The Door Industry Journal: October 2017

Tuesday, 31 October 2017

ASSA ABLOY UK to campaign for mandatory fire door inspections at House of Commons

ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in door opening solutions, will be showcasing its fire door safety products at a high-profile House of Commons exhibition tomorrow, seeking to highlight its British brands and expertise in fire door inspections.

Hosted by Ian Austin MP for Dudley North, the ‘Made in the Black Country’ event on Wednesday 1 November will allow local businesses to demonstrate their latest innovations, experience and expertise to MPs and other visitors.

Fire door safety has become an increasingly prominent issue, and ASSA ABLOY UK is hoping the event will provide a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of fire door inspections.

There are currently no legal obligations to perform maintenance inspections once a fire door has been installed.

ASSA ABLOY UK aims to encourage the government to consider mandatory fire door inspections and maintenance.

ASSA ABLOY UK will also be looking to highlight the company’s renowned manufacturing heritage at the event, as well as how it continues to invest in the local area. Current initiatives include a £3 million revamp to its head office in Willenhall.

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

“Three million fire doors are installed every year in the UK, but incorrect specification, poor installation and a lack of maintenance is still common. Fire doors save lives, and it is absolutely critical that they are operating correctly at all times. We will be raising awareness of this important issue at this event, discussing the current challenges with MPs and considering how this can be overcome.

“Manufacturing is an important part of the Black Country’s heritage, and we are proud to have established ourselves as the UK’s leading door opening solutions provider over the years. The event also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the exciting plans we have for the future. We continue to develop our offering to meet ever-evolving customer needs, while investing in our operations to help strengthen the local economy and boost prosperity.”

To raise awareness about the importance of fire door safety, ASSA ABLOY has established a new LinkedIn group – called ‘It’s Time To Talk About Fire Doors’ – to provide a forum for this issue, as well as help connect followers with experts in this field for advice and support.

For more information on ASSA ABLOY UK, please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk.

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Monday, 30 October 2017

Smartlock security in the Highlands: Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Kinloch Rannoch, Scotland

Dunalastair Hotel set in the heart of Kinloch Rannoch, was first converted into a hotel at the turn of the last century and originally constructed as a Highland Sporting Lodge. In 2014 the hotel started its multi-million pound refurbishment; creating 32 luxury suites along with an onsite café and refreshment area.

An important aspect of the hotel managements refurbishment plans was to incorporate the very latest access control technology into the new venue, allowing the staff complete flexibility in the management of guest checking in and out, monitoring movement around the premises, together with the ability to provide real-time cancellation and logging in facilities.

Securefast’s state of the art OnDoor Smartlock Wireless Network system provided the perfect solution, incorporating a dedicated server in the hotel reception area with a direct computer link to the Windows based software ASL957 Management system.

This user friendly system allows the staff to easily programme the MiFare cards for the staff and guests with access to doors, groups and areas with time and date validity and shift control using the wireless dongle.

Each of the 32 bedrooms were fitted with the ASL951BW wireless locks in a brushed stainless steel finish which give a single operation on the inside for easy egress and card control from the corridor side with a key override facility should it be needed in an emergency or if the battery power is low.

Each of the individual locks is wirelessly connected to five ASL95BASE base stations positioned around the hotel so that real-time updating is possible. The Base Stations are connected to the server in the reception using Ethernet cables.

The Mifare cards have been printed with the hotel logo and give the hotel the flexibility to be able to link to other applications if needed in the future, such as cashless vending, etc. as these types of cards provide a multi-application memory to store several services on the same card.

The system also has the capability of interfacing with other leading brand PMS systems therefore giving the hotel flexibility and the opportunity to expand or increase the use of its cards in the future.

In addition to controlling access to each of the bedrooms, the Smartlock system also controls the entrance doors into areas of the hotel, with eight ASL950 Control Boxes connected to Smartlock Wall Readers and electric releases.

Since its grand re-opening in May 2017, the staff and management of the hotel have reported that the whole team are delighted with the Smartlock system, especially with the ease of use and total flexibility that the system offers.

www.securefast.co.uk

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Sunday, 29 October 2017

Car Clubs Ensure London’s Free-To-View Motor Show is a Classic

There are at least 500 reasons to visit the Regent Street Motor Show – one of the scores of displays filling London’s famous street will celebrate the 60th birthday of the original city car, the diminutive Fiat Cinquecento.

Introduced in Italy in 1957, the ‘Nuova 500’ was marketed as a cheap, functional and economical town car for post-war Italy. At just over 2.5 metres (9 feet) long and powered by a tiny rear mounted 479 cc two-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the little Fiat was an instant hit. Almost four million examples were built during its 18-year production run.

So iconic was the baby Fiat that it was reinvented a decade ago when the company re-introduced its name and shape in the modern 500… though at more than 3.5 metres from stem to stern, the latest version is considerably bigger than the original.

A special display staged by the Fiat 500 Club – itself celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – will depict the evolution of Italy’s ‘people’s car’ with several examples of the saloon and Giardiniera estate on show.

Another significant classic car club display will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the demise of London’s own car company, Talbot. One of the first purpose-built car factories was established in Barlby Road, Kensington where the firm of Clément-Talbot was founded in 1903.

Combining the motor engineering expertise of Frenchman Adolphe Clément and the money and social standing of British aristocrat, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, the cars were sold as Talbots and incorporated the Earl’s coat of arms in the badge.

They were a huge success on both road and race track – Talbots took third place at Le Mans in 1930 and 1932, while Percy Lambert driving a streamlined Talbot 25 at Brooklands became the first man in the world to cover 100 miles in one hour.

In 1935, however, the company was acquired by the Rootes Group which ceased manufacturing Talbots as an independent brand in 1938 after more than 30,000 cars had been built. The Talbot Owners’ Club will provide a time-honoured display for the Regent Street Motor Show.

First held in 2005, the Show is a unique open-air and free-to-view gathering of cars from just about every decade that the automobile has been in existence. The busy thoroughfare is closed to traffic, and the entire road from Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus is full of veteran cars, modern cars, classic cars, supercars, racing cars and motorcycles.

Held on Saturday 4th November –¬ the day before the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox leaves Hyde Park for the annual trip to the coast – more than 100 veterans, with many of the drivers and passengers in period dress, will gather in the middle of Regent Street to take part in the annual Veteran Car Concours.

At the other end of the motoring time scale, Go Ultra Low will be offering test drives in several of the latest low and zero emission electric and hybrid cars from manufacturers including BMW, Renault, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

“Variety is the key to the success of the Regent Street Motor Show and is the reason that it draws such a huge amount of interest each year,” said Nick Wigley, CEO of Show organisers, Goose Live Events.

“Where else can you see veteran cars from the 19th century alongside electric vehicles from the 21st century… not to mention rare classic cars from the recent and not so recent past. And all for free”.

It attracts vast crowds keen not only to see the hundreds of veteran and classic cars on display and to take test drives in the latest machinery but also to enjoy the on-street entertainment provided.

The Regent Street Motor Show is the penultimate act in the Royal Automobile Club’s annual London Motor Week – a week in which the Club presents an array of functions and events to suit all motoring tastes, which this year includes its annual Art of Motoring exhibition, the Motoring Lectures, a Motoring Forum, a dinner with FIA President Jean Todt and the Dewar and Simms Trophy presentations, awarded for British engineering excellence.

The week culminates with the Regent Street Motor Show and the world-famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox on Sunday 5th November.

For more information on London Motor Week, visit www.londonmotorweek.co.uk

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Saturday, 28 October 2017

James boosts specification team expertise

GEZE UK has further strengthened its specification team with the appointment of James White who takes up the role of specification manager, covering the south of England including south London, as part of the GEZE UK specification team expansion.

He was previously an area sales manager for the window technology team at GEZE UK, selling a range of window automation products and manual window control to window fabricators.

His new role will see him developing specifications with architectural practices across all GEZE product ranges, providing technical support and boosting the wider sales team.

Before joining GEZE UK last year, James worked as a business development manager for Somfy within its commercial building solutions division where he gained experience within specification working with M&E Consultants in solar shading solutions.

Previously, he worked as a key account manager for WindowMaster, selling natural ventilation solutions to façade market and building service contractors.

He is trained in computer aided design (CAD) and has the Automatic Doors Suppliers Association (ADSA) EN 16005 qualification. He also holds a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSC) card.

Outside of work, James is married with two children and is a keen mountain biker, golfer and fly fisherman.

He said: “I wanted to join GEZE due to the company’s history, reputation and strong product range.

“I hope that my role in developing specification for window technology, automatic doors and BAU products, will continue to make GEZE products the first choice for architects.”

Sales and marketing director of GEZE UK, Andy Howland commented:

“We are delighted that James has joined the specification team. His skills and experience will be a real asset in offering a first-class service of advice and support to professionals.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk.

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Friday, 27 October 2017

Origin Unveiled as a Finalist for the NatWest Great Entrepreneur Awards

Neil Ginger and Victoria Brocklesby, founders of Origin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium bi-folding doors, residential doors and windows, have been jointly shortlisted in the Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year category at the NatWest Great Entrepreneur Awards 2017.

The prestigious national awards, now in their fifth year, champion British entrepreneurs and their stories, from creating jobs to inspiring innovation. Founders and business leaders of the companies shortlisted act as agents for positive change within the UK, revolutionising the way people live and work.

Origin is the only company in the fenestration industry to be named as a finalist in this year’s awards.

With this in mind, Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, commented:

“We set up Origin in 2002 when we spotted an opportunity in the UK market for high quality aluminium bi-folding doors. Since then, we have not looked back. Our goal has always been to manufacture top quality products, offer unrivalled lead times and a gold-standard of service to our partners. Being shortlisted for this award is recognition for all of the hard work that goes on at Origin, not just by us, but by the whole Origin family.”

Statistics show that two thirds of UK businesses are family owned, and generate more than a quarter of the UK’s gross domestic product market. That means that with 4.7 million businesses in the UK being run by families, the competition for Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year has never been greater.

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, said:

“When we first set out on our Origin adventure, we were one family, working together, to achieve excellence. This is still true today. We work hard to ensure it stays at our very core, no matter how much we grow. As people, and as an organisation, we are passionate about what we do, embracing change and opportunity with enthusiasm. It is fantastic to be one of this year’s finalists, as the award recognises all of the hard work that got us to this point.”

The judges, who include Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, The Black Farmer; Toni Mascolo, CEO at Toni&Guy; and Helena Hills, CEO TrueStart Coffee, were no doubt impressed by Neil and Victoria’s inventive approach to manufacturing. By helping its partners increase customer service levels and product knowledge, the company fuels its own business growth. This, coupled with the immense importance they both place on having a ‘family feel’ right across the organisation, helped their entry stand out above the rest.

The judges were also particularly impressed with the ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ delivery promise. Pioneered by Neil, this has allowed Origin to revolutionise the way the manufacturing industry looks at lead times. Origin partners can specify when they want their bespoke products delivered, with the Origin Bi-fold Door available in just 24 hours. The methods implemented by Neil and Victoria are driving Origin forward, leading the way in terms of innovation and product development.

Origin representatives will now join other finalists and sponsors at the Great Entrepreneur Awards, held at the Lancaster London on November 21st, 2017. Competing against Origin for Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award are ribot, New Skills Academy, Sassy Bloom and Dandi Patch.

Neil concludes: “Our vision for Origin was simple, manufacture top quality products with uncompromising levels of service. This is something we have done from day one, and we have grown exponentially based on it. As we grow, and innovate, we stay true to our roots and the family values that have taken us so far already. We are thrilled to be finalists, and we hope that we go one step further on Awards night and bring the title home with us.”

For further information about Origin, please visit www.origin-global.com.

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Thursday, 26 October 2017

More Speedor Cleanroom work for Hart

Hart Door Systems is installing a number of Speedor Cleanrooms for a major Midlands-based company that specialises in fuel containment systems, sealing solutions and advanced composites.

The order was placed by a third party company which provides a full building solution service for its clients.

Peter Cairns, sales executive for Hart in the Midlands says:

“Speedor Cleanroom is ideally suited to environments where strict air leakage requirements are required and air pressure differentials need to be maintained.

“This is especially vital for processes where required hygiene standards are exceptional.

“As a result the door system is designed to work in strictly controlled environmental areas.”

Hart is the owner and originator of the Speedor brand and the first model was “Speedor super” patented in 1983.

The brand continually under development now has a wide range of models designed for specific sectors and industries. Known for their robust design and longevity with many doors now over 25 years old and still in constant use, you buy once.

Doors can be large or small internal or external. the main benefit amongst many is the environmental improvement and energy saving. The high speed and automatic operation deliver those cost savings. Speedor is a proven brand in a demanding high performance market. designed, built in Britain in a family owned business having celebrated 70 years in business in 2016.

All parts are retained in stock in the UK and all supporting manuals in English.

Visit www.hartdoors.com to find out more or call 0191 214 0404.

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Wednesday, 25 October 2017

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors secures another major station on the Crossrail project

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has been awarded the contract to supply fire, security and personnel steel doorsets on the Crossrail project at its new Woolwich station.

Main contractor Balfour Beatty has selected ASSA ABLOY Security Doors to supply approximately 200 doorsets, which include fire doors, specialist security doors meeting LPS 1175 security standards and other high-performance doors that are tailored to the specific requirements of the new Woolwich station site.

The Woolwich contract is the latest in a series of successful appointments for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors on the Crossrail project, which include Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon station sites. The organisation has also supplied security doors to a range of other sites related to Crossrail, including the Victoria Dock Portal and Custom House and Mile End stations.

Nigel Cronin, Area Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said:

“While major projects of this nature are not without their challenges, as one of the largest suppliers of security doors in the UK, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to confidently meet the demands of these complex projects.

“We understand how important doors are to critical infrastructure and the need for them to be fully tested, certified and compliant with the stringent fire and security requirements of these projects.

“The new station is a key part of a significant regeneration plan to help transform Woolwich, with 3,750 homes being built in the area, as well as investment in new cultural, heritage, commercial and leisure quarters. We are thrilled to be able to support a prestigious project of this scale, contributing to the latest chapter in London’s transport legacy.”

For more information on ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/Security-Doors and for more information on ASSA ABLOY’s fire door inspection services, please click this link.

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Tuesday, 24 October 2017

Nice UK display their automation systems at 100% Design, London

Automation systems specialists Nice UK enjoyed a successful exhibition at the 100% Design show at Olympia in London last month.

The show is the cornerstone of the London Design Festival and this year’s event attracted over 27,000 visitors from all over the world. Attendees included architects, interior designers and installers.

Automation systems are an increasingly large part of the show and visitors to Nice’s stand were impressed with working demonstration stations of some of their motors, as well as a selection of their handsets and control systems.

Nice produces automation systems for swing and sliding gates, road barriers, garage doors and internal blinds. Although the stand focused primarily on their Era Inn motors system for internal blinds, Nice staff were on hand to field questions about all of their automation products, including the Hi-Speed range of gate automation motors, which boast opening and closing times up to three times faster than standard models.

www.niceforyou.com

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Monday, 23 October 2017

Nine Jewers Swift Doors Ensure Integrity of New Elizabeth Line OMC Depot

Specialist industrial door manufacturer, Jewers Doors, has installed eight of its latest Swift- SEW and two smaller Swift horizontal bi-folding doors at Transport for London (TfL)’s new Operations, Maintenance and Control (OMC) depot for the Elizabeth line at Old Oak Common, West London.

This new state-of-the-art 9-track, train maintenance building is part of the £142 million contract awarded to Taylor Woodrow and will accommodate 33 trains while routine maintenance is carried out.

Keith Fulton, Associate Architect with RPS Consulting Services Limited, the Lead Designer for the new OMC depot commented,

“In addition to securing the building, there were a range of practical issues that were critical in the design of these doors. The major factor was accommodating live overhead electrification lines (OLE) which meant vertical opening doors would have been impractical.

“These were eight extremely large openings so effective thermal and acoustic insulation was important for the doors to ensure compliance with TfL’s strict environmental requirements.”

Each door is 4 metres wide and 6.6 metres high, comprising four highly insulated, single piece composite panels, with two leaves folding to each side when open. An 850mm x 760mm cut-out in the door allows an OLE cable to pass through the closed door.

The cut-out is lined with 9mm thick safety matting tested to 30kVA to prevent bird entry, and for additional safety, the door is earthed back to the structure with suitably rated earth bonding braids.

For visibility when closed, each door panel incorporates a 600 x 600mm argon filled, toughened glass, double glazed vision panel, and is fitted with multi-wall rubber seals to all edges to reduce water, air and dust ingress.

To meet the environmental criteria, panels are injected with CFC-free polyurethane foam providing a thermal efficiency U-value of 1.1W/m2/°C and noise reduction of 25dB. To eliminate the spread of fire and to provide great rigidity and strength, panels incorporate an internal steel frame to all edges.

The doors are operated by a powerful, centrally mounted SEW drive unit, combined with a purpose designed control panel incorporating inverter control for smooth starts and stops.

The system takes less than eight seconds to full open and close, and safety is ensured with full height pressure sensitive safety edges and photocell beams to create a safe zone around the door during operation.

In addition to the drive unit holding the door in the closed position, a pair of automatic solenoid floor bolts provide additional security, and prevent wind-damage. In the event of power failure, a low-level disengage handle enables the doors to be opened quickly by hand from ground level.

Fulton added, “This is a high-profile flagship project and as Jewers are a tried and tested company in the rail sector, we were confident that the doors would be of the highest quality, fully meet the spec and provide reliable service for many years to come.”

About Jewers Doors

Established in 1983 and still a family run business, Jewers Doors is a world-leading supplier of industrial doors operating from a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Bedfordshire.

With over 50 highly skilled and experienced staff, the core of the business is design, manufacture, installation and repair of industrial door solutions across all industrial sectors.

The Phoenix range of doors are designed for medium to large industrial applications, while the Esavian range is recognised as one of the world’s leading range of aircraft hanger doors.

Incorporating the very latest concepts and technologies, Jewers Doors have been installed not only in the UK, but also throughout the world including Europe, Middle and Far East and New Zealand.

For more information visit www.jewersdoors.co.uk

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Sunday, 22 October 2017

Lotus Elise Cup 260: Sports Car Alchemy

Rare and race-bred, the extreme limited-edition Lotus Elise Cup 260 packs the company’s passion for motorsport engineering into one of the most accomplished cars it has ever produced.

Taking what’s widely regarded as the benchmark for intuitive handling and driver involvement, Lotus has integrated some of the latest design philosophies from high-performance stablemates including the Exige Cup 380, and the mighty Evora GT430, as well as building upon the track and competition only Elise Race 250.

Setting a standard for outright track pace and low lap times, this ultimate Elise has been unveiled as the company prepares for the 70th anniversary of when founder Colin Chapman built his first car in 1948. Referencing Lotus’ motorsport successes, the new Elise Cup 260 has a laurel wreath decal on the left buttress and the Union Jack on both the rear wing end plates together with the option of finishing the car in iconic Championship Gold.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said,

“Our philosophy for producing extraordinary vehicles is world famous, but the new Elise Cup 260 goes beyond what many believed possible from our smallest car. It is directly developed from the Elise race cars that are competing in series around the world, giving the ultimate Elise experience on the road. More power, motorsport components and the introduction of aerodynamics unheard of in its class make driving this Elise an unrivalled experience.”

Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and Director of Classic Team Lotus, said,

“Each and every one of the sports cars produced by Group Lotus today carries the true spirit of Lotus, laid down by my father nearly 70 years ago. I am extremely proud that his legacy and achievements are being acknowledged and celebrated in this iconic version of the Elise.”

Taking a blend of exotic and lightweight materials to produce a truly noble sports car, the Elise Cup 260 is considerably greater than the sum of its parts. Building on the production Elise Cup 250 released earlier this year, and drawing heavily on the development the motorsport Elise Race 250, the Elise Cup 260’s performance is formed through a first-class combination of intelligent engineering and advanced aerodynamics as well as a boost in engine performance.

Not only the lightest ever Elise Cup, it’s also the heaviest at speed – with the car’s design and aero configuration generating up to 180 kg of downforce at 151 mph.

Key to this exceptionally high level of downforce are the new louvred front wheel-arch vents, lightweight carbon fibre front splitter and wide high mounted rear wing. With a no-holds-barred approach, the Elise Cup 260 includes nearly all of the lightweight Elise Cup options as standard, ranging from the sill covers, roll hoop cover, front access panel and engine cover which are all in carbon to the two-piece brake discs.

With a race chassis developed by Lotus Motorsport, two way adjustable Nitron dampers – fitted to an Elise for the first time, a polycarbonate backlight glass and hand-trimmed interior with bespoke detailing, the Elise Cup 260 will earn its reputation as the ultimate Elise.

Lotus Elise Cup 260 – race proven

Lotus’ coveted Elise and Exige Cup versions represent a model’s most concentrated iteration – conceived, designed and constructed using the company’s unique sports car DNA – each with the express aim of providing an unrivalled driving experience on the road as well as the track.

Delivering big gains from focused development, the new Elise Cup 260 provides a sparkling blend of purpose with purity at the top of the Elise line up. With 250 hp from the supercharged engine, designed to make the most of the Elise’s exceptionally stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis, it endows the Elise Cup 260 phenomenal straight-line speed, agile handling and, with the significant downforce available and the wider, road-legal motorsport tyres, harder and faster cornering.

These elements combine to deliver a lap of the Hethel track in just 1 minute 32 seconds, 2.5 seconds faster than the Elise Cup 250.

The Elise Cup 260 continues the new model’s visual styling, first introduced on the Elise Sport and Sprint models, but incorporates the aero lessons learnt from Lotus’ latest models, including the Evora GT 430. This includes louvred front wheel arch vents to reduce lift, and a new oversize motorsport-derived rear wing, developed from the Lotus 3-Eleven.

Working with the redesigned lightweight front clam panel, with wider apertures, carbon front splitter and the rear diffuser, these generate up to 180 kg of downforce at the car’s top speed of 151mph. This is a 44% gain on the already impressive Elise Cup 250, allowing greater grip levels and higher cornering speeds.

As befitting the marque which was first to build and run a carbon fibre F1 car, the Elise Cup 260 comes with lightweight carbon fibre and composite components as standard. These include the large rear wing, the front access panel which saves 1.1kg, the engine cover saving 3.3kg, the roll hoop cover, 0.7kg and the side sill covers, 0.8kg. Ultra-efficient and lightweight two-piece brake discs save a further 4 kg.

Standard lightweight parts carried over from the Elise Cup 250 include Lotus’ beautifully finished lightweight carbon race seats, weighing 6 kg each, a Lithium-Ion battery, saving 9 kg, lightweight forged alloy wheels and a polycarbonate rear screen. Collectively the Elise Cup 260 is 15 kg lighter than the Elise Cup 250, weighing in at just 902 kg (unladen) and 862 kg in the lightest possible dry configuration.

The all-alloy, chargecooled supercharged 1.8-litre engine has undergone development, with new induction components and revised calibration. Delivering 250 hp and 255 Nm of torque it’s mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with sports ratios.

The change to the induction system including a race derived performance air filter and the Elise’s tuned exhaust note means that the Elise Cup 260 retains the crown for best-sounding forced-induction four-cylinder on the market. Overall, the fall in mass and rise in power boosts acceleration, with 0-60 mph dispatched in 3.8 seconds and a power to weight ratio of 290 hp / tonne (dry). Emissions figures are also impressive, at 175 g / km CO2.

Providing its trademark handling and steering feel, the Elise Cup 260 features fully independent double wishbone suspension with an adjustable front anti-roll bar, with Nitron coaxial coil springs and, for the first time on an Elise, adjustable Nitron high-performance dampers. With 24 settings for rebound and compression, the dampers allow owners to perfectly dial-in the car’s setup to their preference.

As standard, the Elise Cup 260 comes with ultra-lightweight motorsport forged alloy wheels (16-inch at the front and 17-inch at the rear) and are fitted with Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tyres (205/45 R16 front & 235/40 R17 rear) which have been specifically developed for high performance track and road use. 10 mm wider front and rear than the tyres fitted to the Elise Cup 250, they provide the mechanical grip necessary to exploit the power and downforce the car generates. Braking is provided by AP Racing twin-piston front calipers and Brembo at the rear, which are perfectly matched to the lightweight two-piece brake discs.

The Elise Cup 260’s interior bears testament to the car’s handbuilt nature, with beautifully detailed components. Centre of attention is the detailed, manual gearbox’s open gate mechanism, which is both technically and aesthetically appealing. Developed by Lotus, it provides precise and direct gear changes for quicker shifting.

The finish of Lotus’ in-house manufactured carbon race seats, trimmed in black Alcantara® with contrast red or yellow stitching, is echoed by the door panels and face-level vents. Bodywork keyed colour inserts for the sports seats, transmission console, HVAC surround and window switches are both complemented by the cabin’s exposed aluminium and carbon fibre elements including a new carbon fibre instrument binnacle cover.

Interior options include an Alcantara® trimmed steering wheel and sill covers, leather or tartan trim packs for seats or door panels. Other options, including an in-car entertainment system, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality, can all be selected when ordering.

Summing up the new Lotus, Jean-Marc Gales said,

“As we near the 70th anniversary of the inception of Colin Chapman’s engineering legacy, it’s only right that we build the very best cars as special editions, and the Elise Cup 260 is certainly worthy of that accolade. Our special editions have always proved extremely popular with our customers around the world, and we know they value the extensive development work that goes into each one. With just 30 examples to be built, there’s no doubt that the Elise Cup 260 is a future classic.”

The car shown is painted in Championship Gold to commemorate the forthcoming 70th Anniversary of Lotus. This colour is available across the whole Lotus range through the Lotus Exclusive programme, from November 2017 onwards.

To find out more about Lotus Elise Cup 260: www.lotuscars.com.

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Saturday, 21 October 2017

Assa Abloy Access Control Strengthens Team with Two Key Appointments

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, has strengthened its team by appointing a new Regional Sales Manager and Business Development Executive.

In his new role as Regional Sales Manager, David Smyth will be responsible for identifying and qualifying new sales channels, developing and integrating new OEM partners, providing support to systems integrators as well as strengthening relationships with existing customers.

David was appointed as a Technical Engineer in October 2016, responsible for managing technical enquiries and resolving issues for customers, whether over the phone or by a site visit. He also led training courses highlighting best practice and addressing common industry challenges for the division’s extensive OEM network and system integrator database.

“I am thrilled to have been recognised for my work and promoted within this dynamic and forward-thinking organisation,” said David.

“I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities as part of the sales team and applying my expertise at a higher level. ASSA ABLOY Access Control has established itself as a global leader in supplying innovative access control technology, and it’s great to be a part of that.”

The second key appointment is Claire Jones as Business Development Executive, who will be supporting and further developing relationships with the division’s current partners.

Claire previously worked as a Marketing Assistant for ASSA ABLOY for more than four years before her promotion, helping deliver the group’s marketing activities and implement marketing strategy.

Claire adds: “I’m looking forward to building and strengthening relationships with new and existing customers and showcasing the excellent selection of innovative products we have available.”

Gareth Ellams, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Access Control, said:

“Innovation is at the heart of our organisation, and we are always quick to reward those who work hard and stand out. With that in mind, we are delighted to promote David and Claire, who I’m sure will continue to perform brilliantly in their new roles, and help drive this company forward.”

For further information on ASSA ABLOY Access Control, please click here.

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Friday, 20 October 2017

Comelit’s ViP entry system adds security and style to developments in Manchester

IP-based ViP video entry systems from Comelit have been used to enhance security and convenience at three prestigious residential developments in Manchester.

All three developments – by leading Manchester-based real estate company Renaker Build Ltd – benefit from Comelit’s ViP network systems using bespoke stainless steel door panels and Multi-User Gateways. These allow residents to operate the system by answering audio and video calls from the external unit via the building’s LAN, using their smartphones or tablets.

At One Regent in Water Street, situated in a riverside setting in the historic Castlefield district of Manchester, the scheme consists of a 26-storey apartment building with 301 apartments and six townhouses. Three bespoke stainless steel audio door panels – installed by Signal Electronic Systems and featuring a digital call facility, dedicated concierge button and integrated Simplekey proximity access control readers – provide direct calling to residents on their smartphones or tablets.

Using Comelit’s Multi-User Gateway, door panels transmit calls via SIP trunks over the landlord’s broadband connection. A porter switchboard allows the concierge to take calls from all three entrances and contact any of the residents as required. The concierge can also handle calls from three audio help points located in the common areas of the building. A further 19 Simplekey readers are installed throughout for resident access, while a pair of RF Simplekey readers provide access to the residents’ car park.

At Greengate – which comprises 497 luxurious apartments in two towers at a riverside location bordering Salford and Manchester – six panels similar to those at Water Street have been installed by Aerial Wired Systems (TV) Ltd, with the addition of two direct call buttons. This means that any entrance panel can call through to any apartment in either tower, without any confusion about the numbering system. Here again, the panels can call through to residents’ devices using the Multi-User Gateway. A total of 26 Simplekey readers provide proximity access control and a remote RF reader is installed at the vehicle entrance.

The third development is Wilburn Basin, again located between Salford and Manchester around the historic River Irwell basin. Here there are 491 apartments in four blocks ranging from eight to 21 storeys. The installation, by Aerial Wired Systems (TV) Ltd, features Comelit’s ViP Multi-User Gateway, which enables residents to respond to calls without the need for an internal unit – and four bespoke stainless steel audio digital external panels located at the entrances to the buildings.

“By working with Renaker on these three prestigious projects, we have been able to demonstrate our versatility as a manufacturer, as well as offer significant cost-savings,” said Francesca Boeris, Comelit’s Managing Director. “Installing our multi-user gateway at each site means users can receive audio and video calls from the external unit directly to their smartphone or tablet with the Comelit ViP app, without needing to install an internal unit.”

Facilities include a gym, cinema, residents’ lounge, meeting rooms, a hotel-style reception lobby and 24/7 concierge. Outside, residents can enjoy landscaped gardens and seating areas around the river basin.

www.comelitgroup.com

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