporting DoP documents, which declare that qualifying ironmongery products meet the certification criteria.

For every CE marked product that a manufacturer produces, a supporting DoP document must also be available – this document outlines how the product performs in relation to its ‘essential characteristics’. As such, Laidlaw DoP certificates assume responsibility for the conformity of the product with the declared performance. By law, if a DoP certificate cannot be produced, then the CE Mark becomes invalid.

As such, the introduction of the Laidlaw online portal is key – by using the simple search function, users can filter the results by product, which will then show the corresponding DoP document.

Shafiq Sharif, Group Marketing Manager for Laidlaw said:

“The online ironmongery portal is a fantastic innovation and really helps our customers to stay one step ahead. By allowing direct and immediate access to the DoP documents, the portal can really help to save time whilst providing professionals with everything they need to know.”

For more information and to view the DoP portal visit http://www.laidlaw.net/dop/

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Thursday, 18 July 2013

Lorient Middle East unveils its New Exclusive Distributor

An exciting new chapter begins this month for Lorient in the Middle East.

A closer partnership with leading architectural hardware and doorset provider, Laidlaw Interiors Group International, Gulf office is set to reinvigorate its business in the GCC and further afield. Laidlaw has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Lorient's range of market leading acoustic, smoke and fire sealing systems. With a trading relationship that goes back many years, the two teams know each other very well and Laidlaw staff are already very experienced in working with Lorient's products. Laidlaw Interiors Group CEO John Jefferies is viewing this partnership as complementary to its Dubai based business.

Speaking of the news, Jefferies said,

"I'm delighted that Laidlaw is now representing Lorient's range of premium sealing systems. The market here is loyal to quality brands and Lorient is one of those brands which has been widely specified for decades and has a superb reputation for quality and performance. That is why it fits so well with the Laidlaw offer. We're looking forward to working with the Lorient team on a number of initiatives and to introducing some exciting Lorient innovations to the region. Our wide range of stock held locally in Dubai means that our customers can be assured of efficient service and speedy delivery"

The partnership, agreed recently in Dubai, gives Lorient Group MD, Maria Simmonds peace of mind that customers loyal to the Lorient brand will continue to be able to be supported with local expertise and knowledge - as well as providing the opportunity to take the range into neighbouring markets;

"We couldn't have made a better choice for a distributor. Laidlaw Interiors Group International, Gulf office has the right presence and reputation, and employs the talented schedulers necessary to give our range of high performance sealing systems the right kind of representation. We're looking forward to a very successful first year of many working with Laidlaw " said Simmonds.

For all enquiries, please contact the Sales team at Laidlaw Interiors Group International out of the Gulf office on +971 4885 7404 or visit the Lorient website for more information www.lorientgroup.com

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