The Door Industry Journal: July 2025

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Reduce downtime with zip technology from Hörmann

A new flexible, high-speed door has been launched by Hörmann UK which helps reduce downtime caused by damage and is quick to install. The V 5025 Z door is fitted with innovative zip technology and in the event of a collision the door curtain pulls away from the side rail to prevent damage. It is then automatically re-fed into the rail restoring the door curtain to its original position and operation.

The robust construction of the V 5025 Z door make them suitable for both internal and external installation. Manufactured from high quality PVC they are certified to DIN EN 12424-1, with Class 3 wind load resistance, Class 1 air permeability and Class 2 resistance to water penetration. With an opening speed of 2 m/second V 5025 Z doors help to optimise traffic flow and save energy. Their large, clear vision panels also enhance operator safety and help increase light in the working environment. Additional protection is provided by the safety light curtain which is included as standard.

Installation of the V 5025 Z is quick and straight forward with compact fitting dimensions and extensive pre-assembly, with Hörmann's unique SNAP cable concept making it easy to connect. Transport is easy and cost effective as the V 5025 high-speed door is delivered with the drive unit, control, and accessories in a single box. The Hörmann BK FU Z control is included as standard.

Doors can be supplied up to a maximum size of 5000mm x 5000mm, and offer an attractive price-performance ratio, impressive service life and have been designed to be low maintenance.

The V 5025 Z flexible door can be used in a combination with Hörmann sectional doors, roller shutters and spiral doors, and are suitable for either new build or retrofit installation. They are also available CO2 neutral as an option.

For further information on Hörmann flexible high speed doors visit www.hormann.co.uk/industry-commerce-and-public-authorities/industrial-doors/high-speed-doors/ or call 01530 516868

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Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Driving Growth: How GfA is Helping Door Manufacturers Build Competitive Advantage

In a sector where margins are tight, differentiation is tough, and customer expectations are constantly evolving, one name is helping UK door manufacturers not only meet the challenge, but grow through it. GfA UK, a leading supplier of industrial door drives and controls, has become more than a trusted component provider. It’s become a strategic enabler of growth and competitive advantage for some of the country’s most ambitious and successful manufacturers.

A Strategic Framework for Growth

Across the UK, door manufacturers are leveraging GfA’s products and technical ecosystem to drive operational efficiency, boost customer satisfaction, and increase market share. By standardising on GfA’s intelligent, plug-and-play product range and integrating its training and support into their own operations, these businesses are achieving a level of performance and service delivery that’s hard to match.

What sets GfA apart isn’t just product quality, it’s the way the entire system works together to empower the workforce, reduce complexity, and accelerate delivery.

As one customer noted, “GfA’s consistency means our engineers are always confident on-site, and we can deliver a high-quality service time and again.”

Reliability That Drives Reputation

One of the most consistent messages from GfA’s customers is the remarkably low rate of product returns. In an industry where reliability can make or break a reputation, GfA’s ability to help customers specify the right product from the outset means issues are minimised from the start.

“We hardly ever send anything back,” said one manufacturer. “Even with hundreds of units shipped, the return rate is next to nothing. That’s because the product is right, right out of the box.”

And when rare issues do arise? The GfA team works closely with their customer to resolve matters promptly, and alongside the end user where required. It's an approach that puts problem-solving and customer needs first.

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

GfA’s plug-and-play philosophy is a genuine innovation that has changed the game for many customers. By removing the need for complex manual wiring and providing simple, intuitive connections, installations are quicker, errors are reduced, and installer confidence increases.

This isn’t just about convenience. Faster installations mean better margins for contractors and more satisfied end users. Bluetooth dongles, mobile apps, and smart diagnostics make the system user-friendly and adaptable; especially in time-critical environments like rapid roll door installations.

“Installation time and ease are critical,” explained the director of one customer. “GfA’s system lets us do more jobs with less hassle; and that’s good for business.”

The Power of Standardisation

GfA was the first in the market to offer standardised control panels across its entire drive range. That means one training programme, one knowledge base, and one level of installer confidence, regardless of the application.

This approach simplifies training and onboarding, improves internal efficiency, and reduces the risk of error. It also enables engineers to transfer their skills seamlessly across products, which speeds up both manufacturing and field service.

For businesses looking to scale, this consistency is a major asset. One customer called it “a game changer,” noting that their installers and technical teams could move between door types and control systems without hesitation.

Training as a Strategic Advantage

At GfA, training is more than a compliance measure—it’s a strategic tool. Customers gain access to in-depth sessions designed not only to teach product operation, but to give engineers a broader understanding of system integration, applications, and new technologies.

This investment pays dividends. Trained engineers are faster, more confident, and more capable of solving issues independently. It reduces support burden and increases customer satisfaction. Perhaps most importantly, it builds a more resilient and skilled workforce—something increasingly vital in a sector facing a shortage of experienced installers.

As one customer put it, “Training with GfA isn’t an afternoon with crisps. It’s part of how we grow our business.”

Support That Solves Problems. Fast

GfA’s technical support is widely recognised as best in class. Customers speak highly of the immediacy, depth of knowledge, and real-world experience the team brings. In many cases, GfA handles technical enquiries directly from installers, relieving pressure on internal teams and ensuring quick resolution of site issues.

Whether it’s a complex door application or a first-time installation, customers know they’ll get the answer quickly; from someone who understands the product inside and out.

Built for the Future

GfA’s future-proof approach includes integration with emerging technologies like IoT-enabled diagnostics and EV charging, ensuring that customers aren’t just keeping up—they’re staying ahead.

With a complete, reliable product portfolio covering everything from compact roller doors to giant hangar doors, GfA allows manufacturers to streamline their own product development and meet virtually any specification with confidence.

Conclusion: A Partner in Progress

GfA’s unique combination of product reliability, engineering intelligence, training, and technical support enables its customers to offer more consistent quality, faster turnaround, and greater value to their own clients.

In a crowded market, GfA helps door manufacturers differentiate not just on price, but on performance, service, and innovation.

For those building the next generation of industrial doors, GfA isn’t just a component supplier—it’s a strategic partner for growth.

www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk

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Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Built to Perform: Discover the Tools Behind Smarter Automation from Marantec UK

At Marantec UK, we don’t just supply automation - we deliver engineered excellence. From industrial roller shutters to residential garage doors, our solutions are designed for those who demand more: more reliability, more innovation, and more control. Backed by German engineering and direct UK support, we’re your go-to partner for smarter, stronger automation.

Eurodrive Tube Motors & Barrel Assemblies – Built for Demanding Jobs

Tough jobs need tougher motors. Our Eurodrive tube motors are the powerhouse behind countless roller shutter systems across the UK. Designed for strength, durability, and smooth operation, they’re trusted in the toughest environments. Paired with our custom-built barrel assemblies, you get a fully integrated, ready-to-install system - precision-engineered, fully tested, and built to your spec. No compromises. Just performance.

Comfort Series Garage Door Operators – Quiet Power, Smart Control

Sleek, silent, and smart - the Comfort Series is the ultimate garage door solution. Engineered for silent operation and long-term reliability, these operators are packed with features - from integrated LED lighting to smartphone control via the maveo connect stick, it’s automation made effortless. Residential or commercial, this is next-level convenience.

Built to Perform: Discover the Tools Behind Smarter Automation from Marantec UK

Need bespoke metal components? Our new in-house laser cutting service delivers high-precision components with a rapid turnaround. Whether it’s a one-off component or a batch of custom fittings, our in-house laser cutting services are designed to support your unique projects needs with speed, precision, and quality you can count on.

Contact us to find your perfect solution:
www.marantec.co.uk
sales@marantec.co.uk
+44 (0)1928 579 050

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Monday, 14 July 2025

Choosing the right material for your garage door

Garador brings over 70 years’ experience to the manufacture of premium garage doors. While size, design, colour and opening mechanism are all important, selecting the right material is key to long-term performance and kerb appeal. Below, we outline the basic advantages of the four main materials on today’s market: steel, aluminium, GRP and natural wood.

Steel

Popularity & strength: Steel is by far the most common choice—our galvanised-steel up-and-over doors are trusted nationwide.
Durability: Highly resistant to impacts, dents, warping and harsh weather.
Low maintenance: A simple wipe-down keeps steel doors looking like new.
Design flexibility: Steel takes paint, powder-coat and embossing finishes beautifully, so you can choose from a vast range of styles and colours at an affordable price.

Aluminium

Corrosion resistance: Naturally impervious to rust, making it ideal for coastal or exposed locations.
GaraRoll roller door: Available in solid colours or timber-effect foil, this smooth-rolling roller door combines modern performance with authentic wood looks—without wood’s upkeep.

GRP (Glass-Reinforced Plastic)

Lightweight & tough: Modern GRP doors deliver high impact and dent resistance at a fraction of the weight of steel.
Virtually maintenance-free: No painting or staining required.
Premium finishes: Choose from realistic woodgrain mouldings or super-smooth panel styles—like our Kenmore range with elegant curved tops and classic box-indents.

Natural Wood

Authentic beauty: Solid red cedar doors showcase the unique grain and warmth only real timber can provide.
Warp-resistant: Sourced from cooler climates, our cedar develops self-protective qualities to stay straight and flat, even in damp conditions.
Customisable: Available in a variety of designs, stains and protective finishes to suit traditional or contemporary homes.

For tailored advice on which material best suits your home, visit www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443701

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Sunday, 13 July 2025

A legend returns to Le Mans: Škoda Sport back on the famous circuit after 75 years

Seventy-five years ago, Škoda lined up for the first time at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Škoda Sport racing special. This unique car, meticulously restored to its original condition, has since made several return appearances on the renowned circuit as part of the prestigious Le Mans Classic for historic sports cars. This year, as Škoda celebrates its 130th anniversary, the car was again among the highlights of the event, also due to its performance on the track.

It is 24 June 1950. The second hand of the starting clock ticks past 16:00. Škoda’s racing driver Václav Bobek sprints across the start line, quickly slides behind the wheel of the Škoda Sport, car number 44, and sets off on his first 13.65 km lap at Le Mans.

“Every time we climb into this original cockpit on this iconic circuit, we picture the Bobek–Netušil crew taking the start in 1950. It’s a truly special moment for Škoda and for us personally,” say Stanislav Kafka and Michal Velebný, the pair responsible for bringing this unique car back to Le Mans in recent years.

Le Mans 1950: the first and only appearance

Škoda’s entry in the 1950 Le Mans endurance race was a rare sight in its day. Europe had already been divided by the Iron Curtain, making the car from Mladá Boleslav a curiosity on the starting grid of the world’s toughest endurance race.

The two-seater special, with its hand-built aluminium bodywork, was based on modified components from the 1946 Škoda 1101 ‘Tudor’ production model and made use of many standard parts. By dawn, the Škoda Sport held second place in its class for cars up to 1,100 cm³ and fifth overall on the performance index.

After 13 hours – having averaged 126 km/h – a broken piston pin circlip dashed any hope of a surprise result. As the race regulations prevented this small, technical fault, from being repaired on site, lap 121 proved to be Škoda’s last at Le Mans.

Targeted technical adjustments for optimal performance on the track

The Škoda Sport features two additional headlights for better illumination during the night and special openings in the radiator grille optimized for the cooling of the drum brakes on the front wheels. An extended wheelbase of 2,150 mm ensures improved driving stability.

The vehicle weighed in at 700 kg Including tools and spare parts. The water-cooled four cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,089 cm3 delivered an output of 50 hp (37 kW) at 5,200 rpm for a top speed of 140 km/h.

The electrics were delivered by the Czech manufacturer PAL 12 V. The special fuel mix consisted of petrol, ethanol and acetone. The consumption of 12 litres per 100 km was low for its time compared to the competitors. Therefore, the Škoda crew had to refuel less often.

Back where history was made

Thanks to its start at Le Mans and its strong performance on the prestigious track 75 years ago, the original Škoda Sport as well as its drivers Václav Bobek and Jaroslav Netušil have a permanent place among racing legends. The vehicle now regularly competes in the prestigious Le Mans Classic.

The 1950 Le Mans special – one of only two ever built – was long thought lost but was eventually rediscovered and brought back to life through a careful restoration that preserved as many original components as possible. The car’s aluminium body still bears the scars of battles fought on the race track more than seven decades ago.

After a six-year restoration, the car made its return to the circuit in 2022. Last weekend, from 3rd to 6th July 2025, it once again lined up on the starting grid, commemorating both the endurance racing tradition and this year’s 130th anniversary of the Škoda brand. The Mladá Boleslav racing special finished in 36th place on the performance index.

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Saturday, 12 July 2025

Breaking the mould to shape the future of architectural ironmongery

Despite progress made in recent years, women still make up around only 15% of the UK construction workforce and just 1% work in manual trades. In specialist areas like architectural ironmongery and door hardware, female representation has traditionally been even lower. But at HOPPE (UK) that is not the case...

Across departments and disciplines, there are several women who are excelling in technical, sales and logistics roles while helping to redefine what a career in this traditionally male-dominated industry can look like.

Opening doors to a bright future

With a degree in industrial and product design and a suite of qualifications from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), Jessica Puri is a technical executive for ARRONE, a HOPPE Group brand.

Since joining the group as a technical assistant during the pandemic, Jessica has established herself as one of the most skilled users of its ERP systems, making her an extremely valuable member of the team.

Jessica’s path into architectural ironmongery was far from accidental – her background gave her strong CAD skills and a systematic approach to solving problems.

“GAI training has played a very important part in the development of my career,” Jessica explains. “Being a registered member ensures I’m always up to date with the latest standards and best practices, which benefits our customers and the business alike.”

Today, she advocates for companies to provide greater training and development opportunities across roles, genders and ages – much like HOPPE does – to create a more inclusive talent pipeline.

“A structured succession programme could help bring more women into key positions and build confidence early,” she says.

From apprentice to advisor

Sales executive Aimee Parry began her journey as an apprentice, aged 17. Fast forward a few years and she now manages her own sales area, balancing customer visits with her Level 3 GAI Diploma.

Previous experience working as a receptionist and in retail gave Aimee an early foundation in building relationships.

She’s now transferring those skills to nurture existing customer relationships, while supporting promotional projects to generate new opportunities and deepening her technical knowledge.

For Aimee, the way to create a more diverse and dynamic workforce within the industry is clear.

“We need to provide training – especially on how hardware works in real-life scenarios – for young people early on,” Aimee says. “That kind of hands-on experience really makes a difference.”

Exporting excellence

As a stock controller, Emily Hayward ensures HOPPE’s global operations run like clockwork.

She oversees all exports from HOPPE (UK) to mainland Europe and the Middle East, and her detailed understanding of customs paperwork and freight processes keeps exports on schedule and on spec.

It’s something Emily really enjoys and – armed with a BSc in global development with geography and GAI qualifications – she has brought a fresh perspective to the export function.

“GAI training has given me the confidence to answer customer queries directly and find solutions quickly,” Emily says. “It means I’m not just moving boxes but am adding genuine value.”

For Emily, encouraging more women into logistics and operations starts with demystifying the job: “It’s about showing that detail-oriented, fast-paced work is a great fit for a diverse range of people – and that support and training are available.”

Building an inclusive future

Together, Jessica, Aimee and Emily reflect the transformation taking place at HOPPE (UK): a culture in which women thrive in technical, commercial and operational roles.

Their stories prove that talent, determination and the right training can open doors for the next generation of talent in architectural ironmongery.

www.hoppe.co.uk

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Friday, 11 July 2025

Freezer and Cold Room doors now available from Hörmann

Hörmann UK has announced that is has expanded its Construction Project range of doors to include insulated hinged and sliding doors for cold rooms and freezers. Suitable for cold rooms at temperatures as low as 0°C and for freezers at –28°C the doors are ideal for use in cold storage facilities, supermarkets and in the food processing industry.

The cold storage doors HID-80 (hinged) and HIS-80 (sliding) are manufactured with an 80mm thick door leaf that is foamed with polyurethane (PU), with both doors featuring bespoke sealing technology to prevent energy loss. Whilst the new freezer doors, HID-120 (hinged) and HIS-120 (sliding), are manufactured with a 120mm foamed with PU door leaf, offering impressive insulation. Both freezer door variants are fitted with an integrated, self-regulating frame heating feature preventing the sealing around the door frame from freezing while minimising energy consumption. This extends the life of the seal and ensures that the doors can be opened easily at any time, with all the door seals being easily removed and replaced in case of maintenance.

Both the cold storage doors and the sliding freezer doors are manually operated, being fitted with extra-large rollers to ensure easy handling with little force required and are available with either a wall or bottom guide. They can also be combined with Hörmann double-action doors, meaning that whilst the sliding door is open during the storage or removal of goods, the double-action door keeps the cold air in the cold room/freezer, reducing energy consumption.

All doors are delivered to site having undergone a large amount of pre-fabrication, meaning that they can be quickly and easily fitted in front of the wall opening within a thermo-block frame.

The hinged doors are available up to a maximum size of 1100mm × 2300mm, whilst the maximum size for the sliding doors is 4000mm × 2800mm. They are available in two hardwearing, surface finishes - stainless steel with a polished or a matt circular textured finish, or in galvanised stainless steel in Grey White (RAL 9002). RAL colours of choice are available as an option.

For further information on Hörmann cold storage and freezer doors visit Insulated doors for the cold room and freezer | Hörmann or call 01530 516868

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Thursday, 10 July 2025

GaraPro Automation Kit + Door Package

Garador announces a Complete GaraPro Automation Kit including a Carlton or Horizon Up-and-Over Door for just £949

Garador has just launched its all-in-one GaraPro automation solution, combining the renowned reliability of Carlton and Horizon up-and-over doors with the new GaraPro electric operator and framed retractable gear — all for just £949 + VAT, fully fitted.

Key features of the GaraPro complete kit include:

Choose between two of our most popular steel garage‐door designs - Carlton or Horizon - each engineered for strength, weather resistance, and low maintenance. Available in four sizes: 2134 × 1981 mm, 2134 × 2136 mm, 2284 × 1981 mm, and 2284 × 2136 mm.
GaraPro Operator: A compact, high-torque motor unit engineered to deliver smooth, whisper-quiet operation with minimal headroom. Includes one handset.
Framed Retractable Gear: Precision-engineered gearing housed in a slimline frame for wear-resistant, low-noise performance and easy installation.
Retractable Plus Upgrade £88 + VAT (optional): Retractable Plus lifting gear has specially designed lifting arms for narrow openings, which allow for maximum use of the clear passage.

Priced at £949 + VAT, the package covers your selected door, GaraPro operator, framed retractable gear and fitted by the nearest garage door specialist. The optional Retractable Plus enhancement is available at an additional cost.

This exclusive offer is available through Garador’s nationwide network of approved installers. To learn more or book your installation, email promo@garador.co.uk, call 0330 4415 222, or visit www.garador.co.uk

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Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Why Installers Choose Ellard’s Promax+ for Their Marantec Motors

In industrial door installations, selecting the right control panel can make or break the installation and long-term user interface. Lost time, complex set-up, fault diagnostics and unreliable performance not only affect your bottom line, they hit where it costs the most – your reputation.

The Promax+ isn’t just a control panel; it’s your shortcut to faster installs, smarter troubleshooting, and total control. That’s why more and more installers are turning to Ellard’s Promax+ with its intelligently engineered design, aligned with real-world installation practice. The Promax+ delivers straightforward setup, minimal configuration, and clear, error-free operation.

Pair it with the proven strength of the Marantec MDF industrial motors (from 140Nm to 2000Nm), and you’ve got a fully integrated, plug-and-play system that’s built for all solutions.

Promax+ Key Features That Set It Apart

Digital Limit Setting
No more ladders. Set open and close positions directly from the panel, saving time and making setup safer.

Customisable Digital Display
A clear, intuitive interface that’s easy to learn and even easier to use. Tailor settings quickly to the specific site.

Built-In Fault Diagnostics
Real-time fault codes right on the screen help you find and fix issues fast, minimising downtime.
Encoder Compatibility

Works with both KOSTAL and Elektromaten encoders, making it ideal for new builds and retrofit projects alike.

Expandable Input/Output

Add safety edges, photocells, external switches, and more. It’s built to scale as the site evolves.
Plug-In Modules

Optional expansions include ground loop detection, wireless safety edge receivers, and radio control; just slot them in as needed.

Get to know the MDF Range

The MDF range delivers industrial-grade strength with the simplicity of plug-and-play integration.

Available with torque ratings from 140Nm to 2000Nm, and with 24rpm speed options for fast-acting doors, each model is built for heavy-duty performance.

All motors are ready out of the box for pairing with the Promax+, cutting install time and boosting long-term reliability.

The Plug-and-Play Advantage

Here’s how easy it is:

Choose your motor – Select the right MDF model based on your torque and speed needs.
Choose your controller – Go with the Promax+ for streamlined, intelligent control.
Plug in and go – Connect. Power up. Operate. All within minutes.

No complex programming. No surprises. Just results.

Built for Industrial Environments

Whether you’re working on a high-traffic warehouse or a demanding logistics site, the Promax+ and MDF pairing seamlessly delivers where it matters most:

Speed – Reduce install and configuration time and costs.
Flexibility – Adaptable to any demands with Ellard’s modular, customisable features
Reliability – Built to last and tick all the boxes.

It’s the smart choice for tight timelines and demanding environments.

Speak to a member of our team today at sales@ellard.co.uk to find out how the Promax+ and MDF system can streamline your installs and simplify your day on site.

www.ellard.co.uk

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Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Hörmann RollMatic Roller Doors awarded Secure by Design Accreditation

Following the success of their Door Secure Team video and social media campaigns highlighting that not all roller garage doors are the same, Hörmann have announced that their RollMatic T and RollMatic 2 roller garage doors can now be supplied with Secured by Design (SBD) as standard.

Established in 1989, SBD is the flagship security accreditation that has instant industry recognition. Created by the UK Police Force to support the designing out of crime, the accreditation means that the Hörmann doors have undergone stringent security and safety tests to ensure they have been manufactured and designed with the security of the customer in mind. This has been verified through independent testing which involved a prolonged brute force attack, demonstrating the strength and robust nature of the doors.

SBD accreditation is an optional extra which is simply selected when ordering a RollMatic door and is at no additional cost. For the accreditation to be valid, doors should be installed behind the brickwork and not include any glazing options or external releases. SBD roller doors can be supplied in a range of sizes – for widths between 1601mm to 3000mm and heights of 2000mm to 3100mm maximum. Registration of the door will take place automatically when an order is placed.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK said, “Our slightly controversial, yet fun approach to highlighting the inferior performance of some roller garage doors on the market has certainly been noticed and achieved results. We have seen an impressive 40% increase in sales of our RollMatic doors when compared with last year, with our Door Secure Team helping to educate the market that low-cost garage doors are just not the answer.

"We have now further added to our market leading credentials for supplying high quality and secure roller doors with the recent SBD accreditation for both RollMatic T and RollMatic 2. Dealers can now be assured a Hörmann roller garage door will provide them with an easy to fit, high performance door - that they can ‘fit and forget,’ whilst end consumers have the added peace of mind that their roller door is one of the most secure on the market.”

To see the Door Secure Team in action click here

For further information on Hörmann UK’s RollMatic T Roller garage door visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Monday, 7 July 2025

50 Years of the Safedrive®: A Timeline of Innovation

GfA, the industrial door drive specialist, celebrates 50 years of the Safedrive®, a product which established GfA as a global industry leader. CEO Stephan Kleine reflects on his grandfather's legacy, engineer Hans Meyer, who invented the Safedrive®, and how it was instrumental in Shaping the Future of Industrial Door Automation.

1972: A Safety Revolution Begins

Prior to the Safedrive®, industrial doors were often operated by chain or gear-driven systems. In Europe, these door designs used a separate anti-fallback device (safety brake) to prevent uncontrollable door closure in the event of chain or drive failure. Meyer designed an anti-fallback device with a patented damping device to activate on door acceleration, such as following a chain break or detachment.

The energy was absorbed by the damping device and the door would come to a controlled, safe stop.

Industry Breakthrough

While chain-driven systems are still used today, they come with complications and limitations; speed, barrel construction, door set-up. The obvious evolution to alleviate issues associated with chain-driven systems and alike was to combine the anti-fallback device into the drive to create one compact solution which fitted directly onto the barrel shaft of the door.

Meyer successfully solved this problem with the design of the first Safedrive®, which not only incorporated a twin worm configuration anti-fallback device within the drive unit’s gearbox (allowing for a far simpler door construction resulting in easier and quicker installations), but it was also not activated by speed, allowing new applications across the door industry.

1974: The Safedrive® hits the Market

Known in Europe as “der Sichere” (“the Safe One”) the Safedrive® previewed at R+T 1974 at Messe Stuttgart. Later that year Meyer’s patent was granted and in 1975 the Safedrive® was officially launched to the industry, solidifying its place in the industry.

Two Decades of Growth

The Safedrive® quickly became the preferred choice for industrial door manufacturers. It offered simplicity, cost efficiency and expanded application potential, while enabling door companies to expand their own product range by utilising its technology. Its non-speed dependent anti-fallback device made the Safedrive® ideal for use with high-speed doors, revolutionising the industry.

1996: Advancing Safety and Performance

GfA reengineered the Safedrive® in 1996, replacing the original twin worm configuration with the design we know today, with improved drive efficiency and enhanced damping when activated. This design allowed for the expansion of the Safedrive® range into new markets and applications, demonstrating GfA’s continuous drive for innovation.

2009: Introduction of the Safedrive® Fi

The Safedrive® Fi featured a built-on frequency inverter, offering the advantage of adjustable output speed, soft-start, and soft-stop. This transformed the use of frequency inverter drives across the industry and became the benchmark for high-speed door technology, opening up further application types.

2011: SG186F Gearbox Introduction

The SG186F gearbox, launched in 2011, delivered up to 5000Nm of torque and expanded the range and size of doors to which the Safedrive® can be applied.

Today and Beyond

Now, Safedrive® solutions exist for almost every application; offering options for speed, door size, environment, and frequency-of-use. With plug-and-play functionality as standard, and the broadest range of output speeds and torques of any direct drive on the market, GfA is the go-to manufacturer for industrial door drives.

Fifty years on, the Safedrive® remains a benchmark for safety and innovation. Looking to the future, one thing is certain: the spirit that led to the creation of the Safedrive® will continue to drive GfA forward globally, shaping the next generation of industrial door automation.

www.gfa-elektromaten.co.uk

01926 452452

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Sunday, 6 July 2025

THE BENTLEY OF THE FUTURE REVEALS NEW WINGS

Bentley Motors has unveiled a new ‘Bentley Wings’ emblem – the first step of a design and brand revolution at the British marque. The new ‘Winged B’ is just the fifth iteration in Bentley’s 106 year history and will be previewed with the reveal of a future vision concept car on 8th July, coinciding with the opening of a new Design Studio at its headquarters in Crewe, England.

The original ‘Winged B’ design was created by F. Gordon Crosby in 1919. Developments followed in 1931, the 1990s and 2002, but the new 2025 design is the biggest change to the instantly-recognisable mark in more than a century of history.

Created in-house by Bentley’s own design team under the watchful eye of Director of Design Robin Page, the new Winged B is the first step of the next chapter for the Bentley brand and its DNA. Crafted with confidence, care and creativity, the new emblem is symbolic of an exciting future for Bentley.

The new emblem has been revealed on the front of an as-yet unseen new future vision concept car, which in turn heralds the start of a new era of Bentley design language. The design of the new Winged B was led by Robin Page, supported by a small and dedicated internal team. Initially, a competition was run, allowing the entire design team to submit concepts and sketches.

The final design chosen was proposed by Young Nam, a member of the Interior Design team, and that concept was then developed and detailed into the final version. The mission in designing the new emblem was to capture some of the beautiful details from the previous designs – for example, the diamond pattern of the inner wings and the B ‘centre jewel’ - but create a more modern and progressive design.

The shape of the new wings themselves are sharper and more dramatic than the outgoing version – more reminiscent of the angled wings of a Peregrine Falcon than the previous softer shapes.

The lower feathers underneath the B have been removed entirely, for a visually-cleaner shape. The centre of the wings retains the B centre jewel, but redesigned in such a way that the device can stand alone and be used as a graphic without the wings. The jewel has been redesigned to capture the high-quality details seen in luxury watch design, including a bevelled glass edge and chamfered metal surround, with a 3D depth of the “B” below the surface.

Bentley’s Director of Design, Robin Page, comments: “If a luxury brand is the product of the stories it has created, then its emblem is its signature. In more than a century of history, this is only the fourth evolution of Bentley’s iconic Winged B, and redesigning it was a formidable task for which we’ve taken great care. In an era of ever-increasing complexity and fidelity from digitalisation, an exercise of simplification and refinement is a modern necessity – and so the new emblem is cleaner, sharper and more impactful than its predecessor. The new Winged B – and the concept car that introduces it – both symbolise a powerful, exciting future for this company and its exceptional, handcrafted products.”

The elements of the Bentley iconography have always been the same – a prominent B at the heart of the design, flanked by a pair of feathered wings. When W.O. Bentley started his car company in 1919, he needed an emblem that summed up his quest to push the boundaries of performance.

He turned to his friend F. Gordon Crosby, the most famous motoring artist of the prewar years, who brought distant motor races and continental tours to life for readers of The Autocar. Crosby created the original Winged B – with the ‘B’ of Bentley inside a pair of wings chosen to represent the exhilaration of motion – and perhaps also a reference to W.O.

Bentley’s background as a designer of engines for fighter planes in the First World War. Crosby gave each wing a different number of feathers to make it completely unique – and stay one step ahead of fraudulent imitations.

When Bentley passed into the ownership of Rolls Royce in 1931, a new emblem was created. This second iteration was symmetrical, with 10 straightened feathers each side, flanking a simpler B in a plain black oval. This version is the longest-standing example in the company’s history, in use until the emblem’s third revision in circa 1996 – when, as a nod to Crosby the central ‘B’ was revised to echo the original, the emblem became more ornate and more pronounced curvature returned to the wings.

Following the purchase of Bentley by the Volkswagen Group in 1998, the emblem was redesigned again in preparation for the first Continental GT, launched in 2002. For the new era of Bentley ushered in by the Continental GT – a car that took annual production from 1,000 cars to 10,000 – a new Winged B was created. This honoured the 1919 original by reverting to an asymmetric design, with 10 feathers to the left an 11 to the right. This Winged B has been in use ever since as the main identity of Bentley.

Bentley’s 2025 Winged B will have two debuts this week. First, it will be officially unveiled at Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England on Monday 7th July, as part of the opening of Bentley’s new, state-of-the-art Design Studio. This three-storey development has been created within the original headquarters building of the factory, first built in 1938. On Tuesday 8th July, the new concept car will be revealed, as the first Bentley model to wear the new wings.

www.bentleymedia.com

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