Tuesday 30 June 2020

Take Loading to the Next Level with Hörmann’s RFID technology


Designed to improve warehouse management, minimise operating costs and increase overall efficiency, Hörmann UK’s new Hydraulic Dock Levellers with integrated Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology provides non-contact reliable recording of goods when crossing the dock leveller.

With the use of pallets equipped with RFID technology continuing to increase in response to the rising demand for the automated flow of goods, Hörmann UK has developed its patented solution to streamline the loading processes for supply chain operators.

While many RFID readers and antennas are constructed in the form of a gate that occupies valuable warehousing space around the loading ramp, Hörmann UK’s Hydraulic Dock Leveller features the antenna directly underneath the dock leveller for discreet and secure transmission.

The automatic recording of the transport of goods provides reliable data transmission along the shortest path between the RFID transponder and the reader, preventing potential collision or mechanical impact damage due to its secure location.


Phil Thorpe, Senior Product Manager at Hörmann UK, said:
“As the supply chain industry continues to evolve to meet the ever changing requirements of consumers, so too must our loading solutions and the technologies they utilise. This is why we have developed our new patented solution, which provides reliable data transmission via the shortest route. 
“We are working closely with our clients across the UK to provide bespoke consultations and project planning with our team of IT logistics specialists to ensure the individual needs of each client is successfully met.” 

As only the dock leveller needs to be equipped with RFID technology, it presents potential cost savings for supply chain operators as no other industrial vehicles, such as forklifts, require the technology as all pallets are recorded upon the loading processes.

To view Hörmann UK’s complete offering for the industrial market, visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.





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Monday 29 June 2020

Anodised Finishes: Taking Aluminium to the Next Level


Aluminium is known for being a versatile metal. Its flexibility and strength, combined with its corrosion resistance, make it the ideal building material. 

Although aluminium can withstand weathering better than other metals, it can still tarnish and oxidise over time if it does not receive additional treatment. For aluminium, one of the best ways to protect and enhance its appearance is by giving it an anodised finish. 

HOPPE (UK) has been using anodised finishes for its aluminium door and window hardware for over 35 years. This finish is created by adding a protective oxide layer to the aluminium using an electrolytic process. This enhances its natural qualities making it even more durable. No additional covering is applied, it simply creates a layer that is built up from the existing aluminium.

The hardwearing layer created in the anodising process is fully integrated with the metal substrate, increasing its abrasion resistance and helping the product to retain its appearance for longer. These qualities are particularly useful in high traffic areas where the door hardware could be subject to lots of use.


Corrosion resistance - One of the biggest benefits of anodising door and window hardware is the increased corrosion resistance. Ironmongery affected by corrosion will become tarnished or discoloured.

Anodised finishes are suitable for external applications even in coastal locations. HOPPE’s popular external door handles, the Atlanta and Tokyo, are both available with anodised finishes. Each handle is available as a profile or security set, allowing home owners to choose the handle they want without having to compromise on design, quality or security.

As part of HOPPE’s commitment to high quality products, all HOPPE handles have a 10 year mechanical operation guarantee, as long as the assembly and maintenance guidelines are followed.

Design choice - When the anodising process takes place, there is also the opportunity to alter the final finish. This allows aluminium to be a versatile choice from an aesthetic perspective. Popular finishes include silver and gold to complement traditional hardware finishes not only for entrance doors, but also around the home.

As part of HOPPE’s duranorm range there are internal door handles that also offer an anodised finish. The Dubayy, Seattle and Ibiza designs all offer a contemporary handle design to match a range of interiors. All three of these handles are available in silver and polished chrome.

HOPPE brand name products are tested to ensure flawless operation. These tests closely reflect the everyday knocks hardware has to take and extend beyond the requirements of technical standards such as DIN EN 1906.

Handle of excellence - HOPPE (UK) Ltd is a market leader in the field of door and window hardware. The company is a member of HOPPE Group, established in the UK in 1988, and benefits highly from over 60 years of insight and experience in the field of architectural hardware.

Based in Wolverhampton, the specialist manufacturer operates from a purpose built, state-of-the-art distribution centre with highly skilled, Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) trained staff. HOPPE delivers award winning service and is committed to providing products that have been tested to meet the latest European and British standards, offering both quality and innovation to all sectors of the market.

Experienced HOPPE (UK) product experts are on hand to help with any technical queries and provide specification support. For further information about HOPPE’s anodised finishes or for technical support, please contact the HOPPE (UK) sales office on 01902 484400.

www.hoppe.com




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Sunday 28 June 2020

From XK120 To Chiron: London Concours Reveals the Pursuit of Speed Display


The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced its The Pursuit of Speed display; gathering the cars designed not just to be fast on the road, but to be the fastest. 

From the all-conquering Jaguar XK120 to the beautifully iconic Mercedes 300SL 'Gullwing' and on to the latest Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, ‘The Pursuit of Speed’ is a visual journey through humanity’s quest for ever higher speeds, and the evolving technology that accompanies it.

1990s: McLaren F1

Taking place from 19-20 August, the London Concours will gather these speed machines and nearly 100 others into the Honourable Artillery Company HQ –  a five-acre oasis of green nestled among the tall buildings of the City of London. Classes are dedicated to elegance, or to innovation, design and – in this case – speed.

From naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines to quad-turbocharged W16 engines, the fastest cars on the road have quickly shifted gears from 100mph to just over 300mph in less than 100 years, and The Pursuit of Speed will chart each quantum leap. Below are a few of the highlights that will be on the lawn:


1950s Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

Arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever created, the Mercedes 300SL kickstarted a model line –  the SL – that continues in the Mercedes range to this day. At the time, it wasn’t just a stunning and innovative piece of design (including those iconic gullwing doors), it was actually the fastest car in the world, capable of hitting over 160mph with the right gearing.


1970s Lamborghini Countach LP400 (Periscopio)

The unmistakable, aggressive wedge-shaped Lamborghini Countach was built on a tubular space-frame chassis with dramatic alloy bodywork draped over it. But never one to skimp on drama, Lamborghini also equipped the Countach with a pair of magnificent scissor doors.

Fitted with a longitudinal 4.0-litre V12, the early LP400 ‘Periscopio’ was capable of reaching around 180mph, but the pièce de résistance of these 150 early models is the periscope rear-view mirror which was replaced shortly afterwards. 


1980s Ferrari F40

The final car that got Enzo Ferrari’s personal sign off was to be an absolute powerhouse. Celebrating 40 years of Ferrari, the powerful twin-turbo V8 was fitted to a lightweight Kevlar, carbon fibre and aluminium body meaning it was the fastest, most powerful and most expensive car for sale at the time.

The amount of weight saving was made apparent in the spartan interior – no door handles, no glove box, carpets or trim. Even today, the Ferrari F40 will keep modern supercars honest with a top speed over 200mph.


2000s Bugatti Veyron

As the first car to officially break the 250mph barrier, the Bugatti Veyron was a seminal moment in automotive history. It’s 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine generated 1001PS, with Super Sport versions boasting 1,200PS.

In 2005, it set an average top speed record of 253.81mph, before the later ‘World Record Edition’ model hit a blistering 268mph.

The London Concours 2020 takes place from 19-20 August. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets

The full list of cars in ‘The Pursuit of Speed’ is:

1940s: Jaguar XK120
1950s: Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing’
1960s: Lamborghini Miura
1970s: Lamborghini Countach
1980s: Ferrari F40
1990s: McLaren F1
2000s: Bugatti Veyron
2010s: Bugatti Chiron





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Saturday 27 June 2020

Free 'Lean Principles' Webinar for Door & Window Manufacturers


We’re sure you wouldn't refuse an opportunity to squeeze that bit more production capacity out of your workshop, or gain those much needed extra few percent of profit?

Coastal Group is hosting a complimentary webinar for Door & Window Manufacturers alongside TXM Lean Solutions to help you squeeze that bit more production capacity out of your workshop, and gain those much needed extra few percent of profit.

Hear how other door and window manufacturers, like yours, have benefited, and how you too can benefit.

Lean concepts are powerful tools for increasing productivity and enabling your business to reach its growth and profit potential. However, the challenge is to adapt these powerful techniques, so they are relevant to your business.

This webinar will give you an insight into the basic concepts and HOW you can apply them to achieve increased capacity and sustainable growth.

Learn how lean principles can help you:

  • Understand the causes of low productivity and constraints.
  • Overcome typical limiting factors in a door and window manufacturing business.
  • Improve your workshop layout.
  • Cope with different speed processes.
  • Avoid costly errors and mistakes.
  • Achieve profitable growth.

Webinar Date & Time: Wednesday 1st July, 10.00am


REGISTER NOW for Your Free Webinar Place by clicking this link and completing the form: www.coastal-group.com





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Friday 26 June 2020

Three Quarters of Fire Doors Failed Inspections in 2019


More than three quarters (76%) of the fire doors inspected by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) in 2019 were condemned as not fit for purpose. In addition, 63% of the buildings inspected also had additional fire safety issues. 

The data, which refers to more than 100,000 inspections in over 2,700 buildings across the UK, also highlighted the challenges with fire door installation. 30% of fire doors nationwide were condemned due to poor installation, with problems including excessive gaps around the door and the use of non-compatible foam.

Louise Halton, Scheme Manager of FDIS, said:
“The buildings that our inspectors visit include sleeping accommodation and those that house the elderly, the disabled, and people with mobility or cognitive needs – some of the most vulnerable in our society. However, the latest data shows that the vast majority of fire doors are not fit for purpose. This paints a very worrying picture of the fire safety of the UK’s buildings, and one that we must all play a role in changing for the better to help protect lives.”
The data also found that 57% of installed fire doors inspected needed small scale maintenance, with the top three reasons for failures including excessive gaps, smoke sealing issues and poorly adjusted door closers, which would prevent the door performing as designed to hold back the spread of a fire.

Of the buildings inspected, nearly a quarter (24%) of fire doors that were third-party certificated were correctly installed and maintained, while 40% of third-party certificated fire doors were condemned due to poor maintenance and 36% due to both poor installation and poor maintenance.

Louise adds: 
“The biggest concern for our inspectors is the lack of knowledge that people have about fire doors. For example, third-party certificated fire doors provide crucial specification information and proof of performance for building owners, but if they are incorrectly installed or not maintained, they will not perform as designed and prevent the spread of fire.
“The correct specification, installation and ongoing maintenance of a fire door can really mean the difference between life or death for occupants, so it’s vital that building owners take responsibility and ensure that their fire doors are regularly inspected and maintained so as to save lives.”

For more information and to download the FDIS data infographic, please visit: fdis.co.uk

FDIS Certificated Inspectors are uniquely trained to undertake fire door inspections. You can search for a fire door inspector with confidence, by using the FDIS Find an Inspector tool.

The Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) was launched as a joint venture by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in 2012. It aims to transform people’s knowledge about how and why fire doors work, and the potential dangers of getting it wrong.

* The research was based on a FDIS survey of its inspectors carried out in January and February 2020.





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Thursday 25 June 2020

New Antibacterial Keys Help you Stay Hygienic


If you take a moment to think about all the surfaces and objects that your keys touch, you may be reminded about just how many germs they actually pick up and carry around. 

This is why Mul-T-Lock has launched a new antibacterial key solution for *all of its cylinders, locks and padlocks.

To make its customers feel safer, Mul-T-Lock’s new keys help to reduce the growth of bacteria, making it a more hygienic solution for everyone to use. This is achieved via an antibacterial plastic head, featuring an agent that supresses the growth of unwanted bacteria.

The new keys have been successfully tested to ISO 22196, showing significantly lower bacterial contamination compared to other keys. 


With the plastic heads available in a dark green colour for easy recognition, the antibacterial solution is also offered as a full metal key, should a customer prefer this. Metal keys from Mul-T-Lock that adhere to these requirements will include the antibacterial logo on the key head and also meet ISO 22196 testing standards.


Claire Blakemore, Managing Director at Mul-T-Lock explains:
“Mul-T-Lock has a strong reputation for developing and designing keying solutions that meet the evolving needs of people’s businesses, homes and families. As part of this, we are committed to considering new ways in which we can make our customers feel safer and more secure. Our new antibacterial keys have been created with this in mind, at a time when no-one can afford to be complacent about hygiene. 
“Offered for our entire range of cylinders, locks and padlocks, Mul-T-Lock’s new antibacterial keys ensure you never again have to compromise when it comes to how hygienic your keying systems are.
“Tested to ISO 22196, customers can have confidence and peace of mind that the antibacterial solution keeps the collection of contaminants on the surface of the key to an absolute minimum and vastly reduces the spread of bacteria. 
“And with customers able to choose between an instantly recognisable solution featuring the plastic green heads, or a more traditional metal composite product if they prefer, you can be assured that we have the right solution to meet every need.”

For more information on Mul-T-Lock’s new antibacterial keys, please contact your local locksmith, visit www.mul-t-lock.co.uk or call Mul-T-Lock on 01902 364200.

*Mul-T-Lock antibacterial key solution unavailable with the Break Secure 3DS platform.






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Wednesday 24 June 2020

Garador Gets Back to Work in Covid-19


In late March the machines at Garador, one of Yeovil’s largest manufacturers, ran eerily silent. There were no whirring, clacking or squeaking sounds commonly heard as large industrial machines pressed sheets of metal into various shapes, to build a garage door. 

The government’s lockdown had just come into effect and so the company was required to temporarily close its manufacturing facility, with the vast majority of its 135 staff furloughed and a small skeleton crew working from home.

Garador have been manufacturing garage doors in Yeovil for over 70 years and were originally part of helicopter manufacturing giant, Westland’s Aerospace. They mass produce garage doors for some of the UK’s leading housebuilders and are a well know brand throughout the building industry.


A little over a month later and the management team were looking at ways to re-open the business and begin manufacturing garage doors again. Garador’s MD, Neil Discombe has worked to put in place a series of measures which promoted extra hygiene procedures, additional cleaning shifts and more regular handwashing, as well as physical distancing and working from home wherever possible.

Neil Discombe, Garador’s Managing Director comments
“We examined government guidance on staying COVID-19 secure and looked at what steps we could take to reopen the facility safely and get the supply of garage doors flowing to the building industry again. We also worked closely with our union to identify and implement the necessary changes within the factory.”

Fast forward a couple of weeks and new cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures were introduced in line with government guidance. These included sanitising stations and additional cleaners to help with higher standards of cleanliness. All of the employees have also been encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as it is considered to be one of the most effective measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus.


Garador have pulled out all the stops to ensure physical distancing is complied with, maintaining at least a 2 metre distance for those answering the telephones up in the office, or building garage doors down on the production line.

Floor markers were also placed throughout the premises to remind everyone to keep their distance. Plus, a one-way system for people walking around the factory has been implemented, so all members of staff are moving in the same direction and they are therefore less likely to cross paths.

To further encourage physical distancing, the company also introduced staggered start times for workers and staggered break times to prevent large gatherings of people.  Furthermore, temperature tests are undertaken each day before people begin their shift; if it’s over a certain threshold, they will be sent home and advised to self-isolate for at least 7 days.


Neil Discombe added:
“We’ve really tried to cover all bases in terms of taking the necessary measures to keep staff safe at work, with improved procedures for cleaning and hygiene.”
The whirring, clacking and squeaking sounds have returned to Garador’s factory, but not everything is quite as it was before the lockdown. As of June 2020, not all of Garador’s team have returned to work in the offices and on the production line, as it’s still important to maintain a 2 metre distance between individuals, so those that can work at home still do.

Neil concluded saying: 
“Our employees have been very understanding and supportive of the new measures we have put in place and are helping us to make further improvements where possible. It’s certainly not over just yet, so we’ve got to keep on top of the procedures we’ve put in place for cleanliness and hygiene, and not get complacent.
“But I’m optimistic that when the pandemic does pass there will be some real positives and genuine opportunities for British businesses too.”
You can find out more about Garador and its range of garage doors, front doors and accessories by visiting www.garador.co.uk .





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Tuesday 23 June 2020

P C Henderson Donates Hardware to Assist School Rebuild in Nepal



Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has recently donated materials to help with the rebuild of a primary school in Nepal after it was left devastated by an earthquake in 2015.

Situated on a picturesque mountainside, the village of San Bhorle was left in ruins when the 7.8Mw earthquake hit, levelling every one of its 43 houses and primary school. All but one resident survived, but the community was left to rebuild their lives with no materials, tools or machinery.

Learning Planet, a charity which helps remote communities design, finance and construct new schools, stepped in to help. As the only communal building in the village - and the only one which would have permanent power and internet access - the local community required a school building which could also be used for other events such as village meetings and celebrations.


In order to achieve this level of flexibility, large bi-folding doors were needed in the centre of the building. This would allow the area to be used as a classroom when closed off or put to other uses when opened up. A folding partition wall was also to be installed in one of the classrooms, allowing teachers to create a private office space when necessary.

Justin Wickham, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Learning Planet, commented: 
“I was looking for a really solid system which would work faultlessly in a very remote location, for years, with minimal maintenance. After some research, I got in touch with the team at P C Henderson. I was really moved when they offered to donate all of the hardware free of charge. It was extremely heartening to get such a positive response”. 

P C Henderson’s Securefold system was identified as the best solution for the project. Carrying ten solid hardwood doors measuring 225cm high x 50cm wide - it was important that the system could comfortably cope with a heavy load - whilst still allowing for effortless and safe opening by adults and children. 


“The Securefold system works beautifully for our requirements. We opted to install the doors in five sets of two – meaning they can be moved around in pairs to create gaps for fresh air, light and easy access. The doors can also be stacked completely clear of the opening – creating a huge, open, covered atrium – a perfect space for performances, and for hosting all kinds of village events.
“The installation went smoothly except for a snag when we realised the Securefold bolts were a centimetre too long. We couldn’t shorten the bolts, or make/buy other ones to fit. It looked like a deal breaker until our carpenter appeared with some washers he’d made from a flip flop! It worked a dream. In remote locations, we often rely on that kind of ingenuity, as standard materials just aren’t available”, continued Justin.



P C Henderson’s Husky Folding door hardware was also specified for the internal partition wall required in the classroom. With only a few small pieces of building work required to get the project completely finished, the school should hopefully be in full use in the near future.

Stephanie Lee, Marketing Manager at P C Henderson, commented: 
“Each year P C Henderson commits to supporting charities on a local, national and international scale. We were delighted to support such a fantastic cause, it’s great to see how our hardware can be used to create flexible solutions which have a huge impact for local communities”.
For product information visit www.pchenderson.com .





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Monday 22 June 2020

Hörmann UK takes to the Silver Screen at former Royal Air Force Bentwaters


In partnership with its longstanding distributor, Cooks Blinds & Shutters, Hörmann UK has supplied and installed its innovative Decotherm DD Rolling Shutter Doors and SPU F42 Steel Double Sectional Doors at Royal Air Force Bentwaters, now known as Bentwater Parks film studio

First built in 1942, Royal Air Force Bentwaters served the RAF during the Second World War and the United States Airforce throughout the Cold War, up until 1993.

Following its recent renovation, the Suffolk RAF base is now known as Bentwater Parks, a business park and filming location for high profile television programmes and films, including Fast and Furious 6 and Top Gear.

As an exclusive supplier of Hörmann UK’s range of high quality industrial and domestic offering for more than 30 years, Cooks Blinds & Shutters specified a selection of its bespoke Decotherm DD Rolling Shutter Doors and SPU F42 Steel Double Sectional Doors for installation throughout various areas of the hardened aircraft shelter.


The seven Decotherm DD Rolling Shutter Doors installed are constructed from an ultra-durable galvanised steel, supplied with power operation and manual back up control to offer the highest standards of operational efficiency and durability.

Spanning 5,000 sq. ft, the aircraft shelter also houses an impressive exhaust tunnel, which features a bespoke Hörmann UK Decotherm DD Rolling Shutter Door that spans over an impressive 20 feet high.

The Rolling Shutter Doors also provide superior thermal insulation due to a double-skinned curtain and foam core construction, while its unique hinges protect against wet conditions and excess dust that may arise due to fabricated weather conditions during filming.

As the facility is frequently used for high impact stunt scenes, Cooks Blinds & Shutters relied on the unparalleled safety features of Hörmann UK’s Decotherm DD Rolling Shutter Doors, including its torque control in accordance with BS EN 12604.


Martin Blythe, regional manager at Cooks Blinds & Shutters, commented:
“This was a really exciting project for our team. We have been a supplier of Hörmann UK’s industrial offering for more than 30 years, so had complete confidence they could provide our customer with the highest standards in bespoke products and service. 
“When working on unique developments such as Bentwater Parks film studio, it requires an individual approach that considers a wide range of elements and considerations to ensure each individual requirement is successfully met. We worked closely with Hörmann UK throughout each stage of the project to ensure this was achieved.”

20 of Hörmann UK’s SPU F42 Steel Double Sectional Doors were also installed across other areas of the airbase, providing unrivalled levels of durability, flexibility and efficiency. A popular choice for industrial applications, the high performance doors provide a U-value as low as 1.0 W/m2K, for superior thermal performance.

The versatility of the SPU F42 Steel Double Sectional Doors was a leading factor in its specification for this project, with the opportunity to create free space in front of and behind the door. This is due to the door’s innovative design, which enables it to be stored and lifted beneath the ceiling, allowing all available space to be used in a more versatile way.

Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK, said: 
“The RAF Bentwater development was a really interesting and unique project to work on with our longstanding partner, Cooks Blinds & Shutters. It was refreshing to see how the team were prepared to look at a diverse range of options to ensure each varying opening was met. The end result really showcases the high standards and bespoke approaches that both of our businesses are capable of.” 
For further information on Hörmann UK’s extensive door offering, call 01530 516850 or visit: www.hormann.co.uk.






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Sunday 21 June 2020

125 years of Innovation: How ŠKODA Pioneered the Electric Hybrid more than a Century Ago


Innovation has been a cornerstone of the ŠKODA design philosophy for 125 years. From the very first L&K bicycles and motorbikes right up to the Enyaq all-electric SUV, ŠKODA has always sought to push the boundaries of technology while keeping its products affordable and value for money. 

That’s no easy task, but over the last 12 decades, ŠKODA has learned that innovation is as much about brain power, lateral thinking and ingenuity than it is cost. 2020 marks the debut of two key
cars for ŠKODA - the Superb iV plug-in hybrid and the Citigoe iV, the brand’s first fully-electric production model.

And while both models represent significant firsts for modern-era ŠKODA, a close look at once secret archive material from the brand’s past reveals that pioneering engineers and designers at the brand’s Mladá Boleslav base successfully developed both hybrid and fully electric vehicles more than 100 years ago.

1908 - the first ŠKODA petrol/electric hybrid (pictured above)

In 1908, ŠKODA AUTO founders Vaclav Laurin and Vaclav Klement joined forces with renowned Czech engineer František Křižík to investigate whether electric power was suitable for private vehicles. Křižík had successfully designed and engineered Prague’s electric tram system (which still runs today) and believed that electric power represented the future.

Working with a L&K Type E prototype, he built a vehicle with a unique system that featured a petrol engine that produced electric power, which subsequently drove the car via an electric motor.

While the car worked, battery technology at the time wasn’t sufficiently advanced enough to allow any generated power to be stored. Although the prototype gave engineers a new insight into drive technology, it would take another leap forward in technology for it to become a viable option.


1938 - the first ŠKODA EV

During another of the many periods in Czech history when oil imports were under threat, ŠKODA worked hard to guarantee that essential supplies could be kept moving. The ŠKODA ‘beer float’ was a purpose-built truck designed and engineered in the late 1930s to deliver beer from the factory in Pilsen to the town’s bars and restaurants.

Powered by a bank of rechargeable lead acid batteries mounted within the ladder chassis, it could carry up to three tonnes of beer and was perfectly suited to low-speed, multi-drop journeys. With no air intakes or cooling required, the front of the cab was created with a smooth, aero-friendly shape and a distinctive arrow-head split windscreen. According to factory records, the ŠKODA EV beer truck kept Pilsen residents adequately supplied with beer for many years.


1942 - the wood-powered ŠKODA

With no native oil reserves, Czech engineers were always looking to develop alternative and home-grown power sources for its vehicles. Factory archives show that a charcoal-powered truck (pictured above) was developed in 1919. Featuring a large wood burner at the back, the technology worked but was cumbersome and was considered too complex for mass production.


ŠKODA revisited wood gas combustion again in the late 1930s and early 40s when war caused severe shortages of oil. Mladá Boleslav engineers successfully incorporated a wood gas generator that was capable of converting timber or charcoal into a usable gas to power the truck’s internal combustion engine.


As the need for alternative power sources increased, engineers were able to make the system (which essentially consisted of a stove, a cooler, a filter, and a network of pipes) more compact. A number of Rapid prototypes were developed with an integrated wood gas converter mounted on the front bumper. In an effort to make it look part of the original design, fins and decorations were added to match the rest of the car.

1992 – Eltra 151: the all-electric Favorit

In the early 1990s, the automotive industry was already looking towards a greener future. Although battery technology was still crude by today’s standard, ŠKODA successfully developed an all-electric version of the Favorit - the Eltra 151. The project was based at Ejpovice, a Škoda Pilsen outpost designated for special builds, and was largely funded by a commission from a Swiss importer, who planned to sell the vehicles throughout Europe.

Initial production centred around the Favorit hatchback, which was fitted with a bank of 14 6v 190Ah lead-acid batteries that provided power to a 21PS electric motor. The drivetrain retained the petrol car’s gearbox (with fifth gear removed) and differential and could reach a top speed of 50mph. Despite is fairly basic engineering, the Eltra could cover between 40-60 miles on a charge and could be recharged via a standard domestic plug.

A pick-up version - with an optional hard-top body for extra storage – was subsequently developed and bought by the same Swiss importer, who marketed the car around the world. Curiously, nine cars were bought back to the Czech Republic by the Czech postal service and were used in city centre locations for a number of years. A number of examples were exported to the USA where Californian authorities were already offering significant tax subsidies for electric vehicles.


2020 and beyond

Electrification provides ŠKODA with another opportunity to showcase its innovation and engineering ingenuity. The adoption and integration of a new power source brings with it a huge opportunity to create new designs that meet the demands of modern living.

In addition to a wave of new models set to arrive this year – including the brand’s first plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS iV – 2021 will see the introduction of Enyaq iV (pictured above), a fully-electric SUV capable of covering more than 300 miles* on a single charge.

As part of the brand’s strategy, more than ten electrified iV models are scheduled to be launched before the end of 2022. 125 years after the company was founded, ŠKODA’s passion for innovation is as strong as ever. 

For more information on the current range of Skoda cars visit: www.skoda.co.uk






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Saturday 20 June 2020

Family-run Industrial Doors Manufacturer hands over the reins to next generation



Nick Hart has been appointed as Managing Director of industrial doors manufacturer Hart Door Systems, in a move that will see him take over from his father, Doug Hart.

Hart Door Systems, based in Newcastle, is a long-established and pioneering designer and manufacturer of commercial and industrial doors. After 50 years at the helm, Doug Hart has stepped down as Managing Director and taken the role of Chairman to hand the position of Managing Director to his son, Nick Hart.

The firm was founded in 1946 by Nick Hart’s grandfather, Norman Hart and was originally a manufacturer of awnings and blinds.

In his new role Nick will be responsible for further driving the company’s export strategy forward and strengthening the company’s presence in key markets including food and drink processing, pharmaceuticals, airports and waste management.

Hart Door Systems brings generations of engineering experience and product innovation expertise to its customers across the world, helping them to take control of their business environments and ensuring that they can operate productively, efficiently, safely and securely.

Nick has a degree from Northumbria University in Mechanical Engineering and has been working for the company since he was 16 years old. He always wanted to join the family business and first gained experience working in the factory during school holidays, until he finished his education. Through this, Nick was also able to experience the installation process and spent time on client sites servicing door systems and diagnosing repair work.

Through his degree he had the opportunity to design doors, which also gave him the experience of prototyping, testing and developing the products, including designing a 14-metre high door for Rolls Royce in Hucknall. After spending a further 10 years in various roles in the company – including production manager and quality control manager – he has a deep understanding of door design and manufacture. Nick’s career to date has included working closely with customers worldwide and working across production and maintenance.

During his career with the company Nick has led on landmark projects, including the supply of high speed doors for Nissan’s North East battery plant – the first of its kind in the UK – and the supply of 52 doors for Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 baggage system.

Nick Hart, Managing Director at Hart Door Systems commented:
“It has certainly been an interesting start to my role, as taking over during the coronavirus pandemic was not how I’d planned my first few weeks in charge!
“It has been a challenge to lead the company through this crisis but I am extremely proud of how Hart’s workforce has performed. Demonstrating flexibility and professionalism, we’ve remained operational and have really pulled together to get through these difficult circumstances.
“I’m looking forward to taking the company through the changes that the pandemic will no doubt dictate but also building on our recent export successes and serving key sectors that we work with, including food and drink, pharmaceuticals, airports and energy from waste.
“It's a real honour to take over the family business, as it has always been my ambition to further the work that my father and grandfather have done in establishing a company with true global reach.”

Doug Hart, Chairman at Hart Door Systems added: 
“It is such a monumental occasion to be handing over the role of Managing Director to my son. I’ve watched him grow up with this company and he has taken every opportunity to really get involved with all aspects of the business.
“It’s his knowledge and passion for the company, its employees and customers that make me certain that he will do a fantastic job of leading the company and taking it forward.”

Hart Door Systems created the Speedor high speed door in 1981 which revolutionised the international industrial door market. This spirit of innovation is embedded into its continually evolving product range of Speedor high speed doors, fire shutter and roller doors, Terror Screen security rated shutters, roller shutters and roller shutter doors and ATEX-compliant high speed doors and shutters.

More information visit: www.hartdoors.com




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Friday 19 June 2020

A Digital Evolution, Majority using BIM say Findings from Tenth Annual BIM Survey



NBS, the leading provider of connected construction information, has released its tenth annual BIM report, which looks at the status of Building Information Modelling, a digital process used in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings.

Over a thousand construction professionals took part and three quarters (73%) of respondents are now using BIM. As it has become the standard approach, this is a dramatic change from a decade ago when just over one in ten were BIM users.

Almost a quarter (23%) of those ‘using’ BIM state that they do so on all projects. Additionally, around half (46%) do so for the majority of projects. For those who’ve adopted BIM, this approach is now part of their standard toolkit.


Making the jump
Implementing BIM can require businesses to invest time and a step-change in workflows and processes. Yet there are myriad benefits to be had.

More than half (51%) of BIM adoptees say it made them more profitable and nearly three quarters (71%) say they’ve become more productive. Clients benefit too, with 74% of respondents reporting that using BIM delivers operational and maintenance savings.

BIM also drives collaboration, aiding in smooth project management: the vast majority of users (85%) say BIM increases project coordination, beyond this it de-risks projects with 72% of BIM users stating there is a reduction in problems arising. These are all positive outcomes for the companies completing construction projects and the clients commissioning them. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that almost two thirds of BIM users (66%) expect clients to insist on BIM.

Barriers

Despite the clear benefits for both users and clients, there are challenges to BIM adoption; lack of in-house expertise, training and cost persist. However, the number for each has dropped. Since last year, lack of expertise has fallen from 63% to 56%, training from 59% to 48%, and cost from 51% to 46%. 

More people are aware of BIM, what it means and which tasks are involved. The support network, standards, guidance and training programmes that have grown up around BIM would appear to be making a difference, as people’s knowledge has increased. While cost remains an issue, many have made investments in new technology platforms, even if they are not all using them to apply BIM principles.

Lack of client demand, cited by 64%, remains the greatest barrier among those yet to adopt BIM. Aligned to this, 45% say the projects they work on are too small (this figure has actually increased since last year), or BIM is not relevant to their projects (36%).


While the Government BIM mandate initially drove adoption in public sector projects, BIM is currently used more on private projects (77%) rather than public ones (62%).


Going digital

Over the past decade, manufacturers have increasingly provided information as digital objects. These are pre-drawn representations of building products which can be dropped into the design model. Currently 81% of respondents said they needed these objects to work effectively, an increase of 12% from last year, reflecting the growing demand for digital product data from manufacturers.

Commenting on the findings, David Bain, Research Manager said: 
“The growth in people using BIM is hard to dispute. For many projects, it’s as much part of the construction process as bricks and mortar. BIM users say their businesses are more profitable and productive. Clients are reaping the rewards of having better maintained and more efficiently run buildings. The industry is working differently to a decade ago and benefiting from international standards, with cross-industry organisations providing advice and training.”

Richard Waterhouse, Chief Strategy Officer, NBS, comments: 
“Construction is now digitising at pace, yet there are still gaps that need plugging. Clients have a big role in driving BIM use, the data proves they benefit from BIM throughout a building’s life. As a sector, we need to work together to dispel the prevailing myth there are projects too small for BIM. All types of construction benefit from BIM, we have to help smaller players unlock the benefits.”
Waterhouse adds, “There’s also a pool of manufacturers who are missing out. Specifiers want a range of technical information including digital objects. Make their lives easier and the manufacturers will benefit too.”

About the survey:

NBS carried out the survey online between December 2019 and March 2020. Responses were received from 1061 construction professionals. All organization sizes were represented, from micro-practices of one or two people to large practices with over 500 staff. 

As previously, responses came primarily from the design community, with 27% being architects. Engineers were also well represented. Over a quarter were architectural technologists or BIM managers. However, other members of the project team also participated, including: contractors, project managers, cost consultants, manufacturers, surveyors and clients.

Respondents came from across the UK, and almost a quarter were working outside of the country.
www.thenbs.com





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