The Door Industry Journal: November 2015

Monday, 30 November 2015

Assa Abloy Scoops Innovation Award

ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, triumphed at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards.

In front of a packed house at Wolverhampton Racecourse, ASSA ABLOY was presented with the Innovation Award for Yale’s keyfree and keyless smart living products.

Lee Philp, Chief Operating Officer at ASSA ABLOY, said:

“The West Midlands has a rich heritage of lock making, so it was an honour to be recognised locally by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

“Innovation is the single most important driver for organic growth and the backbone for ASSA ABLOY’s success in the market place. It’s for that reason we’ve more than doubled our investment in research and development, which has led to the creation of products such as Yale’s keyfree and keyless smart living products.”

With 50 billion connected devices expected to be in use by 2020, it is expected that 25% of consumers will purchase a connected security system within five years.

Keyfree is a digital door lock by Yale, which allows you to access and secure your home without the need for a key.

Yale’s Smart Living range takes the hassle out of home security, allowing users to keep an eye on their home whenever and wherever they are.

To find out more about ASSA ABLOY please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk

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Sunday, 29 November 2015

The Beaujolais Run® 2015 Celebrates its 45th Anniversary in Napoleonic Style

After a hugely enjoyable and successful event, the annual Beaujolais Run® is over for another year, with the 45th anniversary of this iconic motoring tour marked with style and panache, aided by an underlying Battle of Waterloo theme to the Run on the 200th anniversary of this epic historical clash.

More than 30 participants took part in this year’s Run, using a wide variety of interesting classic and contemporary cars to navigate their way across some amazing driving routes through Belgium and France.

These cars included four Bristols from enthusiastic members of the Bristol Owner’s Club – ranging from a 1949 400 Pininfarina, one of only three built on this chassis by the celebrated Torinese coachbuilder, right up to a modern and rare Fighter gullwing coupe – plus a Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, a TVR Tuscan, Morgan Aero 8, Bentley Continental GTC Speed and Eunos Roadster, among others, ably supported by a fleet of new Ssangyong SUVs.

Covering more than 1,200 miles over five days, the Beaujolais Run® crews encountering famous vineyards, chateaux, historic battle fields and the world renown Reims motor circuit at Gueux, where the participants – plus some very pleasantly surprised locals – where joined by the world’s only two and four-wheeled World Champion, John Surtees OBE, at the wheel of his Ferrari FF. John Surtees OBE is also the Patron of the Beaujolais Run® charity, which supports the Henry Surtees Foundation, with 100 percent of monies raised benefitting the charity with zero deductions to aide vital Air Ambulance services.

Each year the Run prides itself on its unique, unprecedented access to venues, wine makers, vehicles and experiences in a five day fund raising extravaganza, and this year was no exception. After being flagged away last Monday from the Royal Automobile Club at Woodcote Park, Epsom, by John Surtees OBE and Anthony Reid, the Run participants headed via the Eurotunnel to the diamond city of Antwerp, a location much favoured by Napoleon.

On Tuesday the navigation trial Run moved on the historic Battle of Waterloo site, including a long climb up the Butte du Lion to survey the battle fields, before heading into Reims to spend time with the Taittinger Champagne family, and explore the Champagne House’s vast network of cellars.

After a challenging navigational trial day on the Wednesday - designed to give a level playing field for all types of vehicles, with navigation classes for ‘maps only’ and ‘any assistance’ (satellite navigation) in the attempt to cover the course in the shortest distance to win the coveted ‘P2’ position on the following year’s start line - the crews headed for deepest Burgundy. Here they aimed to be the first to ‘bring back the Beaujolais’ after its midnight ‘launch’, having joined the mayor of Beaujolais for the official dinner and the release of the 2015 Nouveau vintage.

The Beaujolais Run® 2015 was generously supported by a number of key partners, including Partridge and Co., Champagne Tattinger, Ssangyong, Louis Latour, Rose and White Tailoring, The Review and Screaming Eagle Productions, as well as Bentley Motors, Ferrari North Europe and Artemis.

The Beaujolais Run® Background:

In 1970 at the Hotel Maritonnes, Joseph Berkmann and Clement Freud were sharing a dinner of Coq au Vin. Owner of eight London restaurants, Berkmann also ran his own wine distribution company and wrote a weekly column. Clement Freud was Director of the London Playboy Club, a respectable Member of Parliament and a wine correspondent. As bottle succeeded bottle that night, the germ of an idea took shape. Sometime after midnight, they roared away from Romanèche with several cases of 1970 Beaujolais in the back of each car, having challenged each other to be the first to get their cases back to London.

Fast-forward to 2006, and the first Beaujolais Run® in its refreshed, modern format took place, starting from the historic Goodwood location, and raising significant sums for charity. Every November since, the Run has headed to Beaujolais via some spectacular driving roads, breath-taking scenery and enthralling experiences, involving some of the finest wine, Champagne and food France has to offer. Since 2006, The Beaujolais Run® has raised more than £700,000 for charity.

Please note that The Beaujolais Run® is protected by Registered Trade Mark in format, name and intellectual property against replication in any form.

The Henry Surtees Foundation:

The Henry Surtees Foundation assists people with brain or physical injuries caused by accident to return to community living by the provision of support for equipment and facilities; advance young people in life by helping them to develop their skills, capacities and capabilities so that they can participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals and advance their education and relieve unemployment.

For More Information:
Website:     www.beaujolaisrun.com
Twitter:    @RunBeaujolais
Facebook:    www.facebook.com/beaujolaisrun/

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Saturday, 28 November 2015

Garador Revamps its Delivery Fleet!

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garage doors has just updated its delivery fleet. Garador has just invested in over 15 new lorries, each with a stylish blue and white design.

As part of an investment programme which has seen the implementation of a telephone notification service and now new delivery vehicles, Garador is determined to offer a first class logistics service to its customers.

Simon Hipgrave, Managing Director of Garador says:

“With an ageing fleet of delivery trucks, we felt it was the right time to invest in new ones. We’ve invested heavily in the new fleet and notification service, as it is a critical part of our business and something that our customers will benefit from on a daily basis, with well-timed and reliable deliveries”.

Each of the new delivery vehicles is fitted with automatic lifting and a padded divider system, to ensure doors arrive on time and in mint condition.

As part of the telephone notification system, a member of the logistics team will call ahead 7 days before the delivery is due and again 24 hours before the delivery to enable the customer to plan for the arrival of their door. As a result, Garador hopes its customers will experience a better level of service, saving them time and money in planning for the arrival of new doors and scheduling in their fitting.

Find out more about Garador’s range of garage doors by visiting www.garador.co.uk

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Friday, 27 November 2015

Garage Door Systems Sectional Garage door achieves Secured by Design

Garage Door Systems is delighted to have successfully developed and tested a new version of its insulated sectional garage door to the Secured by Design Police preferred specification. The DuraTherm Sentinel, as its name suggests, stands guard over garages with its proven security capability.

The strengthened door design was combined with a LiftMaster EVO opener to achieve the standard, providing the ideal combination of security and opening at the touch of a button.

Mark McEvoy, Garage Doors Systems’ Business Development Director commented:

“DuraTherm Sentinel allows our customers to sell the benefits of Secured by Design to consumers. It’s a trusted mark of security and something we know gives consumers confidence in the product”.

He continued: “We’ve had an outstanding year with the launch of our new DuraTherm sectional garage door range and to cap it off with yet another positive product advancement is great for our distributors”

If you are interested in more information on the DuraTherm Sentinel, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark McEvoy on 07748 150686.

Alternatively visit the new GDS website www.garagedoorsystems.co.uk

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Thursday, 26 November 2015

Hot News! - The Winter 2015 Digital Edition of the Door Industry Journal has Published Online

It is with great pleasure that we announce the publication of the Winter 2015 issue of our Journal, the 63rd since its humble beginnings back in the spring of 1995.

As you will soon notice, this is our biggest issue to date extending to 128 pages of news and information from the door, hardware and gate industries.

Our lead story on page six, also featured on the front cover, explains the duties installation companies have to carry out, in order to comply with both CE marking requirements under the Machinery Directive and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) when installing powered garage doors.

The subject of our lead story was also the key reason for the one day Garage Door Expo, held at the NEC in Birmingham, which saw Hörmann, Garador, Novoferm, SWS UK, Teckentrup and Garage Door Systems come together for the first time to offer their expertise on these important EU directives. The full story about the event can be found on page 68.

Some other interesting pieces worth reading are:

Two further articles relating to CE marking compliance can be found on pages 58 and 60, one from Sommer and the other from Alutech’s distributor JD (UK).

A story involving a roller shutter installation at Ely Cathedral’s stained glass museum carried out by Priory Shutters – see page 14.

An energy saving drive entitled the “Close the Door Campaign” sponsored by Geze UK aimed at persuading retailers to reverse their open door policies which waste so much energy – see page 78.

A warning from Applied Measurements about the need to make sure gate impact force testers remain compliant with EN 12445 by undertaking regular calibration – see page 114.

The launch of a new Bluetooth + RFiD/NFC powered keyless padlock that operates from an Android or iOS smartphone – see page 106.

Finally, did you know that in addition to our digital and printed magazines, which publish three times a year, we also post news as it breaks every day on this blog and summarise all the previous weeks’ blog postings in a weekly newsletter supplied as one easy to read email?

You can sign up to receive our daily blog posts by entering your email address in the “subscribe by email” box (above left) and our weekly newsletter at this link or via the home page of our website www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk .

We trust our latest issue will provide you with an interesting and informative read, so until our next issue in late March 2016, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

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Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Training Days at Aluroll Showroom a Hit amongst Installers

Aluroll opened the UK’s largest security shutter and roller garage door showroom earlier this year, and it is quickly becoming a first port-of-call for installers.

With a wide range of fully functioning products on display, including steel and aluminium shutters, motors and control systems, the space is proving popular both as a showroom and as a training base for installers looking for advice and guidance.

A recent training day proved a hit, with fitters from one of Aluroll’s biggest customers receiving expert training on installation, operation and maintenance for shutters across the whole range. Each attendee was also given a folder of datasheets and manuals to take home, for future reference of what they had learnt on the day.

Aluroll General Manager Dave Barwick said:

“We pride ourselves on the personal service we offer here at Aluroll, and our training days are an extension of that. They’re a great way for us to help out installers and get to meet them face-to-face - often for the first time. We’re able to answer questions and offer support and tips, and we often learn from our customers’ feedback. By working together we’re able to give something back and improve what we do too”.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of Aluroll’s fantastic facilities by visiting the showroom, either independently or as part of a pre-arranged training day. It is based in Oswestry, Shropshire, and therefore easily accessible from across the UK. The showroom is also situated right next door to Aluroll’s aluminium and steel factories, meaning visitors can receive a tour of the manufacturing facilities too.

Find out more about the showroom here, or contact Aluroll on 01691 679257 to arrange a training day for your team.

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Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Alpro on Door Duty at ASDA

IDF Aluminium has installed transom closers, hook locks and armoured keeps from Alpro at a new-build Asda store in Wealdstone, north London. The supermarket opened in the summer and is a 9,000-sq-ft site with ‘click and collect’ for the company’s clothing range, a bakery and rotisserie.

For the building frontage, IDF Aluminium fabricated powered pedestrian sliding doors using Alpro deadlocks. These units are available in hook and bar versions and are used widely on sliding and swing aluminium door applications in the retail and leisure sectors. The bolt is five-ply laminated stainless steel with a roll pin that provides exceptional resistance to attack from a hacksaw. All Alpro deadlocks are designed to accept standard profile cylinders or thumb-turns.

The pedestrian doors at Asda are part of an extruded aluminium curtain walling frontage created by IDF who have also supplied sign panelling. Plant room doors include Alpro’s overhead transom closers which are a means of hydraulically controlling the opening and closing of an aluminium door. The closers are contained within the transom header bar of a door and have dual closing speed to allow flexibility, three levels of spring strength, and 90-degree hold open facility.

Keith Parry, Sales Director at Alpro, said:

“Our recent leisure and retail projects feature a shopping quarter in Dorchester, Leisure World Colchester, hotel chain ibis and the Natural History Museum. These locations require discreet product design for heritage built environment areas, flexibility in holding force for our closers and of course compliance with the Equality Act (formerly the Disability Discrimination Act - DDA).”

IDF Aluminium specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door solutions are designed for use in commercial and public sector environments where volume of traffic may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised.

Alpro Architectural Hardware

T: 01202 676262
E: joanneb@alpro.co.uk
W: www.alpro.co.uk

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Monday, 23 November 2015

Vufold Introduces New Slimmest Wooden Frames on its Elite, Master and Prestige Ranges

The Vufold Master five door in the new slim line version

Vufold, the leading British manufacturing retailer of bi-fold doors has launched what it believes to be the slimmest timber framed external bi-folding doors available in the UK with new versions of its Elite, Master and Prestige ranges.

The introduction of the slimmer framed versions of the three popular ranges coincides with a change to the hinges and door locks to improve both the look and security of the door sets.

The slimming of the frames on the three ranges of bi-fold doors means an appreciable increase in the size of the glass, which will allow more light through into the home, improve the external viewpoint and give them an even more contemporary stylish look. Each area of the frames has been cut down so that the height and width of every pane of glass as been increased by at least 2cm in width and height.

The doors now have individual Vectis door locks with strengthened locking systems and the hinges are to be made to be flush to the frames.

Marketing Manager for Vufold, Kerry Murphy-Kaytan says the introduction of the new slimmer ranges brings timber framed bi-fold doors into line with the popular, traditionally slimmer aluminium ranges.

“We are really pleased to be able to offer what we think are the slimmest all timber framed bi-folding doors on the UK market. Historically customers have preferred the aluminium framed doors with the slimmer profile for their sleeker look. At the same time we know that very many customers appreciate the look and feel of wooden frames – well now they can have both!

“One of the reasons our customers like our bi-folding doors is the way they look and how they allow light to flood into a room; as a result of us slimming down the frames on the Elite, Master and Prestige ranges they will get even more light in and a bigger view of what is outside. The new locks and hinges will also be much easier on the eye while at the same time bolstering the security element of the doors.

“We are confident that the new look will go down very well with customers as we phase them in to become the standard design for the three ranges.”

For more information on the Master and all other Vufold bi-fold doors, visit www.vufold.co.uk

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Sunday, 22 November 2015

Bonhams Returns to Monaco with Ex-Stirling Moss Jaguar C-Type

1952 Jaguar C-Type XKC 011

In 2016, Bonhams will return to Monaco to present an exclusive sale of 40 hand-picked, exceptional motor cars. Timed to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix Historique, the sale will take place on 13 May 2016.

“Already renowned in motorsport circles for its annual Monaco Grand Prix and Monte Carlo Rally, the glittering Mediterranean Principality is now to host the Bonhams Monaco Sale,” said James Knight, Bonhams Group Motoring Director. “The auction will be carefully curated, tailored to offer only the most desirable models to the market.

“We are delighted to confirm that we already have several incredible consignments for the sale, led by the fantastic 1952 Jaguar C-Type ‘XKC 011’. This very special sports-racing car is not only an ex-Stirling Moss ex-Works team entry, it is also in wonderfully original condition, and is offered direct from the family that has owned it for 52 years. Research indicates the car is fully original, remaining un-restored since the day it left the Works team in 1955.”

Jaguar C-Type ‘XKC 011’ was built new for the Jaguar Works racing team early in 1952. After making its racing debut at Silverstone in May of that year, driven by one-time pre-war Brooklands star Peter Walker, it was fitted with special longnose/longtail aerodynamic bodywork for the Le Mans 24-Hour race. There it was co-driven by Stirling Moss and Peter Walker, but failed to finish.

Hairpin in front of the Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo

Reverting to handsome standard body form, it was again co-driven by Moss and Walker in the 1952 Goodwood 9-Hours race, finishing 5th, before Walker set best times in both the Shelsley Walsh and Prescott hill-climbs. World War Two hero Major Tony Rolt drove it to victory in the September Goodwood Meeting.

In 1953 ‘XKC 011’ was then campaigned by Stirling Moss and ‘Mort’ Morris-Goodall in the 1,000-mile round-Italy Mille Miglia, and by veteran driver/journalist Tommy Wisdom in the Sicilian Targa Florio. This great car’s Works Team career concluded with Moss finishing 2nd in heat, and 4th in the final of the 1953 British Empire Trophy race which took place at Douglas, Isle of Man.

Aerial view of the Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo

The following year the car achieved further success, when it was loaned from Jaguar Cars Ltd to Belgian team, Ecurie Francorchamps.

After it was sold from the Works, the car became one of the most raced and best-known of all C-Types on the British club-racing scene, owned and driven by Michael Salmon, Gordon Lee and Robin Sturgess. It finally passed into the current vendor’s family ownership in March 1963, and it has been maintained in active yet incredibly un-spoiled order ever since.

Bonhams’ sale of Jaguar C-Type ‘XKC 011’ in Monaco, 2016, will provide a truly incredible opportunity to acquire the cream of the historic car collecting world.

The venue for this grandest of motoring auctions is the prestigious Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel, overlooking the Grand Prix circuit’s famous ‘Station’ hairpin, scene of so much motor sporting drama.

For further information on Bonhams motor car department visit: www.bonhams.com/cars

Image credits:

1952 Jaguar C-Type XKC 011 - Credit, Revs Digital Library

Aerial view of hotel - Credit Fairmont Monte Carlo

Hairpin image outside hotel - Credit Fairmont Monte Carlo

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Saturday, 21 November 2015

‘BREEAM Excellent’ housing development specifies AluK building systems

The former site of a cash and carry in Bow, East London, has been demolished to make way for the new and exciting residential development, Tredegar Place. Centra Living - part of Circle Housing, oversaw the creation of 87 new homes on the Tredegar Road site, transforming the space and bring much needed family and affordable housing to the area.

AluK aluminium window and door systems were specified for the development which comprises a mix of studios, one, two and three bedroom flats and four bedroom maisonettes, with private gardens set across three residential blocks. In addition, Tredegar Place also contains a single three storey town house with its own private garden and street entrance.

The project fabricator and installer, Window & Door Commercial Ltd, chose AluK 58BW window system and 58BD and GT55 TB door systems for their slim sightlines and profile sizing which matched the developer’s design intent. The thermally broken aluminium profiles helped the development to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating due to their energy efficiency qualities, comfortably exceeding the current Building Regulations Part L1A minimum U-Value for windows of 2.00 W/m2 K. Approximately 2500m2of AluK systems were installed at Tredegar Place over a period of 12 months.

The new homes are in close proximity to the mainline railway line to Liverpool Street which gave the project teams further challenges to overcome. Enhanced system performance characteristics and acoustic requirements were needed for the windows and doors facing the railway lines. Window & Door Commercial took these needs into consideration and incorporated acoustic glass with the AluK systems, providing the homes facing the lines with adequate sound proofing as required by local planning conditions, Building Regulations and British Standards.

The developer added an environmental feature with the installation of brown and green roofs featuring sedum and hardy plants. Requiring low maintenance and no additional irrigation, the plants offer a rich habitat for wildlife, boosting the development’s BREEAM credentials with its strong ecological benefits. The roof space was also designed to provide residents with additional communal landscaped amenity space as well as private roof terraces.

The project also followed Secured by Design (SBD) guidance to ensure that the development created a safe and accessible environment. Some of the key features incorporated in Tredegar Place was the use of shared amenity space and play areas. An integrated lighting strategy was also utilised, employing SBD principles to create well-lit landscapes that avoid dark loitering spaces, allowing safe passage after dark.

The project was completed in November 2014.

W: www.aluk.com E: info@aluk.co.uk

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Friday, 20 November 2015

Assa Abloy Security Solutions Secures Lancashire College

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions has supplied products to a college based in East Lancashire.

Nelson and Colne College was formed by a merger of a number of local sixth forms and currently has around 1,700 full-time students and 4-5,000 part-time students.

A new classroom block at the college has been supplied with a range of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions products including its high performance specification lock case, Optimus3, via local Architectural Ironmongers, Mercer and Sons.

ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion® DC500A door closers were installed, enabling lower door opening forces for all users. This assists in helping to meet the requirements of The Equality Act, specifically BS8300 and Approved Document M of The Building Regulations.

UNION’s Optimus3 specification range of modular Euro-profile lock cases is specifically designed for areas where high performance and aesthetics are critical.

In addition, the dimensions of the lockcases also satisfy the requirements of The Equality Act, making the range the ideal choice for use in schools and colleges. UNION 1000-series stainless steel lever handles and accessories were also included in the installation.

Ben Hacking, GAI qualified Architectural Ironmonger at Mercer and Sons said:

“In a college environment, it is fundamental that security meets rigorous legislative demands. ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions simplified the project from a supply perspective, providing us with a comprehensive package of high security products, which meets all requirements and is competitively priced.

“We have a close working relationship with the main contractor on the project, Barnfield Construction Ltd, so it was crucial to ensure that we installed quality products, which would be durable and reliable for the college. ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions had the breadth of range available to assure us they could deliver on functionality and aesthetics.”

Ian Chapman, Regional Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, added:

“We have extensive experience in the education sector and are pleased that we were able to help create a safe and secure learning environment at Nelson and Colne College, through our affiliation with Mercer and Sons.”

For further information, tweet @ASSAABLOYUKLtd or like their Facebook page

To engage with our specification team follow Assa Abloy on LinkedIn

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Thursday, 19 November 2015

Powered gate safety under the spotlight following court hearing

Safety campaigners are calling for checks to be carried out on powered gates to ensure they are safe. This follows a court hearing on Tuesday (November 17) when a gate company admitted killing a six-year-old girl who was crushed to death by electric automated gates.

Cheshire Gates and Automation Ltd admitted corporate manslaughter over the death of Semelia Campbell who had become trapped between the powered gate and a wall outside her home in Manchester. No evidence was offered at Manchester Crown Court over company director Kriston Kearns, 43, who was cleared of manslaughter. The company will be sentenced on December 1.

Now the Door & Hardware Federation says the court case is a stark warning that powered gates are machines and - like all machinery - they can cause serious injury and death if they have not been manufactured, installed and maintained to the required standards.

The DHF's Powered Gate Group represents Britain’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment. The DHF promotes best practice in design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of powered gates and offers advice to its members on how to ensure all products and services they supply comply with safety legislation.

Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary, said:

"This court case demonstrates that the consequences of supplying automated gates that are unsafe can be severe. Installers and manufacturers need to take this lesson to heart and ensure that they understand and conform with the standards and legislation applicable to these machines.

“Existing gates may well present dangers and we urge owners to have them inspected and maintained regularly. Owners and managers of powered gates, and also contractors called out to carry out service or repair work on gates, all have responsibility to ensure the gates are safe.”

In the past ten years there have been seven deaths in the UK and Ireland, at least nine serious injuries and countless near misses caused by dangerous powered gates. Shockingly, it’s estimated that only 30% of the 500,000 automated gates in service in the UK are safe to use.

"As an industry we are working tirelessly to raise powered gate safety standards by carrying out comprehensive compulsory training for gate fitters, actively promoting the gate safety message to owners and those responsible for gate maintenance, and petitioning Government to tighten up the law regarding gate safety. We are determined to confine powered gate accidents to the history books."

Just last month the DHF held its second Gate Safety Week, a successful campaign to focus public attention on the dangers posed by non compliant powered gates.

Michael Skelding continued:

"We emphasise that a correctly installed and properly maintained powered gate is perfectly safe to use. We therefore strongly urge gate owners, and all those responsible for the safety of powered gates, to have their gates checked by a specialist who will identify any risks to safety posed by the gate and can carry out remedial action.”

For comprehensive guidance on powered gate safety visit www.dhfonline.org.uk

To find out how to report a potentially unsafe gate and how to arrange a safety check visit www.gatesafetyweek.org.uk

Or contact the DHF by email at info@dhfonline.org.uk or call 01827 52337.

Read the full news report on the Manchester Evening News or BBC websites.

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Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Gliderol UK Snapped up by Yorkshire Based Investment Group

Panacea Investment Group has completed the acquisition of Gliderol UK a globally recognised brand in the garage door industry, from its Australian owners.

Gliderol Garage & Industrial Doors Ltd, is a leading manufacturer in the UK garage door market having been set up by its Australian parent company some 29 years ago. The acquisition includes the purchase of the company's purpose built 60,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility based in Peterlee, county Durham.

The deal will see all 40 Gliderol staff and its management team remain with the business and Panacea has ambitious expansion plans for the company.

Ben Lumbers, the majority shareholder in Gliderol UK, recently purchased Gliderol International PTY Ltd from the Australian stock market listed GWA Group and will now focus on the Australian business and so was looking to divest his UK interests.

Gliderol UK Factory

Ben Lumbers CEO of Gliderol International PTY Ltd, said:

“I am delighted with the sale of Gliderol UK to Panacea, they have exciting plans for the business and will provide the leadership and development to enhance Gliderol’s position in the UK and European markets. Gliderol UK has entered into a strategic partnership with Gliderol International which will see it benefit from R&D, technical and product innovation ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of the garage door industry”.

Dan Summerfield, Director of Panacea, commented:

“We are delighted to have completed the acquisition and are motivated by the opportunity which exists to rapidly expand the business. The company has an excellent reputation for its product quality and, whilst it will be business as usual for customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders in the short term we will be working tirelessly with our partners to deliver innovation in the sector. Our focus and objectives will centre on our customers and ways in which we can improve our service and the products which we offer.”

Steve Roberts, Director of Panacea, added:

“We look forward to working with the company and expect to make further announcements over the coming weeks and months as we add to the management team”.

About Panacea Investment Group

Established in 2014, Panacea Investment Group is an entrepreneurial investment company which specialises in providing capital and strategic solutions to support and grow SME businesses. Panacea was founded by seasoned dealmakers Steve Roberts and Dan Summerfield. The business has offices in Leeds and Harrogate.

About Gliderol UK

Established in 1986, Gliderol UK is a leading manufacturer of garage doors into the UK garage door industry, supplying, distributors, dealers, merchants, sme housebuilders and national house builders. The company operates from its facility in Peterlee and supplies product across the UK.

www.gliderol.co.uk

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Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Delegates get to grips with CE Marking at first joint Garage Door Expo

Six of the UK’s leading garage door manufacturers hosted a successful joint event focussing on CE Marking and what it means for the industry.

The one day Garage Door Expo saw Hörmann, Garador, Novoferm, SWS UK, Teckentrup and Garage Door Systems come together for the first time to offer their expertise on the important EU directives. Delegates were able to attend a series of valuable seminars, as well as visiting an exhibition of some of the manufacturers’ best-selling products.

CE marking is playing an increasingly important role in regulating the garage door industry. Many manufacturers have been CE marking their products for some time, but by law, installers also have their own responsibilities.

David Newcombe

David Newcombe, managing director of Hörmann (UK) Ltd., commented:

“The aim of the expo was to provide attendees with a better understanding of the various directives and legislation, while also demonstrating how they apply to them.

“We invest a lot of time and money into developing and distributing products of the highest quality, all of which are CE marked, so naturally we want to see them fitted well by competent and responsible installers.”

David Newcombe was joined by Mark McEvoy from Garage Door Systems to lead a workshop on the various obligations that installers face with CE Marking.

David added: “Many installers aren’t aware of their responsibilities, especially if they are fitting parts from multiple manufacturers or have modified the doors themselves somehow. We’re always keen to support our dealers, so the seminar aimed to help them mitigate the risks.”

Bob Perry

Another session explained what installers should expect from manufacturers and their suppliers. Bob Perry, CEO of The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) also gave a presentation on the benefits of being a member of the federation.

Customer services manager, Mark Lester, sales director Alan Jenkins and area sales managers Luke Freeman and Roy Shellam were also present on the day to share their expertise on the company’s stand. Visitors could see a range of Hörmann garage doors, including the T-Ribbed sectional door, double leaf hinged doors and a RollMatic. ThermoPro steel entrance doors were also available to view and discuss.

The event has received excellent feedback from those who attended, with many installers commenting on their better understanding of what to expect from the manufacturers, what their responsibilities are for installation and a broader awareness of the UK regulations that apply to them.

The Garage Door Expo was jointly organised by the six manufacturers and co-ordinated by Laura Hickman, administrative assistant at Hörmann.

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