The Door Industry Journal: 2023

Friday, 22 December 2023

DIJ Christmas & New Year Office Closing Dates

The Door Industry Journal offices closed at Noon on Friday 22nd December 2023, and will reopen at 9.30 am on Monday 8th January 2024.

Supplementary Information

Phone and Email:
An answerphone will be available for voice messages and our email will be monitored during the holiday period for anything of an urgent nature, which will receive an appropriately prompt response. Otherwise, emails and messages will be dealt with upon our return to work on Monday 8th January 2024.

Digital Magazine:
Why not catch up on your reading over the holidays with our current issue and over four years' worth of back issues online at www.dijonline.co.uk?

Daily Blogposts:
Our final commercial daily blog post was published yesterday, Thursday 21st December and like our team, needs a well-earned break, so will not resume until Monday 8th January 2024.

Weekly e-newsletter:
Our last weekly e-newsletter for 2023 was published on Tuesday 19th December and they will resume on Tuesday 16th January 2024.

Online Advertising Offer:
Did you know that your company's product can appear on our Blog, on our social media channels and in our weekly e-newsletter for as little as £75 plus VAT? - find out more here.

Subscription Offer:
If you prefer reading a printed copy of our magazine, you can subscribe to all of our 2024 issues for just £17.95 (UK) or £29.95 for (Europe and Eire).

Finally, we would like to wish all of our readers, advertisers and contributors a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year and look forward to your continued engagement and support during 2024.

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Thursday, 21 December 2023

Garador is flying high!

This year, after 75 years, leading British garage door manufacturer Garador has reached new heights.

As part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations, a special flying bi-plane has been built, complete with Garador insignia including Garador’s special anniversary logos.

The Garador aeroplane is a model Pitts Special S2A, a high-performance acrobatic plane that is very popular at airshows around the world. With its 14-inch wing span and 450-watt electric motor, it flies brilliantly, with an excellent climb rate and superb control. It uses an electric motor, not a methanol engine and so it has a built-in three-cell 2200 mAh battery.

From its initial concept and design, the plane has taken nearly a year to build, mainly constructed from balsa wood and plywood with a protective solar film covering. It is fully functioning just like a full-sized aeroplane, with an accelerometer, ailerons, elevator and rudder control.

Garador’s Managing Director Jon Watson said the development and construction of the plane was a great finale to the company’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

“It has been a very successful year for Garador, with some exciting new developments, notably the introduction of solar technology to our Yeovil production facility,” he said.

“This high-flying aircraft is the perfect way to celebrate the upward trajectory of our business. I would also like to thank our talented team who came up with this new Garador aeroplane.”

Jon continues “The build quality and design is impressive, with each of the panels cut out using a laser cutting machine. It’s a great example of a precision-built product.”

The Garador Pitts Special S2A rounds off Garador’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, marking a key milestone in the firm’s heritage. The firm, originally established in 1948, has manufactured a range of garage doors for homes throughout the length and breadth of Great Britain and is well recognised for its quality precision-built products.

To find out more about Garador and its range of garage doors, please visit www.garador.co.uk

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Wednesday, 20 December 2023

New Partnership is Bad News for Van Criminals

A YORKSHIRE plumber featured on Dragon’s Den has teamed up with a major electrical wholesaler to help combat vehicle crime and protect livelihoods.

Mike Horsfall’s groundbreaking VanGuardian alarm system caught the attention of bosses at YESSS Electrical - and a new partnership means it’s available through their branches nationwide.

VanGuardian is a cost-effective pre-emptive alarm that protects vehicle exteriors from damage and theft.

After being showcased on the BBC Dragon’s Den programme to great acclaim earlier this year, the patented product is now being stocked in YESSS Electrical’s 96 UK outlets and online.

Tired of thefts

Heating engineer Mike Horsfall created the VanGuardian concept after spending more than 35 years as a tradesman in Leeds.

Sick of losing tools, materials and other personal and work assets to thieves repeatedly targeting his van, and disillusioned at the lack of an affordable alternative security product, he came up with his own solution.

The VanGuardian dual alarm and accessories

The VanGuardian alarm fixes securely to the outside of a vehicle and deters theft by activating on contact, providing a 110dB audible alert to thwart the actions of anyone touching a door or panel, preventing criminal damage and protecting valuables.

Designed and developed in the UK, it requires no drilling or wiring to install and as well as covering rear, side and cargo doors, it can be used as a highly effective pipe carrier and roof rack alarm.

After proving popular with tradesmen, the range is now being widely used to protect motorhomes, caravans, horseboxes and camper vans, giving owners peace of mind while they sleep, or when the vehicle is parked up at home.

At its core are highly responsive triaxial accelerometers that detect contact, and the system’s seven levels of sensitivity adjustment ensure precise detection, ignoring false alarms from environmental factors like wind.

Operated by a single remote control, a range of dual and single alarm bundles and accessories are available - and with thousands of units already sold, not a single break-in has been reported by users.

Mike said: “Standard factory-fitted alarms activating after the doors are open is too late - the damage is done! And, the trend towards adding locks also does not deter van crime if thieves are afforded the time to operate. That’s why we created VanGuardian.

“I looked at existing technology and thought about how it could work for us. Now VanGuardian draws instant attention to criminal activity, eliminating the time that thieves need to operate and forcing them to retreat before any damage is done. It’s also a really strong visual deterrent to potential thieves.

“I’m really pleased and excited that VanGuardian is now available through YESSS Electrical and it will help many more vehicle owners protect their assets.”

Adam Padley (YESSS Security Head of Division), Mike Horsfall (VanGuardian owner and founder) and Jack Whitehouse (YESSS Security Pre-Sales & Technical Lead)

In February 2023 Michael appeared on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den programme to secure investment, but while his creation impressed the panel, he left empty-handed.
He is already working on a new version of the VanGuardian alarm with upgraded features, as well as new security products aimed at the sport and leisure market.

Adam Padley, head of YESSS Electrical’s Security Division, said:

“We're delighted to be working with Mike and the team at VanGuardian. We know all too well working with tradespeople how van crime is on the rise, with vehicles being damaged and tools stolen in the process.

“Most van alarm systems won’t alert you in time due to them only activating once your van has been breached, meaning your tools will have been stolen before you can alert authorities.

“It makes us proud knowing we can help combat this with VanGuardian and protect our hard-working customers.”

More information on VanGuardian can be found here.

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Tuesday, 19 December 2023

Comp Door Expands Colour Range with Addition of Two New Colours

In response to increasing market demand, Staffordshire composite door manufacturer Comp Door is excited to announce the addition of two new colours to their extensive range.

The new Pebble Grey and Slate Grey options have been added during a phase of significant expansion and development for Comp Door, with the company striving to improve standards across the industry and continue to implement customer feedback.

The decision to introduce these new colours reflects Comp Door's commitment to meeting customer requirements and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Through careful consideration of customer feedback and a thorough analysis of market demands, Comp Door identified the growing need for more stylish and contemporary grey options in their product range.

Stylistic freedom is a top priority for Comp Door, and the expansion of their colour range underscores their dedication to providing homeowners with a diverse selection of high-quality composite doors.

The addition of Pebble Grey and Slate Grey follows extensive market research and development efforts across the Comp Door team.

Comp Door's team collaborates closely with industry partners who highlighted a rising demand for more grey colour options.

By responding to this feedback and proactively addressing market trends, Comp Door aims to elevate standards within the industry and empower homeowners with greater aesthetic choice.

The introduction of these two new colours brings Comp Door's available colour palette to a total of 18 options.

Homeowners can now choose from a wide range of colours to match their personal style, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their homes.

Richard Diliberto, Sales Director of Comp Door, said of the expansion of the colour range:

“As a team, we at Comp Door want our customers to feel appreciated and that we value their opinions.
“By adding the new colours to our range, we are demonstrating our dedication to listening to customer feedback and providing homeowners with total design freedom.
“The expansion of the colour offering is just another example of the efforts Comp Door are making to not only become industry leaders, but to raise standards across the industry as a whole.”

The new colours will be available in January 2024.

To find out more about the fantastic range of products on offer at Comp Door, you can visit their website at www.compdoor.co.uk, call them on 01782 340444, or email them at info@compdoor.co.uk.

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Monday, 18 December 2023

Elevate Garage Door Automation with Easygates Direct’s Smart Home & Security Pack

Easygates Direct has recently introduced an innovative solution that is poised to revolutionise garage door automation.

The comprehensive package is meticulously designed to elevate garage door systems, offering unparalleled convenience and security.

With this package, users gain the ability to effortlessly monitor and control their garage doors through mobile devices.

This encompasses features like real-time status checks and instant notifications about the door's status, remote door operation, and access to live camera feeds of the garage.

Geofencing capabilities ensure automatic door opening as users approach the garage.

The hub within this package serves as the central control point, making the entire system compatible with popular smart home platforms such as Apple Homekit.

It offers a host of advanced features, including video intercom, motion detection, sound detection (including glass breakage), recording capabilities, privacy features, and secure cloud storage, including Apple Secure Video.

Moreover, the smart garage package exhibits remarkable adaptability. It offers seamless integration with various smart sensors such as door/window sensors, flood sensors, temperature and humidity sensors, motion sensors, and vibration sensors.

A plethora of additional options are available, allowing users to transform their properties into fully integrated smart homes, covering aspects like lighting control, heating, roller shade management, versatile smart relays, and much more.

The system employs efficient Zigbee protocols, ensuring a smooth user experience without burdening the Wi-Fi networks. Notably, this package is available at an attractive price point, rendering it an affordable solution for homeowners.

MD Tony Daniels-Gooding said:

“This system is great for any type of automatic garage door, giving it a new range of features while offering complete security and peace of mind.
“We can offer a simple package for retrofitting, and we have the ability to create custom OEM systems for manufacturers to supply as a standard package.

“It gives installers a new range of products to offer to homeowners.”

In addition to garage doors, Easygates Direct extends its smart solutions to electric gates and industrial applications.

Specialised online platforms can also be established for the efficient management of multiple sites and devices.

For more information about this package or any other offerings from Easygates Direct, visit www.easygatesdirect.co.uk or call 01384 569 942 today.

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Sunday, 17 December 2023

Bentley Blower Jnr begins durability testing with a Christmas mission

Inspired by Team Car No. 2, the most famous, valuable and iconic Bentley in the world, the Bentley Blower Jnr is a collaboration between The Little Car Company and Bentley’s Heritage Collection.

Crafted by hand to exceptional quality standards and adorned with beautiful details, all inspired by the original Blower.

To gain confidence in both the engineering and design of Bentley Blower Jnr, The Little Car Company will undertake a durability programme exceeding 5,000 miles across three different continents.

The mission started with a seasonal twist – the collection of a Christmas tree from the snowscape of Switzerland, for the joint Christmas party.

The durability programme will include real-world driving and usage at different proving grounds before the start of production in 2024.

The 85 percent scale recreation of 1929 4½-litre Supercharged Bentley will be put through extensive testing, including seatbelts ensuring road legality for the EU L7e Type Approval.

The Bentley Blower Jnr is built around a 48V electric powertrain with a 15 kW (20 bhp) motor, meaning a top speed of 45 mph / 72 km/h in the UK and EU (25 mph / 40 km/h in the USA due to legislation) and an expected range of around 65 miles, with tandem seating for two adults.

Crafted entirely by hand, from authentic materials to match the original, the Bentley Blower Jnr consists of over 700 parts.

The bodywork is constructed in two sections, and while the rear body structure is created in carbon fibre rather than being an ash frame, it’s covered in impregnated fabric, just as the original.

The bonnet, with its multiple cooling louvres, is hand-crafted in aluminium using traditional techniques and fastened with beautiful leather buckled bonnet straps.

The Bentley Blower Jnr includes an authentic specification chassis utilising leaf springs and scaled-down period-correct friction dampers.

Brembo brakes at the front and drums at the rear, provide all of the stopping power necessary. The electric motor is mounted across the rear axle, while the batteries and drive electronics are all housed in a hidden undertray.

Bringing the legendary 1930s period car to life in modern times has presented certain challenges, specifically lighting, occupant restraints and the reduction of non-compliant edges.

However, there are now five ‘experimental’ Bentley Blower Jnrs undertaking activities globally for durability and retailer activations, with a special homage Bentley Blower Jnr in the making.

After seeing social media channels filling up with images of supercars carrying Christmas trees, Bentley and The Little Car Company have taken the opportunity to have their 85 per cent scale festive celebrations.

The Bentley Blower Jnr proves to be the perfect car for easy pine transportation ahead of the office Christmas party.

The team from Bentley Communications and The Little Car Company wishes all of our media friends a very Merry Christmas and a relaxing and restful break. We look forward to seeing you and the first production Bentley Blower Jnr in 2024.

Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB.

The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley.

It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

www.bentleymotors.com

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Saturday, 16 December 2023

Zoo Product Specialist Scoops GAI Award for Top Performing Student

Zoo Hardware is celebrating after a member of its expert product team scooped a top performing student award at this year’s Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) Education Awards.

Product Support Manager Andy Hullock was awarded the prize for his results in the 2023 Certificate in Architectural Hardware Stage 2, beating off competition from students worldwide. The 43rd annual awards celebrated the educational achievements of students who have successfully completed GAI qualifications and was attended by over 340 guests from across the industry.

Commenting on his award win, Andy said:

“Zoo is really supportive of the team’s professional development and it’s taken a lot of hard work to complete these qualifications, especially as I fast-tracked through the Stage 1 and 2 certificates. To be crowned top student in the world has made it all worthwhile and I’m already applying my knowledge to product development.”

The GAI education programme is the only one in the world that leads to qualifications in architectural ironmongery in line with British and European standards. It provides those working in the architectural ironmongery profession, with the latest knowledge and tools to specify and schedule architectural ironmongery and access control products. The Stage 1 and 2 qualifications cover all aspects of the architectural ironmongery industry and provide an understanding of products, standards and best practice.

Ben Parsons of Zoo Hardware added:

“The GAI Education Awards celebrate the rising stars of the AI industry and we’re delighted to see Andy featured as a top performing student worldwide. Zoo is renowned for its technical expertise, commitment to certification and customer support, and upskilling the next generation is central to our continued success in these areas.”

Zoo Hardware’s comprehensive portfolio of architectural door hardware spans levers, hinges, cylinders and door closers including its new electro-magnetic devices, all of which are available in a range of distinctive and durable finishes to assist professionals in meeting the specific requirements of every project.

For more information on Zoo Hardware and its portfolio of architectural door hardware, call 01228 672900.

www.zoohardware.co.uk

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Friday, 15 December 2023

Hörmann Partner Standard Identity Cards to aid consumer confidence

To help end consumers have the confidence that they are purchasing Hörmann products from an accredited distributor and will receive the highest standards of service, Hörmann UK have introduced the Partner Standard Identity Card.

The official ID card, which is available to certified Partner Standard dealers, has been developed for use by all dealer personnel who have regular face to face contact with homeowners.

The ID cards are valid for a period of two years, after which a review will take place to ensure installer training is up to date.

Partner Standard dealers can apply for their ID badges by completing a quick and easy online application.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK comments:

“Hörmann is committed to helping their dealers achieve the highest standards when selling and installing a Hörmann product.

“The introduction of ID cards is a simple, yet professional way to provide end consumers with the assurance that they are working with a company who has achieved the service levels necessary to be part of the Partner Standard initiative and receive this accreditation.”

www.hormann.co.uk

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Thursday, 14 December 2023

Secure Opportunities with fds from Distinction Doors

fds is a fully compliant FD30 internal and external composite fire door system from Distinction Doors, which is already well established, with products installed in homes right across the UK and Ireland.

Distinction Doors’ commercial manager fds, Elliott Dawson comments:

“The time is right to open fds up to a wider audience.
“There’s a wealth of opportunity in the fire door market and we’re here to help fabricators and installers make the most of this.
“We’ve been active in the market for more than three years now, building awareness and providing a robust and consistent composite fire door solution.

“It is well-received, and all stakeholders are reassured by the peace of mind it affords.
“Our fds customers have the advantage over other providers due to their association with an established and trusted brand and a recognised product.
“fds is available to all, those who may be interested in becoming an approved fds manufacturing partner or others who are simply looking to buy-in the fabricated doorset.
“Either way, we have the expertise and knowledge to support customers in conquering the fire door market.”

Comprehensive Testing

The fds FD30 fire door system is independently tested to EN1634-1: 2014. It has achieved an average of 45 minutes integrity performance over 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-direction fire tests. Every fire test was filmed.

To address variables in test laboratories and prove consistent performance, the system experienced the same test methods across three countries and was installed in both rigid and flexible supporting wall construction.

All submitted doorsets featured the same letterplates, viewers, and auto-throw lock to underpin the need for consistency in testing. A variety of overhead door closers were also tested.

Fully Compliant

The fds system also delivers on ambient smoke control (EN1634-3:2004), security (PAS24:2016), weather (BS 6375), sound insulation (Approved Document E) and thermal performance (Approved Document L).

It is Secured by Design accredited and triple Q-marked for fire resistance, smoke control and enhanced security under the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacturer certification scheme.

Most recently, the fds GRP composite FD30 fire doorset gained UKCA mark status and is fully compliant for external use.

Installers and contractors can access fds through an official fds doorset manufacturing partner.

After stringent testing and audits, each one is awarded the respected Q-Mark against BM Trada STD 170 scheme which is over and above Building Regulations mandatory requirements.

To find out more about the fds composite fire door system and approved partner network please visit firedoorsystems.co.uk.

If you are interested in becoming an official fds doorset manufacturing partner, please contact Elliott Dawson via 0345 2000 816.

www.firedoorsystems.co.uk

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Wednesday, 13 December 2023

The ALUNA Slider System: A Cutting-Edge Innovation in Sliding Patio Doors

As Alunet Systems continues to expand and improve its innovative product range, it proudly draws attention to the highly popular ALUNA Slider System, also known as the ESS47 Hybrid Sliding Patio Door System.

This state-of-the-art sliding door system is designed to redefine living spaces with its remarkable features and cutting-edge design.

The ALUNA Slider System has been meticulously crafted for large opening sizes, accommodating dimensions of up to 2.5m x 2.7m per sash.

What sets it apart is the super slim interlock of just 25mm, ensuring maximum vision for unobstructed, breathtaking views.

With a thermal performance rating of only 1.4 U W/m2K, this system delivers exceptional energy efficiency while providing noise reduction, high-security measures, and unmatched weather proofing.

Boasting perfect soft closing technology, the ALUNA Slider System offers smooth and effortless operation, making it ideal for spaces where inner space conservation is a priority.

Whether homeowners are looking to integrate their kitchen and conservatory, or connect their house to a terrace or garden, this innovative sliding door system will exceed expectations.

This hybrid sliding patio door system is engineered with narrow profiles, and the options of single, double, and triple tracks, combined with double or triple glazing, open a world of possibilities for various configurations.

The designs are available as sliding or lift and slide doors, with the option of a fixed sash and up to 4 panes.

The ALUNA Slider System can accommodate double and triple glazed units, as well as blind-in-glass solutions.

Its innovative engineering allows for sashes as large as 2.5m x 2.7m per sash, providing expansive glass areas that create a stunning visual impact and offer uninterrupted views of the outside world.

Plus, it's available in a wide range of RAL colours upon request, ensuring it complements customers’ personal styles perfectly.

In addition to contemporary aesthetic features, The ALUNA Slider System also boasts numerous installer and fabricator-friendly features.

These include adjustable rollers, quick cleat fabrication with a spring clip locator, and an easy-to-fabricate interlock.

These features not only enhance performance and security but also reduce the likelihood of issues and callbacks.

The system is equipped with an anti-lift and bumper device all-in-one, an interlock cap housing an anti-rattle device and spring-loaded draught excluder, and a bottom track featuring a drainage channel for water run-off and rubber gaskets for enhanced weather resistance.

A Partnership for Excellence

The ESS47 Hybrid Sliding Door System is proudly produced for ALUNA by Europa, one of Greece's leading aluminium extrusion companies.

ALUNA's partnership with Europa exemplifies the company's new direction since its 2022 rebrand, which aims to provide UK fabrication businesses with access to the best suppliers for each product type, all available from one UK distributor.

To find out more about the fantastic products on offer at Alunet Systems, you can visit their website at www.alunetsystems.co.uk, call them on 01924 350 110, or email them at info@alunetsystems.co.uk.

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Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Door-Stop International has launched Six Colours for its Composite Door Range

Door-Stop International updates its composite door range for homeowners to embrace the interior trends predicted for 2024.

As interior brands release their colours of the year, it’s clear that the natural world is continuing to be a source of inspiration. From calming tones associated with the British countryside through to more vibrant sea blues, brands have embraced a range of landscapes to give homeowners the chance to incorporate the natural world into the comfort of their home.

Door-Stop International’s new colours have been inspired by the great outdoors and help homeowners to coordinate their exterior doors with the latest colour trends.

The two new greys in Door-Stop International’s range - Pebble Grey and Agate Grey – can be paired with Dulux’s colour of the year, Sweet Embrace, or Graham & Brown’s Viridis to create a calming entrance to any home.

For those with a bolder design preference, a front door in Purple Violet, Fern Green or Turquoise Blue can be used to create a focal point both inside and outside of their property.

Mark Young, commercial director at Door-Stop International predicts that balancing making homes more energy efficient, and therefore less expensive to run, with the latest trends will be a big factor in home renovation projects.

“The cost of living crisis is continuing to affect how homeowners are thinking about their property and the work that actually needs doing to make the biggest impact,” says Mark. "They are choosing to make smaller changes to improve its value ready for a time where the housing market becomes more buoyant, but also to help improve its energy performance and reduce their heating bills.”

“As customers look to get a new door before the colder months set in, we’ve added six new colours to our range to ensure customers can not only find the right door that performs from an energy efficiency perspective, but that also suits their style and their home.”

With almost 20 colours now available, homeowners will be able to find a shade to complement a range of exterior finishes. Combined with the wood-effect texture of Door-Stop’s GRP skins, homeowners can have the appearance of a timber door with the performance benefits of a composite.

Customers also have the option to select a different colour for the internal side of the door as standard, allowing them to create a door that is truly bespoke to their home.

The new colours have come shortly after Door-Stop announced its lead time has been reduced to just 10 days. With the ‘In 10 for 10’ promise, customers receive their door within 10 days and will also have a manufacturer’s warranty of 10 years.

For more information on Door-Stop’s latest colours, visit www.door-stop.co.uk

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Monday, 11 December 2023

Iconic British Building gets Stunning Makeover with help from Em-B Solutions

A building in Whitchurch, Buckinghamshire that played an iconic role in Britain’s war effort, becoming known as Churchill’s Toy Shop, has undergone a fabulous transformation into exclusive apartments for Stonehouse Real Estate, featuring door hardware and expertise from award-winning architectural ironmongers Em-B Solutions.

Churchill Manor is a beautifully refurbished development of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments that incorporate myriad features of the original buildings.

The development includes the building that housed Ministry of Defence 1 Military Intelligence Research unit where some of the most ingenious inventions of WWII were devised.

During the war it became known as ‘Churchill’s Toy Shop’ as the team there worked on creative devices such as sticky bombs, the pencil detonator, floating mines and even a bullet-firing helmet.

Rumours persist that this was the inspiration behind military inventor Q and his collection of gadgets in the Ian Fleming James Bond stories.

Stonehouse Projects has completely reinvented Churchill Manor the building, creating beautiful apartments for sale which have been specced and fitted out to the highest standards, incorporating many of the building’s original features including fireplaces, panelled walls and original windows.

One of the apartment’s kitchens was once Winston Churchill’s office giving the new owners the chance to sit where the great man himself sat whilst making strategic decisions to defeat the Axis forces.

After working with Em-B Solutions previously, Jonny Eden from Stonehouse who was responsible for the spec and design of the project, turned to the Leeds-based company to assist with the specification of the door furniture and to help with the scheduling of the fire doors required for the apartment entrance doors.

Star of the door hardware suite is a selection of stunning Georgian-style lever on backplate sprung door handles forged from solid brass in a variety of finishes to suit different apartments.

Matching the hardware throughout the apartment was vital to maintaining the high-end design feel and attention to detail that epitomises this development.

Stonehouse’s Jonny Eden says:

“This was not a standard apartment fit out. Everything has been meticulously specced and sourced, including the door furniture which is so vital to the luxe appearance and feel of the apartments,”
“We quickly realised that we needed to bring in the experts at Em-B for the door schedules, especially the fire doors so that we could ensure that the ironmongery not just looks and feels great but meets the highest standards of safety and security.”

For nearly 20 years, Stonehouse Projects has built a strong reputation for quality in residential construction.

The company’s 360º approach covers all aspects of a project, from sourcing the property to design and budgeting, always with a focus on delivering quality on time.

Unlike mass-produced developments, each Stonehouse project is unique and often includes preserved historical features.

Em-B is an award-winning, well-established architectural ironmonger and supplier of door solutions based in Leeds established in 1966.

The company regularly win awards for its architectural ironmongery schemes on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects, working for household name architects and clients.

Em-B’s success is built on working as a true partner within the construction process from drawing board to installed product and beyond.

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Sunday, 10 December 2023

Morgan Looks to Electrified Future with Xp-1 Development Vehicle

Morgan Motor Company is planning its electric future and sharing details of a new development vehicle that will act as the forerunner to all future electric Morgan sports cars.

Referred to as ‘XP-1’, the experimental prototype will provide key information to the engineers and designers at Morgan as they embark on creating the company’s first production electric models.

Developed over the last 12 months by Morgan’s team of engineers based in Malvern, Worcestershire, XP-1 is based on Super 3’s aluminium platform.

The striking prototype is not intended for production but has been created to enhance thinking in several key areas including driving characterisation, powertrain development, in-house EV competence and training, and new feature ideation and testing.

Following 12 months of design and build, XP-1 will now embark on a comprehensive testing programme during the next 18-24 months, undergoing continual evolution to test new technology and features.

Matt Hole, Chief Technical Officer, Morgan Motor Company, said:

“We are immensely proud to be sharing XP-1 with the world and showcasing some of the first class engineering that takes place behind the scenes at Morgan.

“As we embark on our electric journey, this prototype will become a focal point of the engineering and design process, providing a wealth of insight and helping to build up our in-house EV capability.
“We are in no doubt that we can ensure future electric Morgan sports cars retain the core appeal of our current range, meaning they are fun to drive, lightweight, handcrafted and bespoke.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of preserving these characteristics for our customers for generations to come.
“Because it is not tied to a product, XP-1 provides the unique ability for our audience to join us throughout this exciting learning phase, and we look forward to sharing future updates over the coming months.”

XP-1’s battery, motor and inverter combination represents Morgan’s first powertrain, internal combustion or battery electric.

The powertrain, engineered specifically for XP-1, gives Morgan’s engineers complete control of calibrations that vary the throttle and regeneration level at different speeds, in order to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of driving characteristics.

To aid with the identification of suitable component combinations for the powertrain – both for XP-1 and future Morgan electric models – an in-house developed full vehicle toolchain has been created.

This toolchain is key to modelling the compatibility and suitability of a range of different powertrain components, calculating the range prediction algorithm and simulating different scenarios that can help the company to benchmark against future requirements.

Ensuring that future electric Morgan sports cars are lightweight – as they have been throughout the company’s 114 year history – is a key requirement.

This weight requirement is fundamental in the decision for the company to create its own powertrain combination, working with key partners and utilising industry leading components. As such, XP-1’s weight is comparable to that of the production car it is based on.

XP-1 is Combined Charging System (CCS) enabled for fast charging and features bi-directional charging capability, two important features that will help to futureproof the company’s ongoing development activity.

Further to this, and related directly to electric vehicle requirements, XP-1 is also the first ever Morgan to be fitted with an electronic park brake (EPB).

Beyond experimentation with driving characteristics and powertrain, XP-1 has also allowed Morgan to develop a further understanding of wider EV technology and design, specifically aerodynamics.

XP-1 features front end aerodynamic improvements for increased range and efficiency, these experimental modifications have resulted in a 33% reduction of drag coefficient.

A bespoke interior display allows for user interface (UI) experimentation. XP-1’s display will continually evolve, allowing engineers and designers to gather feedback on how users interact with the vehicle, and the best way to communicate key vehicle information in future sports cars.

Other experimental features include external charge level indicator LEDs surrounding the front cowl and new aerodynamic wheel trims.

In bringing the XP-1 project to fruition, Morgan also begins the extensive process of workforce training and infrastructure adaptation.

Due to the company’s coachbuilding production methods, the creation of this internal knowledgebase is vital for the future production of electric Morgan sports cars, and will centre around workshop readiness to build electric vehicles, training for high voltage systems handling and installation of charging infrastructure.

XP-1 continues Morgan’s core principle of developing cars with an undiluted driving experience. As XP-1 evolves, so will its story.

As a presentable prototype, it will become a visible project that takes the Morgan community along on the company’s journey to electrification.

Sports car fans can expect periodic instalments and to see the vehicle popping up at events, both at Morgan’s factory and further afield.

www.morgan-motor.com

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