The Door Industry Journal: August 2020

Monday, 31 August 2020

The Portalier Phenomenon – How and Why HorizAL Aluminium Gates are Conquering the UK

It’s now three years since HorizAL – the French-based manufacturer of high-quality aluminium gates – partnered with Alucorb Ltd to launch its gates and the innovative “Portalier” concept across the country.

In this article Darren Weatherill - Operations Director at Alucorb Ltd – explains why the “Portalier” concept has been so enthusiastically embraced by UK installers.

The growth of the UK “Portalier” gate installation network over the last few years has been phenomenal – far surpassing even our own expectations. We were confident it would be popular, but it’s amazing just how many companies are coming on board with this opportunity. In fact, Alucorb is now officially the largest spending “Portalier” in the whole of Europe, surpassing major markets such as Germany, the Benelux countries – and even France itself.

What is driving this? It’s a question I’m often asked.

Firstly, there is the exceptional quality of the gates themselves, which are world-class products that are sold in more than thirty countries.

They are all made onsite at the HorizAL factory in France using ‘Qualimarine’ grade aluminium and then finished using the ‘Qualicoat-2’ powder-coating process, both of which are officially of the highest European standard. All gates are then rigorously factory-tested and CE marked before dispatch. And each one has a full guarantee against UV discolouration and all adverse weather effects.

Secondly, you have the unprecedented level of support that is offered to each “Portalier” by Alucorb. Every “Portalier” gets their own homepage on the horizal.co.uk website, featuring personalised content, full colour brochures, business cards, a price list, technical brochures, colour catalogues and demonstration cases with all swing and sliding gate profiles, handles, colours, fencing parts, glass inserts and hinge samples.

Two sample gates – normally one powder-coated and one woodgrain finish – are also provided, in padded protective bags. “Portaliers” also benefit from a 3D configurator with augmented reality, which installers can use to create a 3D recreation of any site to demonstrate to their own customers, which is a big boost to sales. And each “Portalier” is entitled to unlimited sales, marketing and installation training.

We also handle all the admin. As a “Portalier”, you simply forward customer enquiries to us and we produce a quotation on Excial software along with visuals and dimensioned drawings for the client. If that leads to an order, we then produce a technical approval drawing for the “Portalier” and customer to approve, prior to manufacture. When the gate is ready, it comes to us to undergo our own quality control process – before being sent straight to site via timed delivery.

And you get all this for £999+VAT. People are often surprised by the incredible value for money – but we keep the fee low on purpose, as we want to make it affordable. We are more interested in getting quality “Portaliers” on board, who will add value to the network and help it grow, than just generating profit.

And this approach is working. Within 5 years or less we expect our “Portalier” network to provide full UK coverage, with the aim that HorizAL will be a household name within the gate industry.

And this increasing popularity is great news for everyone in the network, as they are part of an established product brand that is increasingly well known and trusted throughout the country.

My message for anyone thinking about becoming a “Portalier” and being a part of the only professional aluminium gate installation network in the UK?

Stop thinking and pick up the phone! A chat costs you nothing, but if you leave it too late you could lose the opportunity.

Don’t miss out – call 0161 406 5910 today to discover more about becoming a “Portalier”. Or visit Alucorb’s website: www.horizal.co.uk

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Sunday, 30 August 2020

Hard-Off Anti-Hacking Solution to Fight Wave of UK Car Theft Ahead of Brexit

UK motorists should prepare themselves for a wave of preventable vehicle theft, as criminals emerge from lockdown and race to ship stolen export vehicles ahead of the December Brexit deadline, according to innovative technology firm Hard-Off Security.

With signs that the lull in car-related crime seen in the last four months is ending, experts Hard-Off Security is calling on both owners and the insurance industry to plan ahead and tackle the issue of ‘relay-hacking’, the single biggest issue effecting the theft of, or from, vehicles.

With a possible clampdown on UK ports at the end of the year, as part of the uncertainty over Brexit, it’s concerned that organised crime will attempt to ship as many stolen vehicles and parts as possible in the coming months – leading to a bonanza of illicit activity.

Responsible for an estimated three quarters¹ of all car theft, relay-hacking exposes a security weakness in many of today’s vehicles, and costs the insurance industry an estimated £380 million a year in claims.

Last year a total of 114,0001 vehicles were stolen in the UK, and to date over 50% have yet to be recovered. Hard-Off’s propriety solution is the installation of an upgrade to a car’s key fob that doesn’t alter the car itself or negatively impact any aspect of the existing security system.

Managing Director of Hard-Off Security, Mark Churchward, said:

“This is a big problem that will hit motorists the hardest. At a time when many may have been furloughed or concerned about their jobs, a steep rise in the number of stolen vehicles will only lead to a rise in premiums as the insurance industry passes the cost on to customer through big rises in premiums.’

Heading off the hack attack that can take as little as 10 seconds

Taking as little as 10 seconds, this silent hijacking of the car’s security can be carried out even when the car and the key are not in close proximity, and victims often don’t realise until their vehicle is long gone. Once the fob is cloned, the vehicles’ security is bypassed allowing it to be unlocked, started and driven away, no matter where it is parked.

Invented after his daughter’s car was stolen from her driveway in the middle of the night, Mark’s Norfolk based company has perfected its Key Fob Isolation system by blocking the passive authentication system that criminals exploit to snatch cars without the keys.

With many of Britain’s most popular cars fitted with keyless systems as a convenience feature, criminals are able to fool the car into responding by using send-receive electronics that pretend to be the fob.

Offering enhanced security for both every day and expensive vehicles, the Hard-Off Security upgrade can be easily retro‐fitted by owners or approved Hard-Off technicians, available for most existing keyless‐entry/keyless start key fobs and requires no change to the original on‐board car security systems. It retains all the functionality of the manufacturer’s original specification.

“Although many relay hacks are carried out at night, while the owner is home asleep, it’s possible to clone a fob in a car park or shopping centre, and with thieves targeting prestige marques that are quickly shipped abroad, our solution is 100% effective at stopping a car’s security system being hijacked. This means it offers real peace of mind and protection for motorists across the UK,” concludes Mark Churchward.

The Hard-Off Security Hard-Off Key Fob Isolation Switch is available now, with prices starting at £45 to £75 per key fob, from www.hard-off-security.com

Hard-Off Security’s Key Fob Isolation has three levels of functionality.

1 – Manual (M). The owner is able to switch the fob ON or OFF using an external magnetic switch on the fob casing which activates or deactivates an internal flexible printed circuit board (fPCB) controlling the fob’s internal power circuits to its ‘mother’ PCB.

This gives complete and direct control over the activation of the car owners key fob without losing any of the keyless functionality when required. Once the car is locked, the owner can turn the fob off until needed again, making it impossible to be cloned or ‘hacked’. No changes are made to the key fob, so full original manufacturer’s functionality is maintained when ON.

2 – Semi Automatic (A) Here the fob is automatically turned off when not in use.

The Hard‐Off fPCB turns the fob OFF when motionless for 20 seconds and ON again as soon as movement is detected, provided the external switch is set to ON. This is combined with the external switch as described above.

3 ‐ All Automatic (AA) This fPCB operates completely automatically turning itself ON when needed and OFF when not. The user is unlikely to be aware that this ‘relay attack shielding’ is protecting his or her car as it works intuitively.

1. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/comment/twin-threat-virus-brexit-causing-concern-fight-against-car-crime/

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Saturday, 29 August 2020

New addition to the marketing services team at HOPPE (UK)

Sharon Darby has joined the marketing services team at HOPPE (UK), with particular focus on HOPPE’s offering for the door and window market.

Sharon has over 36 years’ experience within the architectural ironmongery industry. Before joining HOPPE (UK), Sharon worked for Laidlaw as a product manager covering a wide product portfolio.

Prior to this, she worked for Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, an architectural hardware manufacturer, for over 22 years. Sharon is also a Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) diploma holder.

Sharon says:

“My experience in supply chain and product management, alongside my technical understanding of architectural ironmongery, will help to support new sales opportunities for HOPPE and ARRONE products as well as specialist items for the OEM markets.

“I’m looking forward to new challenges and working closely with all of the experienced HOPPE team to understand the needs of our customers.”

Based in Wolverhampton, HOPPE (UK) Ltd is a market leader in door and window hardware. As a member of HOPPE Group, HOPPE (UK) benefits from over 60 years’ experience in architectural hardware, providing products that have been tested to meet the most stringent European and British standards.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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Friday, 28 August 2020

Successful tests point the way to ‘industry changing' fire door breakthrough

Rhino Doors’ El260 reaching hour mark during its fire test at Warringtonfire
where the door protected against temperatures reaching 945 degrees C.

A series of successful fire insulation tests concluded this week suggest that an ‘industry changing’ fire safety breakthrough is on the horizon for the UK’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

Rhino Doors, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of bespoke and CPNI-rated engineered doors, has this week completed the first stage of putting its new range of El2 rated insulated fire doors through a series of indicative and full-scale fire tests.

The tests, carried out at Warringtonfire on Rhino’s El260 fire door, exceeded expectations achieving significant overruns on both integrity and insulation exposure time targets, with the insulation overrun in particular indicating that the much more demanding performance required for an El2120 rated product will be met during future development tests later this year.
The breakthrough

At present, steel fire doors with insulation ratings are not routinely used on major projects – this is largely due to the availability and specification barriers presented by existing insulated steel fire door products. Should further tests prove successful then Rhino Doors’ new range of El2 rated insulated fire doors will change this by offering specifiers access to steel fire doors with insulating ratings that are best practice, life safety options for all major construction projects in the future.

Rhino’s new El2 range will make insulated fire doors far more widely available and affordable – meaning everything from high-rise projects to stadia and rail stations will be able to fit fire doors with higher insulation performance than any other currently on the market – radically improving fire safety across the UK and beyond.

Commenting on the successful test of the doors, Stuart Lawrence, Managing Director of Rhino Doors, said:

“When Rhino Doors’ special projects section identified that many current infrastructure projects do not specify insulated steel fire doors due to existing doors being overly expensive, aesthetically unpleasing or not offering the right level of protection, we wanted to change this situation.”

(Illustrated above is the test protocol for the EN1634-1 standard which requires the furnace to increase in temperature at a prescribed rate, following the blue curve above. The test is particularly onerous with the door having to withstand +500oC within just 4 minutes and over 900oC by 45 minutes).

“The special project team’s solution has exceeded expectations. During the test Rhino’s El260 door continued to provide the required insulation protection as well as the standard integrity performance for an hour against temperatures reaching 945oC. This is the sort of temperature typically associated with ‘cellulistic’ fires where wood and other combustibles are the fuel; in other words, similar temperatures to building fires.”

“We’re very pleased with the results of this test which indicates we are not far from developing an insulated fire door with a two-hour rating which will have a hugely positive impact upon fire safety in the construction and infrastructure sectors.”

Further developments

As well as creating steel fire doors with the highest insulation performance on the market, Rhino Doors is also working on versions of the doors that will protect against other threats as detailed by Rhino’s Chief Engineer, Dr. Chris Norris:

“In addition to the achievement of the highest possible El fire ratings, our ultimate objective is to produce two new products that also provide the acoustic attenuation, physical attack and static pressure resistance increasingly demanded by specifiers and architects for major construction projects such as rail stations, stadia, and high-rise accommodation.”

Further tests of Rhino’s new El2 rated insulated fire doors are scheduled to take place this autumn.

About Rhino Doors

Rhino Doors provides a comprehensive range of pre-engineered and bespoke, primary and multi-performance rated doors for the protection of national assets. Rhino Doors has over 25 years’ experience in supporting projects in key sectors including Critical National Infrastructure, Rail, Defence and Oil & Gas. Major infrastructure projects supported by Rhino Doors include Crossrail.

Find out more at www.rhinodoors.com

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Thursday, 27 August 2020

New DC6113 door closer balances security and accessibility to meet BS 8300 and Approved Document M

The new DC6113 slimline transom door closer from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland presents the solution to a major industry challenge – finding the perfect balance between safety and security and the need to make buildings accessible for all users.

With our ageing population asked to push open increasingly heavy doors, many people in Britain struggle to access buildings – a problem that also affects young people and those with disabilities. At the same time, doors that open easily but do not close properly pose a security risk and do not comply with fire regulations. A balance of the two is therefore required to make buildings safe and accessible for everyone.

The high-quality DC6113 enables fabricators to reassure their customers that they are specifying and fitting products that meet all relevant standards. This means BS 8300-2:2018 – the British Standard setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all; Approved Document M, the building regulation for access to and the use of buildings; and The Equality Act, the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain.

Moreover, the DC6113 door closer is the only product on the market that achieves both BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M at EN power size 3. Many transom door closers only achieve these standards at EN power size 2, and are therefore not compliant with heavier doors that require EN power size 3.

Equally important, the DC6113 is CE-marked and tested to BS EN 1154 and BS EN 1634-1, as well as suitable for fire and smoke protection on timber doors up to 60 minutes. This makes it ideal for a wide range of environments, including public buildings, commercial offices, universities, schools, retail environments, leisure facilities, hospitals and more.

Notable features include the DC6113’s highly efficient Cam-Motion® technology, which delivers a rapidly decreasing torque curve for minimal resistance, and thermodynamic valves that ensure consistent performance in a range of temperatures. It is also the slimmest profile on the market, making it ideal for use with slim aluminium profile sections.

Easy to install and set up, the DC6113 can also be retrofitted with (and uses the same accessories as) the Adams Rite ARC51, making upgrades simple. The solution is available with a wide range of detachable spindle sizes (14, 18, 20, and 24mm) for flexible installation, and offers convenient access to the regulating valves so that closing and latching speeds can be easily adjusted.

Eryl Jones, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, comments:

“In today’s world, there is a duty of care to make sure every environment is inclusive to all. Whether it’s ensuring access to a building or that individuals can safely exit in the event of an emergency, the importance of solutions that prioritise inclusive design cannot be overestimated – and that’s why we’re launching the DC6113 door closer.

“What sets the DC6113 apart is the fact that it meets BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M at EN power size 3. This makes the DC6113 a best-in-class solution from which fabricators stand to gain a host of benefits – from greater consumer loyalty to increased differentiation, credibility and brand awareness.”

For more information on the DC6113 door closer from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, visit https://www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/dc6113 or call 0845 070 6713 to arrange a demonstration.

To learn more about inclusive design and the importance of complying with BS 8300:2018, Approved Document M and the Equality Act 2010, download the latest white paper from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland here: assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk.

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Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Lockdown sees Homeowners locking it down with new Garage Doors

Business is booming in the home improvement market and with people working from home more than ever in 2020, the garage door industry is riding the new wave.

Google Trends, which ranks the popularity of searches people make online, shows that the term ‘garage doors’ doubled in terms of searches when compared with 2019 levels. So what is it exactly about life during a pandemic which is driving such interest?

The Lockdown Boom

Lockdown has seen more people being allowed to work from home than ever before. With this, people are taking aim at all those projects which they previously didn’t have time for when juggling a 9-5 job.

A new garage door might usually require time off work, putting people off the idea, but the new working life means they can carry on with their job and let the professionals carry out the work at any time.

Why is the garage so popular?

Usually reserved for storage, lockdown restrictions have meant more people seeking out hobbies at home, something a garage space with a properly insulated garage door can provide. Whether it’s woodworking, mechanics, exercising or general recreational space, no one wants to be in a garage with a creaky, old and unsecured garage door in place.

Increased time at home also means that people want their home to look and feel at its best, and while a garage door is usually something you see outside, a sense of completion for a property as a whole is something people stuck at home will want - your home is your castle, after all.

Marc Sebo, owner of Guildford-based garage door company Doormatic Garage Doors, said that they’ve seen a 40% increase in business since April due to Lockdown: “We’ve been incredibly lucky during the pandemic, with people spending more time at home and spending money on improvements.”

He went on to describe how it has impacted staff levels, saying “We’ve ordered a number of new vehicles and employed three more fitting staff. We’re also in the process of employing additional office and sales staff to help meet demand.”

But how do things look going forward? Marc Sebo is cautiously optimistic. “The prediction is that more people will continue to work from home so we think we’ll have a big growth in our business as well as home improvements in general.”

About Doormatic

Providing London and the home counties with a range of garage doors from the leading manufacturers, Doormatic Garage Doors have been operating in the region for over 20 years.

Tailoring to different garage door sizes, shapes and styles, Doormatic’s specialist team provide a friendly service with care and attention paid to every detail of the installation.

Free quotes are available for customers throughout Surrey, London, Berkshire, Hampshire, West Sussex and Kent.

www.doormaticgaragedoors.co.uk

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Tuesday, 25 August 2020

Procter Brothers Ltd announces Management Buyout

Procter Brothers Limited, the Caerphilly-based manufacturer and service provider, has announced the successful completion of its management buyout. This move ensures a secure future for Procter Machine Safety and Procter Contracts in the hands of the existing MD and senior managers.

Procter Brothers benefits from unrivalled expertise in its two specialisms, combining the best aspects of traditional craftsmanship and care for customers and employees, with up-to-date production technologies.

Procter Machine Safety designs, manufactures and installs machine guards and provides machinery safety services, while Procter Contracts designs, manufactures and installs entrance gates, fencing, security systems and street furniture.

The management buyout was led by Procter Bros' existing managing director John Procter and his management team. John Procter assumes the role of Group Managing Director, taking on the mantle from his father, Jeremy Procter.

Nevertheless, Jeremy Procter remains involved with the business as an advisor, ready to be called upon for his experience when required.

Following the management buyout, the firm continues to be family-owned, as it has been since 1740. Procter Brothers employs over 110 people at its site at Pantglas Industrial Estate in Bedwas, Caerphilly.

Customers will find that it is ‘business as usual’ following the management buyout, as all key staff are being retained and existing orders fulfilled.

Looking to the future, customers will benefit from the significant investment that is being planned for improvements to the factory, development of an ecommerce website as well as complimentary products and services.

John Procter states:

“I am delighted to have led the acquisition of Procter Brothers Ltd, where I have worked as Managing Director for over six years. We are a market leaders in machine safety, security fencing and automatic gates and I am committed to growing the business further and cementing our position within the industries we serve.”

About the Company

Procter Brothers Ltd is a family-owned company with a history dating back to 1740. Today the business combines the best aspects of traditional craftsmanship and care for customers and employees, with up-to-date technology and production methods.

Procter Machine Safety is a leading specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of machine guards, serving markets in the UK, Europe, Middle East, USA and elsewhere. Customers trust our capability and expertise, whether they need standard, modular or bespoke machine guards for compliance with health and safety standards, legislation and regulations.

Procter Contracts is a business unit of Procter Brothers Ltd catering for clients requiring fencing, railings, electric gates, security systems, street furniture or any combination of these. Products supplied and installed include standard and bespoke fencing and railings, high-security perimeter fencing, manual and automated gates, stainless steel handrails, and standard and bespoke street furniture such as cycle racks, seating, bollards, barriers, hoops, trolley enclosures, protection rails, bin stores, plant enclosures, and protectors for columns, pipes and lamp posts.

Procter Brothers Ltd
11 Pantglas Industrial Estate
Bedwas
Caerphilly
CF83 8XD

www.procterbros.co.uk

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Monday, 24 August 2020

Ellard Builds its Comunello Range

At the end of last year, Ellard made the decision to partner with Comunello in Italy for Gate Automation and Gate Hardware. This decision was made after visits to the four factories in the beautiful area of Bassano Del Grappa.

It was impossible not to be impressed by the size, capacity, precision, innovation and quality control that was seen during the visits. The delegation from Ellard left knowing that Comunello had to be their preferred supplier.

Comunello is a family run precision engineering company, started by the father Vitorio Comunello in 1965 and now run by his children Franco, Silvia and Luca. The business is split in to four divisions; Frame Division, Frame Automation, Gate Hardware and Gate Automation. The latter two being of interest to Ellard.

Ellard now have available a wide range of gate hardware that already has a reputation in the UK for high quality and innovation.

As well as hinges, track, wheels, rollers, Cantilever kits etc., Comunello have a range of specialist gate hardware products, such as the Aluminium cantilever kits, the Ranger telescopic kit, the Albatross bi-folding kit, as well as the integrated cantilever kit which has the toothed rack on the inside of the monorail for improved aesthetics.

Ellard have also taken on the Comunello Gate Automation. All products in the range are 100% designed and precision manufactured on site in Italy and 100% tested on completion of the manufacturing process.

All products come with a 4-year warranty as standard, which is a testimony to the confidence both Comunello and Ellard have in the build quality of the products and electronics.

The Eagle Underground kits come with Galvanised boxes, and stainless-steel lid, 10m cable, Encoders and 180-degree photocells as standard. These actuators are extremely corrosion resistant, discrete and compact. Absolute security and reliability are guaranteed across the three models with lever or key release systems operated internally and externally.

The Abacus swing motors have high quality mechanical stops as well as encoders. There is a one-piece aluminium housing for the mechanical parts and operators which guarantees durability and safety. These products are designed to be long-lasting and perform to the highest standards in all weathers. The internal gearing is made from innovative materials for quiet movement.

The Fort Range is available from 400kg to 3500kg. In residential and industrial contexts, the actuators in the Fort line offer an attractive and intelligent solution. The integrated control unit provides access to a vast range of features including deceleration phase and operation time programming

All motors come both in 230v or 24v for intensive usage.

There are a range of barriers available from 4m to 8m. The limit 5m and 6m versions come as standard with integrated light, robust boom barrier, support post and protective rubber as part of the kit.

There is also an option to replace the standard red protective rubber with the white rubber option and upgrade to an LED traffic light system installed on the boom. This gives additional visibility and safety when needed.

The range of the Comunello products is far too extensive to discuss in this article but there is also a range of additional motors, controls, safety and access controls in the range. Please do not hesitate to contact the sales and technical teams for more details on 0161 945 4561 or sales@ellard.co.uk .

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Sunday, 23 August 2020

Tide Tracks: Ford helps the RNLI spread water safety messages

Ford have commissioned custom tyres that can leave key water safety messages imprinted on stretches of sand as part of a new initiative with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

This activity aims to support the lifesaving charity to educate people on, and raise awareness of key beach safety advice. The custom tyres have been designed to leave 3 key water safety messages in the sand, including ‘float to live’, ‘no inflatables’, and ‘emergency? call 999’.

This comes as new research* from Ford reveals that 40% of people who would take an inflatable into the sea in the UK have previously got into difficulty. Over a third of people (38%) also said they’d consider taking a swim alone. And the UK loves a trip to the seaside, with 82% saying they visited the seaside in the last two years.

Seaside destinations that are within 2 hours away are a sweet spot, with 63% of people willing to drive for this amount of time to visit the UK seaside. Despite a love for the seaside, only 56% of the UK public know to call 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see somebody fall into open water.**

Writing messages in the sand is a long-standing tradition and inspired Ford to create a way of spreading water safety messages quickly across miles of beaches using its vehicles.

The custom tyres are made from a mould of each water safety message. The mould creates a rubber tyre sleeve that is wrapped around the Ford Ranger tyre tread and fixed into place permanently.

Watch the film below or visit YouTube to find out more.

As people holiday at home this summer, enjoying beaches along the UK coastline the RNLI are asking the public – and parents in particular – to take responsibility for themselves and their families if they choose to visit a beach.

Guy Addington, Regional Water Safety Lead at the RNLI said:

“Spending the day at the beach or out on the water is a great way to have fun and stay active but it’s easier than you think to get into trouble. With record temperatures, we’ve seen high numbers of people at UK beaches this summer so it’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness of important water safety messages. We’re delighted that Ford is helping us continue our mission to spread these messages that can help save lives.

It is vital that anyone visiting the coast understands that the beach can be a dangerous environment and you must take responsibility for you and your family this summer. No one ever goes to the coast to be rescued yet RNLI lifeguards rescue 1000’s each year.”

In 2019, RNLI lifeguards aided more than 29,000 people on UK beaches in more than 17,000 incidents, saving a total of 154 lives. They also helped to reunite nearly 1,800 lost children and teenagers with their families and aided 346 people in incidents involving inflatables.

Quote from Andy Barratt, Managing Director at Ford of Britain said:

“We’ve been delighted to continue supplying vehicles to the RNLI, and support the outstanding work they do to keep us all safe. It’s very exciting to see our Ford Ranger being used to spread these important water safety messages”.

Ford is the official vehicle supplier to the RNLI, and the Ford Ranger is the RNLI’s pick-up of choice for lifeguard beach patrols, supporting their great work on beaches up and down the UK.

Since 2018, Ford has provided the RNLI with over 350 vehicles, including the Fiesta, EcoSport, Focus, Kuga, Transit, Transit Connect and Transit Customs plus the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

The custom tyres were tested by Ford at Minnis Bay in Kent. Ford & the RNLI are now looking at the long term use of this Ford Ranger, that has been fitted with the custom tyres.

Learn more about the new initiative and UK water safety guidance here.

*Source: Survey of 3,000 UK Adults conducted by 3GEM Research & Insights in August 2020

**Source: Basis / RNLI Respect the Water survey, April 2020. Representative sample of the UK adult population – circa 1,000 adults

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Saturday, 22 August 2020

Wind Resistant ‘Cheetah’ Rapid Roll Doors provide Speedy Solution for leading Flour Miller

When leading flour miller, Whitworth Bros. Ltd, required new fast action doors as part of a refurbishment and expansion of their Whitley Bridge complex they knew where to turn.

Alliance Door’s ‘Cheetah’ rapid roll door is Class 5 wind resistant, making it the ideal choice for external applications.

Two new doors were recently installed on the site, with actuation and safety devices configured to suit the openings. With each door being subject to a high level of vehicular activity, radar movement sensors are utilised to detect approaching fork lift trucks, with the doors closing on an automatic timed return command.

The door features a PVC curtain, which in this instance was supplied in yellow to match Whitworth Bros.’ corporate image.

Manufactured in-house, and supplied with a fast lead time, the Cheetah rapid roll door is a robust and energy saving product specifically designed for applications where speed, frequency of use and durability are key requirements. A range of contactless actuation device options are also available.

Business Development Manager Tim Stuart commented:

“The Cheetah door design is tried and tested in the marketplace, with the door being supplied to the trade for over a decade. It’s proven to not only provide a robust solution but also simple and safe means of operation for the user.

“However, we know that occasionally, due to vehicular damage etc. accidents can happen, and because we manufacture the door in our factory here in Wigan, we have replacement parts readily available to ensure door downtime is kept to a minimum”.

For more information on the range of high-performance industrial doors and shutters Alliance Door Engineering supply to the trade, please visit www.alliancedoors.co.uk or call 01942 683601 / email: info@alliancedoors.co.uk

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Friday, 21 August 2020

The New KL1100 KitLock by Codelocks offers Smart, Elegant, Versatile Card Access Control

Digital lock innovator Codelocks continues to provide smarter access for everyone with the introduction of the stylish and versatile KL1100 RFID lock to its KitLock by Codelocks range.

The new KL1100 RFID is a smart card operated lock designed for both public and private lockers. Users can simply lock and unlock the KL1100 RFID at the touch of a card. Public Function is suitable for short-term multi-occupancy applications such as gyms, hotels and hospitals. Private Function is best for users that require regular access to a personal locker, such as a students or employees.

Featuring a sleek, slimline front design, the KL1100 RFID is available in a metallic silver or gloss black finish. It is ideal for leisure centres, universities and offices looking to enhance or upgrade their facilities.

Colin Campbell, Managing Director at Codelocks said,

“We are excited to launch this new addition to our KitLock by Codelocks range. It is perfect for building and facilities managers that need to manage large quantities of lockers, as they benefit from issuing and managing cards from reception desks.

“For anyone looking to upgrade their lockers with contactless smart access control, the KL1100 RFID offers a classy, modern design that enhances any application.”

The KL1100 RFID can be operated in two modes, allowing administrators to manage card access either locally or remotely. In Standalone Mode, administrators can use a Keypad Programmer (sold separately) to manage locks individually. Up to 50 User Cards, 10 Technician Cards and 1 Master Card can be allocated to each lock.

Remote Card Authorisation (RCA) Mode is a better option for administrators that need to manage large numbers of lockers, as it offers convenient remote management for up to 250 locks within a lock group. RCA Mode offers remote management allowing Card Clients to be authorised via a PC using offline or cloud-based software and a Smart Card Reader.

The Standalone and RCA Modes both support Private and Public Function – making this a versatile solution for securing lockers in any situation. In Public Function, the lock can be given a maximum lock time or be set to open at a specific time – ensuring fair use of lockers.

In Private Function, when extra authentication is required, the lock can be programmed to unlock when two authorised cards are presented within 5 seconds of each other. An RCA Audit Card can be used to read an individual lock’s data, and then uploaded to the software when presented to the card reader.

The KL1100 RFID is straightforward to install and a simple retrofit to the popular KL1000 footprint. It is easy to operate and features a powered latch which enables intuitive ‘push shut’ closing, enhancing the customer experience.

The KL1100 RFID is a stylish keyless lock that gives any locker or environment an elegant, contemporary feel. www.codelocks.co.uk

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Thursday, 20 August 2020

Case Study: Stackdoor and Xonar Security Shutters for an Apartment Complex Car Park

One of CGT Security’s most recent applications required security solutions for its apartment complex car park and loading bay area. The application consisted of high-volume use of the entrance/exit point, high gas emission within the enclosed space and very low lighting.

The client required a security solution that could serve a high-duty purpose, provide a wide space for ventilation, natural light and visibility for the car park entrance, and a second solution where certified security was essential for the loading bay area.

CGT Security’s iconic Stackdoor security shutter is designed to provide up to 80% ventilation and maximise visibility without compromise on security.

The innovative pin-to-profile technology and chain drive system used in the Stackdoor system provides the shutter with self-locking technology, which allows it to lock without requiring any auxiliary locks and prevents it from being manually lifted from any position, even if it was left partially open by human error.

The stacking technology also means that the space taken up when the Stackdoor is open, is only ever as deep as the shutter itself, and only as high as the horizontal bars on top of each other. This represents a considerable headroom saving.

The Stackdoor shutter provided the application increased airflow that met ventilation criteria for the car park, a maximised space for natural light and a high-duty motor to work efficiently even in busy multi-use conditions, without any compromise on security whatsoever.

Stackdoor’s innovative security system can be installed into an array of applications such as car park entrances, retail outlets and low-to-medium-risk commercial buildings.

On the other hand, the Xonar security shutter was a perfect fit for the loading bay area that required a security-rated solution which met Secured by Design standards. The Xonar 942 bolt-on security shutter provided exactly that, on top of self-locking technology as well.

The Xonar range is designed to provide an elegant, lightweight, and easy to install shutter system, that also offers shutters certified to LPS 1175.

Both shutters were installed in a smart metallic gold type finish, enhancing the application with a robust and stylish solution.

CGT Security are supply-only manufacturers of innovative shutter systems, working with professionals throughout the security shutter industry and constantly breaking barriers through product innovation, manufacturing excellence, and dedication to outstanding customer service.

The company provides unrivalled technical support at every stage of the project, from initial product queries to project specific details at install.

For more product and company information visit: www.cgtsecurity.com

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