The Door Industry Journal: September 2016

Friday, 30 September 2016

Green Gate Launches UK’s First Mobile Solar Powered Barrier and Gate System

The UK’s first mobile, solar powered barrier and gate system will be officially unveiled for the first time at the Construction Expo next month.

Harnessing the sun’s energy, SOSEC is a revolutionary new approach to securing work sites; without the need for a power source it can be used anywhere and easily moved wherever it’s needed. Once delivered, it is quick and simple to install.

SOSEC combines a five-metre automatic traffic barrier with optional drop skirt and LED lights to control vehicles, with a rugged, locked and self-closing gate for pedestrians. It can also be supplied as a gate or barrier on its own, depending on the site’s needs.

Owing to its flexibility, SOSEC has a wide number of applications including in the construction, retail, events, highways, emergency and mining markets.

The product’s solar power and power storage ability are unique and allow the barrier to operate up to 900 times a day even in an average British winter. SOSEC can also be delivered with a battery store for up to one month’s use.

Sector leader Green Gate Access Systems, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, developed the SOSEC concept to answer a growing need to provide public safely and work site security where power provision is not practical, but security demands are high.

The gate is already attracting interest from clients including Kier Living, who trialled SOSEC on their Berryfields site near Aylesbury before rolling it out to 22 further UK sites. Major tourist attraction Leeds Castle in Kent also chose SOSEC when they needed to quickly replace a 15 year-old security barrier that had failed.

Rob Crossland, regional director of Kier Living said:

“Providing effective public demarcation on our sites is a big problem and our duty of care and relationship with the Health & Safety Executive meant we were committed to solving it.’ explains Rob Crossland, regional director for Kier Living.

“We had tried a ‘shut the gate’ campaign for a year, with virtually no effect. I loved the idea of solar powered barriers and knew they worked. What I couldn’t find was anyone who had made the concept mobile, yet rugged and suitable for pedestrians and vehicles.

“The team at Green Gate Access Systems were clearly experts in their field. They not only got the idea, they got fully behind it and within weeks, we were looking at CAD drawings and our SOSEC barrier gate was well on the way to reality!”

Green Gate Access Systems will unveil SOSEC at the Construction Expo at the Kent Event Centre on Thursday, 6 October. The event is one of the leading events in the regional construction industry calendar. Last year more than 3,000 people attended, and it’s expected that number will grow again this year.

SOSEC will be showcased at stand 164, near the refreshment area, and the Green Gate’s security experts will be available to discuss the new product and the company’s wider range of solar and mains powered gates, barriers and access control systems.

Managing director Neil Sampson, who is also Powered Gate Chairman of the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF), commented:

“The SOSEC concept meets the challenges of combining security with mobility, solar power, durability and flexibility, brought together in a single easy to deliver and operate platform. The product is attracting a lot of interest already and we are looking forward to demonstrating its capabilities at the Construction Expo.”

This is the latest first for the company, which prides itself on literally pushing back the barriers of its sector – from installing the country’s first lifting gate and the UK’s largest solar school gate in Broadstairs, to the country’s first solar O&O car park barriers at Warwick Hospital.

Visit www.solarbarriers.co.uk and www.kentconstructionexpo.co.uk/ to find out more.

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Thursday, 29 September 2016

UK-designed Loxta brings something new to the door hardware market

Loxta – a new door hardware brand, based in Lancashire – is prompting retailers, door manufacturers, installers and homeowners to re-evaluate the competition, with its stylish, bright and technically advanced suite of handles, plates, escutcheons, fasteners, locks, accessories and more.

While the Loxta name is new, the family-owned business behind the brand has over 30 years' experience in door hardware manufacturing and ironmongery, and is looking for partners to help maximise its channels to market throughout the UK.

Loxta MD, Shaun Singh explains:

“We strategically launched Loxta with six comprehensive product ranges, each satisfying the rigorous demands made of hardware in today's buildings. Our styles are diverse – catering for the modern to the traditional – but each variant maintains the same uncompromising levels of build quality and performance.”

High Tonnage Hot Closed Die Forging and ElectroCoating are among the processes used to create Loxta's flawless finishes, resulting in soft contours, enhanced strength, and superior levels of resistance to corrosion and UV damage.

Shaun continued to say:

“The durability of our products has already proven a major selling point with both trade customers and homeowners. We back our products with a mechanical guarantee option, and properly cared for, they will maintain their aesthetic lustre for many years to come.

“Choice is a Loxta hallmark, with different materials and price points, and our famed colour collection, making it easy to coordinate internal and external doors, cupboard handles, pull handles, window handles and more. We also offer a bespoke design and manufacturing service; ideal for specifiers looking to satisfy a particular project requirement, and – as our design and production facilities are integrated – turnaround is quick and hassle free.”

Loxta is offering an extensive support package to stockists, including e-POS solutions, demo boards, and marketing support via PR, online listings, social media, digital catalogues and promotional imagery.

Shaun adds: “We are also able to provide e-commerce partners with real-time stock level updates, prices, descriptions, and high-definition photography and video. Our aim is to develop partnerships in the truest sense of the word, inviting feedback to inform our product development programmes, and helping us to constantly evolve and deliver products that our market is asking for.”

Subject to stock, Loxta offers next-day delivery within domestic markets, and Shaun is quick to highlight the company's international presence too: “Ours is a UK-designed product, and we're well aware of the kudos that holds – both here and overseas. We look forward to opening conversations with companies and individuals looking for cutting-edge, quality hardware products, that dare to be a little different!”

To learn more about Loxta, visit www.loxta.co.uk, email sales@loxta.co.uk or call 01282 902 135.

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Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Fire Door Safety Week: Ensuring properties meet fire safety standards

With Fire Door Safety Week in full swing (September 26 – October 2), Scott Copeland, category manager at IronmongeryDirect, advises trade professionals on how to ensure rented and social housing properties are up to scratch.

When it comes to the installation and maintenance of fire doors in social and rented houses, there are numerous regulations that need to be met. Failure to comply with these fire safety rules not only puts lives at risk, but can lead to prosecution and fines for those responsible for the maintenance of the fire door. Research by FDIS found that in 2015, 58% of prosecutions for fire safety breaches were issued against landlords and managers of Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO), with the majority of these resulting in custodial and suspended sentences.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, housing landlords and building owners have a legal responsibility to ensure all fire doors comply with current legislation, and should seek expert guidance from a trade professional.

Therefore, when tasked with installing and maintaining a fire door, tradespeople need to give considerable thought to all aspects of the job - from using the best hardware components, right through to ongoing aftercare. Below are the four key areas that must be regularly checked and maintained to ensure a fire door is safe and compliant.

Intumescent seals
Fire doors are there to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, so it’s important to check that there are no gaps around the door big enough to let either through. In order to seal any gaps around the perimeter of the fire door, intumescent seals are used as they can expand up to ten times their original size during a fire, with brushes or fins to stop any smoke from escaping. It's vital that the appropriate seals are used depending on the gap between the door and its recess, and that they are free from damage or breakage. The glazing beads should also be well attached and intact.

Door closers
Another important feature to consider when maintaining a fire door is its door closer. Automatic closing devices, with a minimum power size three, should be fitted to all fire doors and must be capable of closing the door from any angle of opening.

This can be tested by opening the door to five degrees and making sure it closes and engages with the latch. One particular door closer that is ideal for use in social and rented housing, such as HMOs or apartment blocks, is the Arrone AR3500 Door Closer.

With a 120-minute fire rating, it has been designed for living accommodation and offers a low opening force, which is particularly ideal for elderly, disabled or young people.

Hinges
All fire doors must have a minimum of three hinges that allow the door closer to shut the door, overcoming the resistance of a latch or seal when fitted.

They should be CE marked and must be free of any damage. Hinges such as the Twin Ball Bearing Fire Door Hinge are ideal as they adhere to all of the legal standards for a high quality fire door hinge, and also come in packs of three (meeting the minimum number of hinges required).

This hinge is CE marked, certified to BS EN Grade 13 with a 60-minute fire rating, and is manufactured from Grade 201 stainless steel.

Certification
All fire door components, including intumescent seals, hinges, locks, latches and door closers, should be marked with the CE stamp to certify they meet the required standards and are suitable for use on a fire door. If a hardware component is in breach of regulations, it must be replaced immediately as there is no evidence to certify that it is compliant and legal.

Fire doors are a vital part of a property’s fire safety and ultimately can save lives, therefore it is crucial they are maintained and checked properly to ensure the safety of all residents and tenants. As landlords have a legal duty to keep their tenants safe and adhere to fire door regulations, it is important that tradespeople can offer advice on how to spot a faulty fire door and remain within the law.

For more information, please visit www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

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Tuesday, 27 September 2016

Gilgen Website helps shut the door on Property Attacks

Gilgen Door Systems has launched a new website featuring its innovative Rolegard™ range of high security roller shutters providing information and advice for companies that want to improve the physical security of their properties.

The site at www.rolegardshutters.com helps architects and specifiers understand industry security standards, the types of attack risk posed by terrorists and criminal gangs and the most important considerations when specifying security shutters for different applications.

Gilgen is a market leader in the design of high security shutters designed to target harden facilities and reduce the threat of attacks in high risk environments. The extensive Rolegard security shutter range has been tested to stringent LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board) standards, meeting LPS1175, Issue 7, Level 2, 3, 4 and 5. This means the shutters have been tested against a range of professional attack methods including the use of high end cutting and drilling tools.

Recently Gilgen was the first company to launch an LPCB approved SR5 rated security shutter with a certified ballistics rating. Designed to help protect facilities against emerging threats such as hostile incursion and swarm attack, SR5-B combines the highest physical attack standard achieved in a security shutter with unrivalled ballistics and blast protection properties.

“We are delighted to have launched our new portal” says Roger Massey, Marketing Manager of Gilgen Door Systems “With attack methods constantly evolving it’s important to evaluate and specify a level of security appropriate to the attack risk. Our portal enables customers to tap into free information, advice and project examples to help them make an informed choice when specifying security shutters for their building projects”.

Gilgen Door Systems has over 50 years experience in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of industrial doors, security doors and automatic doors across a vast range of applications. The Rolegard range meets Police Preferred ‘Secured by Design’ standards and is suitable for a wide range of high risk applications including banks, financial institutions, museums, government buildings, retail, military facilities and critical national infrastructure such as utilities and transport hubs.

For further information visit www.rolegardshutters.com or call 0800 316 6994

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Monday, 26 September 2016

Geofire supports Fire Door Safety Week

Geofire will be giving its support to Fire Door Safety Week by highlighting the importance of fire doors and encouraging property managers to consider wire-free fire door products.

Now in its third year, Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise awareness of the critical role of fire doors and encourage building owners to check the operation and condition of their fire doors.

From 26th September to 2nd October, the fire door industry will get together hosting events, competitions, webinars and training sessions to help raise awareness of the importance of fire doors.

Innovators of fire technology, Geofire, will be running a competition throughout the week for fire safety product installers and specifiers. For your chance to win a Kindle Fire, go to www.geofire.co.uk during Fire Door Safety Week to submit your answers before 3rd October.

There are around three million fire doors bought every year in the UK, often without a thought given to fire door holding and closing devices. If a fire door is kept open for ease of access or ventilation and does not close in the event of a fire, the building and its inhabitants will not be protected and the fire door deemed useless.

Geofire designs and manufactures a range of fire door holding and closing devices that can be discreetly fitted to the top of any fire door. Based in County Durham, the company has been manufacturing fire products for over 40 years. With a range of solutions available depending on the installation, Geofire offers hard-wired, radio controlled and more recently acoustic solutions, all recognised by the UK fire brigade.

Andy Collinson, CEO of Geofire urges those responsible to act quickly:

“Wedging open a fire door can kill in the event of a fire. If ease of movement around a building or increased ventilation is necessary, then there are legally compliant solutions readily available.

“From new builds to listed buildings, we have products to suit every installation. A fire door should be reviewed like every other health and safety risk assessment.

“We manufacture a large range of electromagnetic holders and ‘swing free’ closers suitable for all building types and our hard-wired, radio controlled Salamander and acoustic Agrippa products have been fitted in buildings across the UK and Europe.

“We fully support the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) in its efforts to increase awareness about fire door safety, and encourage building managers to check fire doors regularly and ‘kick’ the wedge!”

Geofire’s products are suitable for care homes, hospitals, schools, hotels and so on, and are fully compliant with current EN requirements.

Contact Geofire on 01388 770 360 or email enquiries@geofire.co.uk to find out more.

www.www.geofire.co.uk

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Sunday, 25 September 2016

328 km/h! – The World’s Fastest Beetle

A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a new speed record at the World of Speed event that has long been a tradition at Lake Bonneville in Utah (USA).

The Beetle LSR (Land Speed Record) with a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine (TSI) drove the fastest speed ever documented for a Beetle, reaching 328.195 km/h (205.122 mph) over a distance of one mile.

In order to reach top speeds of well over 300 km/h many aspects of the Beetle LSR were reworked, and the car was modified to conform to regulations for record drives on salt flats. The output of the 2.0-litre TSI was boosted to a peak power of 550 PS (by changes that included a new turbocharger, different pistons, camshafts, connecting rods and cylinder head modifications). The record-setting vehicle also stands out with an impressive torque peak of 571 Newton metres.

To perform well under extreme conditions, the Beetle was equipped with special wheels and tyres for driving on salt, and the body was lowered significantly. A limited-slip differential was also used to improve traction, while a safety package provided for the necessary protection; it consisted of a rollover protection cage, a race seat with five-point harness and a fire extinguishing system. In addition, the record-setting car had two brake parachutes that were used to slow down the Beetle.

The performance was officially recorded at the driving record event sponsored by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA), which is held every year in mid-summer.

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Saturday, 24 September 2016

Simon Beer Launches Bluesky Certification

Bluesky Certification, a new service specialising in the certification of doors, windows, glass and fire resistant products has been launched by Simon Beer.

Simon said: “Our conversations with customers have identified a need for credible certification, which is coupled with a higher level of customer support than that which is normally offered”.

Simon is already well known in the industry and has over 16 years’ experience in developing and running certification schemes, having worked for BM TRADA Certification as Product Certification Manager.

During his time at BM TRADA, Simon developed and operated the majority of the BM TRADA Q-Mark door, window and glass schemes, as well as implementing services such as IGU testing and training.

Simon commented: “I have established a successful certification offering before, having taken the BM TRADA Q-Mark from a fledgling service, then achieving recognition and acceptance in the market. I am looking forward to progressing my own company, with the benefit of the knowledge, experience, contacts and reputation that I now have.”

One of the key selling points of Bluesky Certification is the ability to work with customers to enable them to use their certification to progress their business. Simon is used to working closely with customers, and as such has a very good working knowledge of how the industry works, as well as having a high level of technical and regulatory knowledge.

Please visit www.blueskycert.com or call 01753 303828 for more details.

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Friday, 23 September 2016

New DHF powered gate code lifts industry safety standards

A new code of practice for the safe installation and maintenance of powered gates is rapidly establishing itself as the "bible" for gate installers across the UK.

DHF TS 011:2016 - the DHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates and Traffic Barriers - has been developed by the DHF (Door & Hardware Federation). The DHF represents Britain’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment.

The new Technical Specification took more than two years to develop and confirms the DHF’s place at the forefront of automated gate safety. The importance of the new code is shown by the decision of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) to use the DHF Technical Specification to audit installers and maintainers in its new powered gates certification scheme. NSI is the UKAS-accredited certification and inspection body which audits security and safety providers.

The new DHF code is designed to reduce the risks associated with powered gates to as low as is reasonably practicable. It achieves this by giving installers and maintainers - and all adherents to the code of practice - a framework to ensure a gate is safe and therefore complies with the law.

The code draws on safety legislation and industry best practice. It gives practical help to all those involved in powered gates to meet their legal obligations by providing clear guidance on the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of powered gates.

It has condensed and refined information from numerous parts of UK and European criminal law and more than 20 British and European standards in order to provide a precise and clear reference for gate and barrier work. This cuts out the complexity and confusion often caused when attempting to apply information from a multitude of standards and legislation.

The code is shaking up the powered gate industry by helping to end the current unsatisfactory situation within parts of the industry caused by conflicting interpretations of the legal standards required.

Said DHF CEO Bob Perry:

“In recent years there have been nine deaths in the UK and Ireland - six adults and three children - several serious injuries and countless near misses, all caused by dangerous powered gates and barriers. It’s estimated that only 30% of the 500,000 automated gates in service in the UK are safe to use.

“Our new DHF code of practice is fast becoming the benchmark industry reference document, setting the standard for owner and installer stakeholders alike. Its introduction is a wake-up call for the industry and is helping confine powered gate and barrier accidents to the history books.

“It really is most encouraging that the NSI have chosen the DHF code to audit their gate scheme members. This demonstrates the standing the new code has attained in the industry so soon after its introduction.”

Said Graeme Hazlewood, NSI business development director:

“As the specialist certification body for the UK security and fire safety sectors, we are delighted to have collaborated with the DHF on the development of their Code of Practice DHF TS 011:2016 and integrate it into our new approval scheme for installers and maintainers of powered gates.

“NSI’s role is to verify compliance with industry standards and codes of practice through rigorous audits carried out by our specialist auditors. NSI gates approval will provide reassurance to consumers that the company they have contracted is competent and professional, and the product provided is safe.”

DHF TS 011:2016 - the DHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates and Traffic Barriers can be downloaded from www.dhfonline.org.uk .

www.dhfonline.org.uk

About the National Security Inspectorate:

End users who choose to contract NSI approved companies can be assured of security, fire and gate safety services delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality. NSI is recognised as the UK’s leading specialist certification body and counts the UK’s premier security and fire safety providers amongst its clients. NSI approved companies are inspected on a regular basis by NSI’s national network of full-time auditors to verify compliance with relevant British and European standards and codes of practice. NSI’s gates approved companies are audited against DHF Code of Practice DHF TS 011:2016.

www.nsi.org.uk

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Thursday, 22 September 2016

Avoid Fines for Fire Safety Breaches

Fire safety breaches can result in hefty fines and jail sentences. ASSA ABLOY UK, a division of the global leader in door opening solutions, offers advice on door closers in relation to fire safety.

According to Atomik Research, 45% of people responsible for fire safety in their organisations say they would not know how to spot a suspect fire door.

Door closers play a critical part in fire and smoke protection. ASSA ABLOY UK’s DC700G-FM Free-Motion® door closer is the first door closer for door widths up to 1400mm that combines a free-swing function with Cam-Motion® technology, allowing users to operate fire doors with the same low forces as non-fire doors. This replicates the absence of a door closer, but offers reliable closing in the event of a fire.

Ideal for providing barrier free access, the DC700G-FM Free-Motion® door closer satisfies BS8300, helping towards meeting the requirements of Approved Doc M and The Equalities Act 2010 for building owners, users and visitors. The product is also suitable for use in schools, hospitals or residential homes where the young, elderly or infirm may struggle with the forces associated with conventional door controls.

David Hindle, Head of Door Closer Sales at ASSA ABLOY UK, said:

“Shaftesbury Care Group Ltd has recently been hit with a hefty fine and costs totaling £410,000 due to fire safety failings at a care home. This serves as stark warning to businesses that failing to carry out fire safety responsibilities can have detrimental consequences.”

“It is essential that those responsible for fire safety within organisations ensure the correct door closers are installed. Door closers on fire and smoke protection doors can be a complex matter, since they must present the user with the lowest possible opening forces, whilst still retaining a high closing force in line with legislation. Both of these requirements are met with the DC700G-FM Free-Motion® door closer, which makes a controlled fire door as easy to use as an uncontrolled free-swing door.”

For further information, visit www.assaabloy.co.uk

To engage with the Assa Abloy specification team follow them on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com

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Wednesday, 21 September 2016

dormakaba Promotes Best Practice for Fire Door Safety Week

During Fire Door Safety Week 2016, dormakaba is seeking to raise awareness of the issues around fire door specification and highlighting the importance of ensuring all elements of the doorset have third party certification.

To comply with Approved Document Part B of the Building Regulations, fire door hardware has to be CE marked. In addition, the product must also have a Declaration of Performance (DoP) as without it the CE mark is invalid. The DoP details the essential characteristics of the door hardware to ensure it performs as required. Approved Document Part B also recommends that all fire door assemblies have third party certification to ensure the highest level of safety is maintained.

Another vitally important message for Fire Door Safety Week is that fire doors are only effective if used correctly. As such, doors should be allowed to close fully and never be wedged open. The advice to anyone who notices a fire door being used incorrectly is to remove the wedge and notify the person responsible for the building immediately.

Fire Door Safety Week will see a range of events taking place across the country between 26th September and 2nd October. Graham Hulland, Product Marketing Manager at dormakaba will be speaking at three events: the Lorient Fire Safety event in Newton Abbot on Monday 26th September, the Arnold Laver Fire Door Safety Day at Haydock Park on 27th September and the BWF-Certifire event with the London Fire Brigade at their Headquarters, Union Street, London on the 29th September. Bringing over 30 years of experience within the industry, Graham will be discussing best practice advice and the critical issues to consider when specifying, installing and inspecting hardware for fire doors.

Also at the events will be the dormakaba Showbus. Attendees will have the opportunity to access the mobile showroom, which demonstrates a variety of door closers, floor springs, handles, automatic operators and panic hardware.

“The importance of fire doors to the safety of the building and its occupants cannot be underestimated,” Graham commented. “Fire Door Safety Week provides an ideal platform to remind those responsible for fire doors in any capacity what the legal requirements are and how to ensure doors are installed correctly, and continue to perform as required throughout their lifecycle.”

dormakaba has a practical and straightforward guide for anyone looking for help when it comes to specifying door closers. For further information on how to ensure hardware compliance for fire doors visit: www.dorma.com.

To find out more on dormakaba’s products and services visit www.dormakaba.co.uk .

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Tuesday, 20 September 2016

Global Safety and Security Pioneers Relocate to Birmingham

Global safety and security manufacturer, Allegion has moved the offices of its UK operation to Aston, Birmingham.

The multi-national PLC which was previously based in Walsall, West Midlands, has now moved to brand new, modern premises in the second city, Birmingham. The relocation has been in response to its rapid growth through numerous acquisitions within the last two years.

Specialising in keeping people safe and secure where they live, work and visit, Allegion provide unique, customisable packages for key markets including education, healthcare, hospitality, commercial and residential. Their innovative product range focuses on security around the doorway and beyond: everything from residential and commercial locks, door closers and exit devices, to electronic access control.

The premises will feature a new state-of-the-art ‘Security and Safety Learning Centre’ designed specifically to showcase its market solutions and electromechanical product packages. Allegion partners will be able to learn best practice from ‘in-house’ experts in choosing the correct door hardware and electronic access control solutions for their application, and ensure it is fitted and maintained correctly.

The Learning Centre will also host a cutting edge photo booth which will allow 360–degree photography further enhancing the customer experience by allowing a complete view of products from all angles.

Suzanne Taylor, Marketing, Communications & Brand Leader EMEIA (UK, MEA & Turkey) at Allegion comments:

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the business. The dynamic and modern space lends itself to a more collaborative and innovative culture which will only enhance our service and customer experience.”

For more, visit www.allegion.com.

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Monday, 19 September 2016

Ogilvie Fleet Opens the Door to a New Look Company Car and Van Fleet for Gilgen

Celebrating the handover of the first 20 Volkswagen Transporters
are Chris Windust, operations director, Gilgen Door Systems UK,
and Jo Clark, director of sales, Ogilvie Fleet.

Gilgen Door Systems UK has appointed Ogilvie Fleet to deliver a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art online vehicle and driver management solutions after outsourcing its company car and van fleet to the fast-growing leasing provider.

A market leader in automatic and industrial door solutions, Gilgen provides installation and service support for all types of powered doors throughout the UK. The company runs a fleet of 75 service vans and 43 company cars operated on four-year/100,000-mile contract hire with maintenance agreements.

Crucial factors in Gilgen’s decision to review its vehicle operation and appoint Ogilvie Fleet were reducing the company’s fleet administration burden and operating costs and delivering an improved choice of vehicles to aid staff recruitment and retention.

Gilgen Door Systems UK has more than 50 years’ experience in the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of automatic doors and industrial doors making the commercial vehicle fleet core to the business operation. Over the next 12 months the business anticipates expansion will trigger a 25% increase in the number of vans operated and a 10-15% rise in company cars.

After a detailed operational review alongside an analysis of the range of light commercial vehicles available taking into account whole life costs, Gilgen chose to switch to an all Volkswagen fleet of Crafter and Transporter models from a mixed-badge solution.

The first 20 Volkswagen Transporter models delivered by Ogilvie Fleet are now in use with some replacing existing vans and others additional assets to the growing fleet.

Bespoke internal conversion work on the vans was undertaken by specialist provider Bott. The van specification includes: work top units, specialist shelving, heated hand wash units and power inverters avoiding the requirement for engineers’ tools to be plugged into the vehicle’s battery.

Gilgen’s company car list extends over five grades and a choice of manufacturers based on Ogilvie True Cost. It takes the principle of whole life costs as its base and then adds in crucial elements to provide a far more accurate representation of the actual costs associated with vehicle operation.

Gilgen Door Systems UK operations director Chris Windust said:

“The result is that our employees are now able to choose from a more attractive range of cars. Simultaneously, vehicle operating costs for the business are lower and employees are also benefiting from reduced benefit-in-kind tax bills.”

Ogilvie Fleet director of sales Jo Clark said:

“While the light commercial vehicle fleet remains all diesel, we have been able to reintroduce petrol-engined models back into the company car list by using Ogilvie True Cost as the basis for vehicle selection.”

Complementing the new look vehicle solution is a range of additional services provided by Ogilvie Fleet including accident management and driver risk management featuring licence checking and driver support. Furthermore, it has also taken over management of the legacy Gilgen fleet of leased company cars and vans

Additionally, it was Ogilvie Fleet’s multi award-winning online solutions and its commitment to technology - as well as its focus on personal service - that was critical in securing the contract.

Online quotations help empower drivers to seek out their new company car reducing administration for Gilgen, while MiFleet Showroom delivers critical real-time fleet management information and a Driver Guide app gives fleet drivers access to a wide range of essential information on the move.

Meanwhile, Gilgen with assistance from Ogilvie Fleet is targeting accreditation to the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence initiative - an industry-led initiative that aims to: enhance standards of van operator compliance, celebrate operators that demonstrate excellence and represent the interests of the van industry.

Mr Windust said: “Working in partnership with Ogilvie Fleet we are establishing an industry-leading fleet policy that delivers reliable and robust support to drivers whilst also reducing cost and alleviating day-to-day administration.”

Ms Clark concluded: “An ability to deliver financial savings for Gilgen and its drivers alongside the combination of online solutions that reduce the company’s fleet administration burden while empowering drivers to self-help, plus our long-established reputation for personal customer service were crucial in winning the contract. They are among the major hallmarks of the business.”

Gilgen Door Systems was founded in Switzerland in 1961 as a one-man operation supplying automatic doors and gates. In 2011 the business was integrated into the Nabtesco Group of companies headquartered in Japan. Today the company has a worldwide presence, with a workforce of more than 900 employees, seven subsidiaries and representation in some 70 different countries.

www.gilgendoorsystems.co.uk

www.ogilvie-fleet.co.uk

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Sunday, 18 September 2016

‘History of Mazda Premium’ and 25th Anniversary of Le Mans Win to be Showcased at 2016 Japanese Classic Car Show

- Mazda to Celebrate Life, Career of Factory Driver Yoshimi Katayama -

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has announced its lineup for the Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS) in Long Beach, California, September 24, including four of seven vehicles making their first-time appearances at the largest vintage Japanese car show in the U.S.

This year’s theme for Mazda is twofold, representing “History of Mazda Premium” and racing successes of the past with a particular focus on the 25th anniversary of Mazda’s 24 Hours of Le Mans overall win and the life of Mazda factory driver Yoshimi Katayama, whose career spanned four decades with Mazda, both as a racer and development driver. Katayama, who was vital to Mazda’s Le Mans efforts, passed away on March 26 this year.

Kelvin Hiraishi, director of engineering, MNAO said:

“In order to move forward, you have to reflect on the past. From his early days racing motorcycles and Mazda Carol sedans to his later career, honing rotary engines for racing, Katayama-san will forever be remembered as a legend of Japanese and international racing and a champion of Mazda’s challenger spirit. To celebrate his life and accomplishments is our way of honoring his time as a part of the Mazda family.”

At JCCS, MNAO will have a 1979 RX-7 IMSA GTU racecar that was used as a development vehicle and backup. It was never raced competitively, but it bears Katayama’s name above its driver-side door.

The No. 202 Mazda 767B Group C Le Mans prototype will also be on-hand, making its JCCS debut. Painted in its original Charge Renown livery, this car placed ninth at the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans and recently made its first trip to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, where it was driven by MNAO Design Manager Ken Saward. Katayama drove it in four races in Japan between 1989 and 1990, retiring just shy of when its successor, an orange and green 787B, would become the first— and so far only—Japanese car to win Le Mans outright.

Following those two cars, Mazda’s display will focus on what the company calls “Mazda Premium,” a guiding principle of craftsmanship and quality that can be found throughout Mazda’s current SKYACTIV-generation vehicles.

What may be surprising to some is that upscale aesthetics in Mazda vehicles have been part of the company’s ethos for decades. This is demonstrated in vehicles such as the 1967 Cosmo Sport 110S, a JCCS stalwart and luxury sports coupe that was also Mazda’s first foray into rotary engines for production applications.

The Cosmo line lived on in Japan until 1995, where it was positioned in price and prestige above the RX-7 of the day. Badged as a Eunos, Mazda’s sporting sub-brand, the Cosmo MNAO owns is powered by a twin-turbocharged, three-rotor engine that makes 280 horsepower. At one point, the Eunos Cosmo was intended to be badged as an Amati in the U.S. to compete against other Japanese luxury brands.

Another car that was supposed to lend its chassis to the Amati brand was the 929, which will be making its JCCS debut as well. The 1992 Mazda 929 is being brought to Long Beach from Irvine, where it has spent the last 20 years hidden in the back of Mazda’s Heritage Collection basement.

Believed to have been used for advertising shoots, this 929 recently underwent a restoration to return it to running condition again. In 1992, it sold new for $27,800, or almost $50,000 in today’s dollars.

Along with the historic cars, the 2016 CX-9 Signature midsize crossover SUV joins Mazda’s lineup for JCCS, powered by a newly turbocharged, 2.5-liter SKYACTIV engine and comes with Auburn Nappa leather, aluminum accents influenced by the designs of Japanese katana swords and rosewood sourced from Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen.

The second-generation CX-9 went on sale in the U.S. in May and features many Mazda and industry firsts, including its innovative Dynamic Pressure Turbocharger system, predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and standard LED headlights and tail lights, a class-exclusive feature.

Capping the cars on-hand will be the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Spyder concept that was one of the stars of the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Adorned with a bespoke leather interior and painted Mercury Silver, MX-5 Spyder was introduced as one of two takes on lightweight design and engineering and previewed a color combination similar to what will be available on the 2017 MX-5 RF Launch Edition.

For more information on JCCS: www.japaneseclassiccarshow.com.

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