The Door Industry Journal: January 2015

Saturday, 31 January 2015

When it Comes to Toilet Signs Brits Prefer a Bog Standard

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery products, has banned confusing toilet signs from its range after research found that such signs had fallen out of favour with the British public.

The poll[1] found that as many as 60 per cent of people in the UK had wandered into the wrong loo by mistake because the signage wasn’t clear enough and 83 per cent said that they found complicated toilet signs irritating. Less than 10 per cent of Brits said that they had seen a modern take on a toilet sign that was clever or funny.

IronmongeryDirect is hoping its actions will encourage restaurants, pubs and other public venues across the UK to take its 'Bog Standard' pledge, replacing confusing toilet signs with the classic Ladies and Gents symbols. It is offering free toilet signs to the establishment with the most confusing signage.

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect, said:

"Modern toilet signs are a joke that is in danger of getting out of hand. The traditional stick figures of a man and woman to denote which toilet is which, is a British design classic that should be celebrated for both its simplicity and elegance.”

"We pride ourselves on stocking a vast range of ironmongery that meets every tradesperson's needs. By taking this stand we hope to make the point that in some areas extra choice isn't necessary or even desirable. We hope others will join our stand and create a 'Bog Standard' for toilet doors across the country."

Facts about the classic toilet sign:

It was designed in the 1960s for British Rail and its creators were the DRU (Design Research Unit) and designers Margaret Calvert and Jock Kinneir (who also created the template for the UK's road signs).

This original style was developed further in the 1970s by the American Institute of Graphic Arts, developing 34 signs for use within US transport networks to denote elevators, escalators, babies' changing rooms and toilets.

For more information, visit www.ironmongerydirect.com/bog and join in the debate on social media using #BogStandard

[1] Survey of 1,000 people

IronmongeryDirect
Scimitar Park
Basildon
Essex
SS13 1ND
W: www.IronmongeryDirect.com
T: 0808 168 28 28
E: sales@ironmongerydirect.com

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like this in return for a contribution towards our layout costs (typically £30 plusVAT), payable via PayPal or credit card or receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you take display advertising or product and literature features in our printed and online publications, you will qualify for regular free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us.

For details on features and advertising rates please contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP Company Registration No. 06807833

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Friday, 30 January 2015

Membership of Door & Hardware Federation hits all time high

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has welcomed its 300th member as its drive to increase levels of quality, compliance, training and safety in the industry continues.

The total membership of the trade federation is at its highest level ever. As the DHF’s rate of growth accelerates, it is confident there will be more than 350 companies in the door, hardware and powered gate sectors in its ranks by the end of the year.

“There is an increasing realisation amongst companies that to compete effectively in today’s tough and demanding marketplace, companies must strive to achieve the quality levels already reached by our members,” said DHF executive chairman Bob Perry.

“And the best way for them to do that is to seek membership of the DHF and take advantage of the benefits and help that we provide.”

The DHF represents the key players in industrial, commercial and garage doors and automated gates, as well as the leading UK manufacturers and suppliers of building hardware, locks and architectural ironmongery.

The 300th member to be welcomed into the DHF is Hillaldam Coburn, which supplies sliding door systems. The company has a heritage in manufacturing and product development dating back to 1911.

From modest beginnings in South London manufacturing trolley wheels, the company has grown to become a major supplier of sliding gear to a worldwide customer base. It has a history of commitment to quality and technical compliance. The company was one of the first in the industry to have its operating procedures approved under BS EN ISO 9001. A family owned business until 1986, Hillaldam Coburn is now part of JBS Industries.

Said Hillaldam Coburn director Bernard Houghton:

“We’re committed to adherence to standards and legislation. So it’s vital that we belong to the leading trade body to gain access to its extensive knowledge base on technical issues, the latest standards and new legislation. The DHF will also provide us with valuable technical back up.

“Equally important is the fact that DHF actually helps to frame the European standards and legislation that impact on our industry. So DHF membership gives us a voice in Europe and helps ensure that the interests of UK based companies like ourselves are being well looked after.”

Read about the history of Hillaldam Coburn in this post from 2011.

To find out how to become a member of the DHF, or to learn more about the benefits of specifying from DHF members, visit the website: www.dhfonline.org.uk .

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Thursday, 29 January 2015

Avocet Unveils New Product Catalogue

After a year in which it firmly re-established its presence in the market, Avocet Hardware has started 2015 with a real bang by launching a brand new 116-page product catalogue.

The catalogue features a mix of tried, tested and trusted ranges plus an impressive selection of new products, which Avocet feel will combine to further strengthen its position during the next 12-months.

“2014 was a big year for Avocet,” said director, Rythm Jain Saigal. “We started off being named Hardware Company of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards and continued on in that vein – signing a series of major distribution deals, strengthening our team, and investing heavily in stock levels and product development.

“Each of these successes we look at as building blocks, and with them all now in place we have a strong foundation and the capacity to build upon sales of our existing products, make significant in-roads with our new ones and cement our position at the forefront of the market.”

Amongst the new products included in the catalogue are:
• Pioneer TS007 1-star rated lock
• Affinity composite door lock
• Affinity Ultra stainless steel door furniture

For additional information on Avocet Hardware and to order your copy of the new catalogue visit www.avocet-hardware.co.uk or call 01484 711700.

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Wednesday, 28 January 2015

Fire Doors play their part to hold back fire in school’s creative arts block

It is rare that, other than in test conditions, the vital role that fire doors play in protecting lives and property is seen firsthand.

However, in pictures recently released by Dorset Fire & Rescue Service the ability of fire doors to restrict damage was clearly demonstrated.

They show the results of a fire that started on the roof of a school near Poole. Because it happened during school holidays it had been burning for more than hour before the 999 call was made. By the time fire engines arrived it was impossible for the fire officers to get near to it so that it continued to blaze unsuppressed for hours.

Andy Fox, Head of Fire Safety at Dorset Fire & Rescue Service says:

“We took photos in the aftermath of this school fire, which clearly show the value of fire doors. It’s usually difficult to describe just how important they are but these pictures need no description and show exactly how effective correctly installed and maintained fire doors can be.”

Neil Ashdown, General Manager of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme adds:

“These images show just how important it is to ensure that people responsible for fire door installation and maintenance are aware of the faults we see. From gaps between doors and frames and unsuitable hinges to incorrectly fitted or missing seals, the problems are all too common. It is crucial that before a fire occurs these issues are addressed and an effective inspection regime is in place so that all fire doors can work as well as these.”

www.fdis.co.uk

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Securefast IET welcomes Tim Goss as UK Sales Manager

SECUREFAST PLC one of the UK’s leading manufacturers and distributors of access control and locking products has announced the appointment of industry professional Tim Goss as UK Sales Manager for the groups access controls and systems company, Securefast IET.

Tim has been in the ironmongery and access control industry for over 35 years, where he has been involved with the specification of equipment for some of the UK's most prestigious buildings, project managing some of the largest installations of door hardware, including access control and automation equipment. Tim joins Securefast from the Danish door furniture manufacturer D-Line and was previously in charge of access controls and automation strategy for Allgood plc.

Securefast IET has built up a strong reputation as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of access control systems. The technology is supported by advanced software that provides a high level of security management capability, which was clearly in evidence when IET commissioned the complete security system covering the whole of the site for the London Olympics in the construction stage.

Tim’s role will be focused on developing the company’s customer base and advising Architects and Specifiers on the comprehensive and competitive range of access control products and specialist services that IET can provide.

To contact Tim or to receive further information on the Securefast IET product range please contact the sales team on +44 (0) 1442 878 777 or visit the web site www.ietgroup.com

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Monday, 26 January 2015

Assa Abloy Tests High Efficiency Thermal Door

Security Doors, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in opening solutions, has tested a new high-efficiency thermal door offering excellent insulation.

The thermal door has achieved a U-Value of 1.6 W/m²K in both single and double door configurations, exceeding thermal energy efficiency standards referred to in Part L Building Regulations guidelines, which require external pedestrian doors to achieve a U-Value under 2.2 W/m²K.

The U-Value refers to the amount of heat transferred through a material. A slow transfer of heat leads to a better insulating value, and a lower numbered U-Value. If required, the thermal door can be upgraded to achieve a higher thermal efficiency U-Value of 1.3 W/m²K, preventing heat loss further.

The thermal technology is concealed in the door’s interior, making it door the same thickness and frame appearance of a standard door, so it is aesthetically appealing for both commercial and residential use.

Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors said:

“ASSA ABLOY is well-known for reliable, high performance products, and our new thermal door is no different. Suitable for use in private and commercial properties, occupants can benefit from its high insulating value.

“On average up to 20% of heat loss is due to poorly insulated doors and windows. Our advanced thermal technology will contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings as well as saving the bill payer money.

“Taking the correct measures to insulate a building, will help to create a comfortable working environment.”

The thermal door will be fully CE marked, ensuring validity to be sold throughout the European Economic Area. Covered by a harmonised European products standard or a European Technical Assessment.

For further information please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitydoors

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Sunday, 25 January 2015

Team Renault Classic Enters Four Cars For The 2015 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the famous Renault 16, Team Renault Classic has entered two R16 TSs for the 18th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, as well as two Renault 12 Gordinis.

Named Car of the Year in 1966, the Renault 16 was seen as Renault’s first true ‘Voiture à Vivre’ and made a durable mark on the French automobile scene.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of Renault’s most innovative family cars, Team Renault Classic has entered a brace of Renault 16 TSs for this year’s Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The two cars will be in the hands of Michel Leclère and Thierry Emptas.

To contribute further to the spectator’s enjoyment, Team Renault Classic has also entered two Renault 12 Gordinis for the historic rally calendar’s opener. They will be driven by Jean Ragnotti, winner of the 1981 Rallye Monte Carlo in a Renault 5 Turbo, and former Alpine driver/test driver Alain Serpaggi.

The four Team Renault Classic crews are:

No.1 (Renault 12 Gordini): Jean Ragnotti and his co-driver Michel Duvernay, winner of the 1981 French Renault Cross Elf Cup and 1986 Renault 5 GT Turbo Cup.

No.12 (Renault 12 Gordini): Alain Serpaggi, navigated by Jean-Pierre Prevost.

No.16 (Renault 16 TS): ex-Formula 1 driver Michel Leclère. The winner of the 1969 Premier Pas Dunlop Gordini Cup will be joined in the car by Laurent Lamat and Gilles Dubois, winners of a competition organised by FCRA (Fédération des Clubs Renault et Alpine).

No.18 (Renault 16 TS): Thierry Emptas and Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique regular François Forgeoux.

The Team Renault Classic crews will start the 2015 Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique in Reims, northeastern France, on 30th January. The event will finish in the Principality on the night of 3-4th February.

www.renaultclassic.com

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Saturday, 24 January 2015

Brand New ‘Easy Roller’ Trucks Land at Pallet Trucks UK

Pallet Trucks UK have announced the addition of two new trucks to their existing range of manual handling equipment – enhancing their position as one of the UK’s top suppliers of pallet trucks.

The two brand new ‘easy roller’ pallet trucks are set to offer increased variety for businesses in need of a manual handling solution which balances productivity with safety, and are sure to be a hit in warehouses, factories, distribution centres and other industrial settings across the country.

The two models cleverly incorporate a foot lever, which can drive the truck forwards and make life easier for operators. The traditional pump action of the handle is used to rotate and drive the rear wheels of the truck, massively reducing the initial force needed to make the pallet truck move. Starting the movement of a very heavy load can be tough for those operating a fully-loaded pallet truck – too little force gets them nowhere, but too much force can see accidents when trucks become out of control. The brand new trucks make it easier to kick-start the initial movement, reducing the risk of accidents and boosting control for the operator.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK, says,

“We scour the world in order to find the best quality pallet trucks for sale to our customers, not least with the addition of our ERA25-A and ERA25-B trucks. Prioritising operator health and safety without compromising on productivity, the trucks are an excellent addition to our ever-growing collection. We can now confidently say that we have a stock of pallet trucks to rival anyone in the country, and we’re one of the prime destinations for buyers looking to expand their fleet.”

As well as making it easier to drive and control heavy loads, the manufacturers of the trucks have also added a feature which allows it to navigate doorways and thresholds. An innovative brake function makes it possible to navigate shallow inclines, with no danger of the truck rolling backwards with a heavy load. This offers extra mobility and accessibility throughout the workplace, and could quite easily plug a gap in a pallet truck fleet that many equipment managers have coveted. Being able to easily transport heavy loads over small lips or up shallow inclines with relatively little force is something of high demand in the industrial world, and will give the trucks an added dimension sure to make them a best-seller.

Both trucks have a capacity of 2500kg, and both have easy rollers for simple loading. The only difference between the two is the width of the forks – the ERA25-A model has forks suitable for the popular Euro pallets, while the ERA25-B model has slightly wider forks, suitable for the GKN-blue pallets.

To find out more about hand pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment, and to buy online, visit www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk or Tel: 0845 519 2700.

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Wednesday, 21 January 2015

ASTRA CLOSERS TO THE FORE!

Hundreds of Astra 3000 Series door closers have helped make newly refurbished homes in London’s Enfield safe and practical for tenants. New flat entrance doors, supplied by PDS Ltd are part of a major facelift and improvements at Fore Street Estate in Edmonton by ALMO Enfield Homes.

The closers were selected for their ability to close these fire-rated doors efficiently while at the same time being unobtrusive, hard wearing and reliable. In addition, there is a closer in the 3000 Series for any size of door – no matter how narrow – making the doors eminently usable for tenants, no matter how able.

The upgrade of the flats on the Fore Street Estate has included the installation of new gas boilers, double glazed windows, and a new insulated roof and walls. Enfield Homes also took the opportunity to re-decorate the block internally and externally, including fitting Secured by Design Accredited flat entrance doors from PDS featuring the Astra 3000 Series concealed closers.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the FSO) came into force in October 2006 and brought the common parts of blocks of flats within the scope of mainstream fire safety legislation for the first time. Since flat entrance doors are critical to the safety of the common parts in the event of a fire within a flat, the FSO requires them to be fire-resisting and self-closing.

The 3000 series of concealed door closers from Astra is manufactured in the UK, in four different power sizes with adjustable closing speed and latching action for different size and weights of doors. In the case of the Fore Street Estate, 3001 (Size 1) and 3002 (size 2) Astra closers were specified to give the perfect combination of ease of use by residents with reliable closing and latching on narrow entrance doors where a Size 3 closer would have made the door too “heavy” and unusable by tenants.

“There are lots of reasons why we chose the Astra 300 series concealed closers on this project,” says Paul Goggins from PDS.

“First of all they need to close the door efficiently but in a controlled manner which the Astra closers do reliably, every time. Astra concealed closers are much more discrete than overhead closers which can look rather institutional. As an extra bonus, these Series 3000 closers can’t be tampered with so they remain safe in use.”

PDS offers the unique service of factory prepping the door to accept the Astra closer on site.

“This saves time and hassle for the contractor and means that the closers are fitted right first time every time.”

The Astra closers have distinct space saving advantages over overhead closers too.

“It is often the case with entrance doors to flats, that they cannot open much beyond 90 degrees, making it impractical to fit an overhead closer to the inside. Because Astra’s closers are tucked on the hinge edge, they take up no additional space,” Paul concluded.

The quality design and build of the Astra 3000 Series closers makes them perfect for applications like this Enfield House project. Unlike other concealed closers on the market, the Astra 3000 series is fully controlled and adjustable, making it a really viable alternative to overhead products at a sensible price. This adjustability helps specifiers to achieve doors which comply with the Equality Act 2010, Building Regs and PAS 24 for entrance doors and the RRO for fire doors.

Astra is well known for its door closer range including the popular Gibraltar range. The Lancashire-based company can demonstrate many years experience in the sector and carries out all of its own R&D in-house. It exports its British door closers all across the globe via a network of distributors and partner companies.

www.astradoorcontrols.com

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Monday, 19 January 2015

Securefast plc opens its Middle East sales office

Duncan Crawley and Amy Rutledge

Leading UK Fire, Safety and Security group Securefast plc have announced the opening of their Dubai sales and operations office to service the group’s important and growing portfolio of client’s in the Middle East and North Africa.

Based in Dubai, Securefast’s Middle East operation is headed by the Director of Sales and Marketing Amy Rutledge, who has more than 15 years of experience in marketing, sales and business development, most recently managing global marketing strategy for Fike fire alarm and suppression products.

At the official opening of the new operations centre, Securefast’s Group Managing Director, Duncan Crawley, said “‘in line with our aggressive expansion plans for the UK market we see the Dubai office as an important link in our overall growth strategy. With the introduction of our new IET Entra+ Access Control and Security Management Systems we now believe we can provide a comprehensive package of Fire, Safety and Security solutions for our customers in the Middle East”.

Visitors to the forthcoming Intersec exhibition in Dubai are invited to call at the Securefast stand to meet the team and view the impressive range of products.

www.securefast.co.uk

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Sunday, 18 January 2015

Exiled Russian Imperial Guardsman's Racing Alfa Romeo offered at Bonhams

Bonhams Grand Palais sale to feature over 300 lots of collectors’ motor cars, motorcycles and automobilia. A duo of Alfa Romeo’s head the sale: The ex-Giuseppe Campari 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series Supercharged Gran Sport Spider and raced by famous Russian driver, Boris Ivanowski, the 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Supercharged Gran Sport.

An ex-works Alfa Romeo 6c1500/1750 Grand Sport once raced by exiled Russian Imperial Guardsman, Boris Ivanowski, is to star in Bonhams Grand Palais Paris auction on 5 February.

Boris Ivanowski was an officer of the Russian Imperial Guard who, exiled in Paris after the Russian revolution, went on to make his fame in the 1920s as a racing driver. His career excelled when he became a works driver for the British Alfa Romeo Team ‘Stiles’, leading him to compete in several major events including the Brooklands Double Twelve, in which he came 8th overall and was class winner - all while driving the Alfa Romeo 6C offered in Bonhams sale.

Under British ownership for 84 years, the short-chassis Alfa is offered with an estimate of €1,200,000-1,600,000 (£930,000-1,200,000).

Philip Kantor, Head of the Continental European Motoring Department, said:

“This is a pristine and complete Alfa Romeo of the 1930s with a glorious race history, once driven by the world’s most famous Russian racer. Sympathetically preserved and carefully restored, it’s rare to find such an original Alfa.”

The 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series Supercharged Gran Sport Spider

Previously owned by Italian F1 hero Guiseppe Campari, the 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series Supercharged Gran Sport Spider is another Alfa Romeo starring in the Bonhams Paris sale, estimated at €1,800,000-2,400,000 (£1,400,000-1,800,000).

Lot 327: The ex-Giuseppe Campari 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 4th Series
Supercharged Gran Sport Spider

Campari had begun working for Alfa Romeo as a teenager, and by the outbreak of WWI had established himself as a formidable competitor on the racetrack, finishing 4th in the 1914 Targa Florio. Post-war, his first major victory was achieved at the 1924 French Grand Prix driving an Alfa Romeo P2, and he would go on to win the Coppa Acerbo (1927 and 1930), Mille Miglia (1928 and 1929) and the Italian Grand Prix (1930). Tragically, after joining Maserati for the 1933 season he was killed in an accident at that year's Italian GP.

Campari didn’t own the 6C for very long, as by the 31st December 1931 the car was registered to one Mario Vanoni of Portoferraio, Elba. Described by Michael Frostick (Alfa Romeo Milano) as, "Among the finest ever made both from the point of view of engineering and driver satisfaction," the 6C is among the rarest of pre-war Alfa Romeos.

www.bonhams.com

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Friday, 16 January 2015

Largest stand yet for Hörmann at BAU 2015

Hörmann stand at BAU trade fair in 2014

After a successful show in Munich this year, Hörmann is exhibiting a wide product portfolio on what is set to be its largest stand to date (Halle B3, Stand 302) at the BAU trade fair in 2015.

With an extra 100m2, Hörmann’s space now spans over an impressive 1,400m2, allowing the door manufacturer to display its full range of internal timber doors and a brand new range of ThermoCarbon aluminium entrance door styles.

In addition, the company will be exhibiting its latest technological offering, including the BiSecur Gateway radio system that has been developed in conjunction with the Ruhr University in Germany.

For the first time, Hörmann will be appearing at the BAU press conference with its subsidiaries Alukon and Schörghuber. Together, each business will grant insight into the economic development of the Hörmann Group, and present the product innovations that are planned for development over the next two years.

The company’s partners Christoph and Martin J. Hörmann will also be conducting a seminar on stand on the first day of the exhibition at 4.30pm, where they will review their recent contributions to the construction industry.

www.hormann.co.uk

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Thursday, 15 January 2015

Sales Success at Birkdale Leads to Larger Premises

Birkdale – the Lincolnshire-based manufacturer of roller shutters and garage doors – has moved its operation to a larger site to cope with increasing demand.

The Birkdale product portfolio includes the flagship range of Excelsior insulated roller doors. The range features MINI, MIDI and MAXI profiles and over 100 colours are available from stock. The remote control doors are secure and hardwearing thanks to an aluminium profile and a laminated finish, which is backed by a 10-year guarantee.

The laminated finish offers a number of benefits over standard paint finishing – The external foil coating creates a thermal break and with solar shield technology keeps the profiles much cooler, even with dark colours. Paint finish doors can be problematic when expansion occurs through heat. Birkdale’s laminated colours greatly reduce such problems.

Excelsior doors also benefit from an in-house designed pull-cord motor release, allowing manual operation of the door in the event of a power cut, as well as an innovative door monitor system that provides all round safety – as opposed to safety edges that protect only the leading edge of a door.

As well as roller doors, Birkdale also manufactures and supplies sectional doors, window blinds, security shutters, awnings and louvres. The move to a new 20,000ft site in Scunthorpe will now enable the company to cope with increasing demand for its products from installers and distributors. The new premises feature a showroom and training facilities, where Birkdale customers will be able to view products and gain hands-on installation experience.

“This move to new premises is very much driven by necessity, as increasing sales mean we need more capacity,” explains Birkdale MD Marc Shrimpton. “Having more space will both speed up the production and delivery process and allow us to welcome customers to the site to see our products in operation.”

“It is certainly nice to be a in a position where sales success is forcing us to move simply to keep up with demand. I think this success has been driven by our commitment to continual improvement – we are always listening to our customers and changing and refining our products based on what they are telling us. We also use technology to improve our service and our latest innovations include the introduction of a new app that allows clients easy access to detailed product information with the added benefit of a giving customers a professional pricing and ordering tool .”

For further information register at www.birkdale.biz, call their friendly helpful staff on 01724 282171 or e-mail sales@birkdale.biz

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Wednesday, 14 January 2015

New design dispels worries about winter power cuts…

PowerManager® - dedicated back-up
power unit for electrically operated shutters

A dedicated back-up power unit (PowerManager®) designed to safeguard against the possible power cuts this winter has been developed by Control Station Ltd for security shutters.

Warnings have been rippling through national press about winter power cuts and government research has identified the crucial power loss could be between 4.30 and 7pm in the evening.

This is the vital time when many businesses are closing for the day.

“Security shutters should be just that – secure,” says Gary Ryecroft MD of Control Station.

“But with the real possibility of power cuts at vital times in the day, companies with electrically operated shutters need to have an alternative operating option; other than the hand winding mechanism.”

ProMate® - plug and play solution for connecting
a single-phase mains supply to tubular motors

Control Station Ltd has launched Power Manager® knowing that the lack of investment in the power grid will eventually cause problems in the shutter market. Like the ProMate®, (pictured right) the PowerManager® is easy to install by fitters who are not qualified electricians and will give piece of mind to companies.

For all enquiries please contact:
SWS UK on 01524 772400 or info@swsuk.co.uk

GfA ELEKTROMATEN UK Ltd on 01926 452452 or sales@gfa-elektromaten.co.uk

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Tuesday, 13 January 2015

Security Solutions Strengthen Trade Team

Security Solutions, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, has appointed Allan Henry to the position of Commercial Manager.

Overseeing some of the most trusted brands in security including UNION, ASSA, Adams Rite and Trimec ®, Allan will be joining the dedicated Security Solutions trade team, dealing directly with distributors and wholesalers.

With over 27 years experience in the industry, having worked as National Accounts Manager at Allegion, occupying roles within the merchant and wholesale channels, Allan brings with him a vast amount of knowledge.

Allan also developed his skills at national architectural ironmongers, George Boyd, where he worked with hardware contractors during his time as Regional Manager.

Speaking on his new position at Security Solutions, the Commercial Manager said:

“I’m really pleased to be joining a company with such a great heritage in the lock and hardware industry and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to a fresh challenge, while maintaining a relationship with my existing customers and driving innovation.

“I am hoping that through my experience I will be able to drive UNION forward as the industry’s brand of choice and that I can help to solidify Security Solutions’ trade focus.”

For further information, please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/securitysolutions.

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website

Monday, 12 January 2015

Building Security Solutions with Mul-T-Lock® and William Davis

Portable technical innovation, total security and the offer of a patented one key solution has led to William Davis’ adoption of Mul-T-Lock®’s intelligent WatchLock® padlocks to secure costly equipment on site at various locations across the country.

As one of the Midland’s largest privately owned construction and development companies William Davis works in a range of market sectors to deliver high quality properties.

With expensive equipment recently stolen from site, to the value of circa £20,000, security managers contacted local Mul-T-Lock dealer Charnwood Lock & Key to source a locking solution that would be able to secure such remote heavy equipment.

Roy Stafford at Charnwood Lock & key recommended Mul-T-Lock®’s high security WatchLock® intelligent padlock, that not only tracks activity but also enables geofence parameters to notify if equipment leaves or enters predefined locations.

Says Paul Dunning, Security Manager at William Davis:

“The recent theft was a real wake up call to how vulnerable our equipment could be, even with the high security alarm systems and safety measures across our sites. We needed an additional integrated layer with the capability to adapt to individual environments.

“Mul-T-Lock® WatchLock® has proven to suit our needs perfectly and means authorised site managers can retain just one key to open and secure all locks under their jurisdiction. We had initially used WatchLock® across five of our sites but now have no hesitation in expanding its use to protect as much of our machinery as possible.”

Mul-T-Lock® WatchLock® operates with a unique and highly secure web page that allows users at any time to monitor WatchLock® 24/7/365.

Mul-T-Lock® WatchLock® reports can be generated advising of activity, location and status. An added benefit for William Davis is that all padlocks can be operated off one patent protected master key. All additional Keys for the WatchLock®s can be provided by local Mul-T-Lock dealer Charnwood Lock & key upon adherence to a strict security protocol.

Roy Stafford of Charnwood Lock & Key said:

“The beauty of Mul-T-Lock® WatchLock® is it is such a simple concept - it’s a padlock and operates as a padlock. But the addition of its intelligence and the reporting capability means it is a powerful security device, and the perfect solution here for William Davis, especially with the management control and overall advantages of a master key solution.”

For further information on WatchLock™ and the full range of security solutions available from Mul-T-Lock, please visit www.mul-t-lockwatchlock.co.uk .

Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Return to The Door Industry Journal Website