The Door Industry Journal: 2026

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Entrance Systems Alliance launches Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction)

Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA) formed by two well-known and established trade organisations, the Automatic Doors Suppliers Association (ADSA) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has announced the launch of a new Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision (Construction). It is designed to support the development of skilled supervisors across the construction sector.

The qualification is a workplace-based programme that enables learners to demonstrate their competence in a real construction environment. Built around National Occupational Standards, it assesses practical ability through evidence gathered on site, rather than through classroom-based examinations.

Learners complete a structured portfolio of evidence, supported and assessed by a qualified assessor, with the qualification graded on a pass or fail basis. Candidates must be employed in a relevant role, ensuring that assessment reflects genuine workplace responsibilities. The course is aimed at individuals currently working in construction who are supervising teams or preparing to move into supervisory positions. It is also suitable for those with existing industry experience, or those who have already achieved a Level 2 qualification or equivalent occupational competence.

To achieve the diploma, learners must successfully complete the six mandatory units and two optional units from a selection of four, covering the core responsibilities expected of a construction supervisor. These include monitoring progress against work schedules, maintaining health, safety and environmental standards, co-ordinating work operations, confirming work activities and resources, and developing effective working relationships on site.

Optional units enable learners to tailor the qualification to their role, with areas such as team performance, quality standards, dimensional control, and the use of plant and equipment.

The qualification has been developed to reflect the realities of modern construction sites, ensuring that learners gain relevant, practical skills that can be applied immediately in their roles. It also provides a clear pathway for progression into more senior supervisory or management positions.

“Our Work with the CITB super sector groups has highlighted the need for a route to professional competence; this level 3 qualification offers an opportunity for supervisors in the door, gate and shutter systems industry to demonstrate their competence and gives them a clearly defined pathway towards future management positions”, says Ken Price, Managing Director at ADSA. “We are delighted to be working with NOCN to be offering this qualification."

From an employer perspective, the qualification offers a structured way to support workforce development and confirm the capability of supervisory staff. By aligning with recognised standards, it provides assurance that individuals are operating at the expected level within their role.

“Developing competent, confident supervisors is critical to the future of our industry,” explains DHF’s Deputy CEO, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “This qualification provides a practical, accessible route for individuals to demonstrate their ability in a real working environment, while giving employers confidence in the skills and standards of their teams. It reflects the realities of the construction sector and supports progression at a time when strong leadership on site has never been more important. Through this launch, ESA continues its commitment to raising standards across the industry by supporting skills development, improving competence, and strengthening the pipeline of future construction leaders.”

www.dhfonline.org.uk

www.adsa.org.uk

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Wednesday, 13 May 2026

BFT launches EasyAXS: A smart connectivity solution for automated gates

BFT Automation, the specialists in access automation systems and part of the SOMFY Group, has officially launched EasyAXS, an innovative smart connectivity system designed for automated gates.

EasyAXS delivers a seamless end-to-end solution for installers, simplifying installation and setup, with comprehensive after-sales support.

Easy to install and quick to commission, the compact module is plugged directly into the gate system control panel and connects via a dedicated app with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing installers to configure and activate it directly from a smartphone even without an internet connection.

Wi-Fi or Mobile (4G with a 1GB SIM) connectivity modules are available, offering flexibility tailored to customer needs and project requirements. Users can control their gates through the TaHoma by Somfy app on their smartphones. Those already using TaHoma for home automation can seamlessly add their gate system, making it more convenient to manage gates and other connected devices in one place.

Commenting on the launch of the EasyAXS, Steven Montgomery, Managing Director for Somfy/BFT, said: “Launching EasyAXS is an exciting time for us here at BFT. The solution is made with the installer in mind – simple to install, set up and easy to hand over to the end user. The app is intuitive and designed so that no training is needed to install and use. No additional products are needed for smart phone control either.

“The 4G GSM solution is also very reliable and required for projects where the gate control panel is located out of range of the local WiFi signal. The TaHoma end user app, from Somfy, is easy to use while at home or away and can be linked to a smart speaker for voice activated control.

“We are also looking forward to introducing remote servicing in the near future, which will include remote diagnostics and aftersales support that can take place off site. For the installer, this will mean time saved on travelling to and from locations to resolve issues that can now be identified remotely."

EasyAXS is currently compatible with the Thalia BT A80/160 and Deimos sliding gate operators, with a continued phased roll-out planned for connectivity to other BFT products in the future.

For further information on the EasyAXS, contact BFT Automation on 0161 456 0456 (North Office), or 01477 674 750 (South Office) or visit www.bftautomationuk.com

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Consort Case Study: The Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

Consort Architectural Hardware was tasked with delivering the full ironmongery package for the multi award-winning hospitality landmark in Cape Town, The Cape Grace Hotel.

The Cape Grace Hotel has long been celebrated for its timeless style and exceptional guest experiences, earning prestigious accolades such as Africa’s leading Hotel of the Year and Design Hotel of the Year.

Following the most extensive refurbishment in its history, the hotel reopened its doors to guests in April 2024, marking a significant moment for one of South Africa’s most celebrated hospitality destinations. The fresh look represents a technical, multifaceted upgrade and has firmly positioned Cape Grace as a modern classic rooted in its iconic V&A waterfront setting.

Consort Architectural Hardware, commissioned by 1508 London’s Dubai Studio, was well placed to supply a complete ironmongery package capable of meeting the project’s ambitious design vision together with essential fire and life safety compliance requirements.

An environment reimagined

During an eight-month renovation, every corner of the hotel was reinvented, from the grand foyer experience to its 112 luxury guestrooms, suites and signature hospitality spaces including the spa, swimming pool area and its famous Bascule Bar. The design - profoundly inspired by Cape Town’s tranquil landscape and cultural identity - incorporates layered materials and delicate details, designed to guide guests through a cohesive and immersive journey of relaxation and exploration.

Ironmongery played a critical role in the narrative, achieving both the operational performance of the building and the architectural clarity between its interior spaces. In line with the demands of a high-traffic hotel environment, durability, compliance and long-term performance were central to hardware specification. Consort supplied premium EN 1906 Grade 4 lever handle sets suited to heavy-duty applications, with all components Certifire approved and paired with high-specification lock cases to ensure fire door integrity across the scheme.

A bespoke multi-profile lock cylinder system was also developed to align with the hotel’s operational hierarchy requirements, supporting efficient access control without compromising security. To maintain the refined architectural language of the project, concealed hinges and door closers were consistently aligned with flush door detailing in order to preserve clean lines and reduce the visual interruption on each guestroom doorset. The result: a coordinated hardware solution designed to balance the demands of guest comfort, safety and long term performance.

“Early on, it was clear the brief demanded hardware solutions that could balance reliability with a refined guest experience. Our chosen products had to seamlessly blend with a naturally aesthetic-led environment whilst also ensuring they were robust enough for intensive use,” said David May, Consort Architectural Hardware.

Clean design, heightened style

The ironmongery palette was carefully developed to complement the hotel’s renewed identity – refined, tactile and deeply connected to its regional context. Satin PVD Gold and Brass tones were selected to harmonise with the surrounding material scheme, sitting alongside textured timber veneers and layered interior finishes whilst complementing local artwork and exterior views of the famous flat-topped Table Mountain.

Knurled textures and grained cast pad pull handles were used to emphasise depth and tactility, reinforcing the handcrafted essence of the interior design and accentuating the waxed and polished grain door veneers. Hinges and closers were also concealed from view, highlighting clean lines and allowing the visible hardware elements to take on a dual role, with bespoke ironmongery handles functioning as both practical components and sculptural design features within each space.

Greater lifecycle performance

Sustainability considerations formed a key part of the specification strategy for The Cape Grace Hotel. All hardware components used throughout the project were selected for proven longevity - determined by testing performance - with an aim of reducing replacement cycles and minimising the environmental impact over the building’s lifespan.

Consort’s in-house PVD finishing technology provided a highly durable surface treatment, removing hazardous solvents and volatile organic compounds to significantly extend product life when compared to traditional plated finishes. The manufacturer’s Premium Range was also supplied in plastic-free packaging, with recyclable materials used throughout. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were accessible across key product lines, supporting transparency and informed material selection throughout the project’s specification.

In addition, Consort’s ‘Buy Back’ scheme encourages the recovery and reuse of architectural hardware at the end of a product’s service life. This further reinforced the commitment to a more sustainable and circular approach to architectural ironmongery.

The Cape Grace Hotel project is a shortlisted finalist for the GAI Specification Awards 2026. Results for the International Award are to be announced during the awards ceremony on Friday 15th May at IET London, Savoy Place.

www.consort-hw.com

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Monday, 11 May 2026

ADSA leads industry-wide initiative to ensure safe automation of fire-rated doors

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has launched a collaborative industry initiative to address a growing technical challenge: how to safely automate existing fire-rated doors without compromising their fire performance.

Automation is increasingly used across healthcare, education, transport and commercial buildings to improve accessibility, manage footfall and support safer movement. However, retrofitting automation to manual fire doors is not always a simple upgrade. Modifications such as installing operators, routing cables or replacing closing devices can alter the door’s construction and potentially affect its integrity as a fire-resisting system.

In response, ADSA has brought together a cross-industry steering group including leading manufacturers: record UK, dormakaba and GEZE UK, alongside the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, the British Woodworking Federation and a leading fire test house.

Controlled testing will be carried out to replicate common retrofit scenarios - initially focusing on timber fire doors. The aim is to understand how typical modifications, such as drilling for cabling or changing hardware, influence fire performance and to build a robust evidence base for the industry.

Darren Hyde, Technical and Training Manager at ADSA, said: “Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors. When you retrofit automation, you’re potentially changing the construction of the door. What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”

While new-build projects benefit from tested, fully specified door systems, retrofit environments are far less predictable.

“In new-build, manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for complete systems,” Darren added. “In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist. We want to close that gap in understanding.”

Findings from the programme will inform new guidance for engineers, specifiers and building owners, expected later this year. Rather than prescribing a single solution, the guidance will help professionals assess the impact of common modifications and apply practical measures - such as appropriate cable routing, fire-stopping and installation methods - to maintain door integrity.

The initiative also reinforces the need to consider accessibility and fire safety together. While automation delivers clear benefits, it must be implemented with a full understanding of its impact. At the same time, ADSA recognises that full door replacement is not always necessary; with the right technical approach, many existing fire doors can be adapted safely and responsibly.

By bringing together industry expertise, testing and practical guidance, ADSA and its partners aim to close the knowledge gap around retrofit automation and support safer, more informed decision-making across the built environment.

www.adsa.org.uk

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Sunday, 10 May 2026

BMW Classic Partner Programme launches in the UK

BMW UK has launched a new BMW Classic Partner pilot programme, marking a significant step in strengthening support for classic BMW ownership across the UK.

The pilot includes four authorised retailers: Halliwell Jones Wilmslow, Sytner Stevenage, Group 1 Hailsham and Dick Lovett Bristol, each now officially recognised as part of the international BMW Classic Partner network.

As BMW Classic Partners, these retailers have demonstrated specialist expertise in classic BMW vehicles, including heritage knowledge, access to original BMW Classic parts and factory-approved standards of care.

Their appointment ensures that UK customers with classic BMW models can access dedicated support locally, while benefiting from the assurance and quality associated with the global BMW Classic programme, to help maintain the value of their classic vehicle over the longer term.

Werner Pagenstert, BMW UK Customer Support Director for Aftersales, said: “The launch of the BMW Classic Partner programme represents an important milestone for BMW Classic in the UK. By officially recognising these four retailers as part of our global BMW Classic Partner network, we are strengthening our ability to support customers who are passionate about preserving and enjoying their classic BMWs. This programme ensures that specialist knowledge, heritage expertise and manufacturer-approved standards are available locally, while remaining fully aligned with BMW Group Classic internationally.”

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Saturday, 9 May 2026

Firemongery: The unsung guardian of building safety

Elliott Dawson, National Accounts Manager at UAP, explains why firemongery is more than a finishing touch. With scrutiny and regulations tightening, he argues that specification, installation and maintenance need to be treated as seriously as the doors themselves because firemongery is frontline safety.

Firemongery rarely makes the headlines. Hinges, closers, latches and seals quietly do their work while the industry debates cladding, alarms and evacuation strategy. When a fire happens, it is often these small components that determine whether a building performs as designed by buying time, containing smoke and keeping escape routes clear.

Firemongery is the link between a tested fire door and real-world use. People do not use a fire door, they use a handle, a latch or a closer. If these components are mis-specified, poorly installed or allowed to drift out of adjustment, even the strongest door cannot do its job. Failures are rarely dramatic, but they build up over time. A closer may be disconnected for convenience, a latch replaced with something smoother but incompatible, a hinge may loosen and a seal can be painted over. Each decision may seem minor, yet together they erode the door's ability to resist fire and smoke and often only become apparent when it is too late.

Thinking about the door as a system

A fire door is more than a slab of wood or metal. Its frame, glazing, seals, signage and hardware all need to match the test evidence, but hardware is where this thinking often falls apart. Handles wear, closers are adjusted, cylinders are replaced and components are swapped. Without clear discipline, a doorset can appear correct but no longer reflect what was tested.

The challenge for 2026 and beyond is making system integrity practical by designing out ambiguity at the specification stage, setting clear installation standards and keeping maintenance routines simple enough to actually happen without compromising safety.

Specification and installation matters

Good firemongery starts at specification. Hardware must be proven for the intended fire rating and door configuration, and equivalent appearance or cost is not enough. Specifiers need to understand the door's certification route, the evidence supporting the hardware and whether it is suited to the expected usage and maintenance requirements. The cost of specifying correctly is small compared with the expense of remediation, disruption and reputational damage when failures are discovered.

Even the right products can fail if installed poorly. Misaligned keeps, under-fixed hinges, incorrect intumescent packs and missing components all affect performance in everyday use and in a fire. Competence must go beyond a certificate. Installers need to understand why every detail matters, and firemongery should be treated as a critical trade discipline that is measured, checked, signed off and auditable.

Maintenance wins or loses safety

Buildings evolve, users change and doors get knocked about. Inspection and maintenance are not just admin, they are part of the fire strategy. Facilities teams need clear routines, access to the right parts and the confidence to challenge quick fixes that bypass test evidence. Firemongery should be treated like any life safety asset, monitored, documented and repaired properly.

Recognition is overdue

Firemongery is not about ticking boxes. It ensures the fire doors we rely on every day actually work when it matters. The industry has made real progress in raising awareness of fire doors, and now it is time to raise the bar on the components that make them function. Hinges, latches, closers and seals are the unsung guardians of building safety, and they deserve recognition. With the insight and experience UAP brings to the sector, the industry has the guidance it needs to get this right, and it is time we start treating these components like they matter.

www.allegion.com

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Friday, 8 May 2026

Supporting Installers with Reliable UK Supply - the Hörmann Truedor Approach

In a world being shaped by ongoing global disruption, material shortages and fluctuating lead times, resilience is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. Reliable supply is now fast becoming a defining factor in maintaining customer confidence and business continuity. Against this backdrop, Hörmann Truedor stands apart, championing a robust, UK-based supply chain designed to withstand uncertainty while supporting local industry.

At the heart of Hörmann Truedor’s approach is a simple but powerful philosophy: keep production close, controlled and connected. All of the company’s composite doors are manufactured at their IG Doors facility in South Wales, forming the cornerstone of a supply chain that prioritises reliability over dependency on overseas imports. This localised model not only ensures consistent product quality but also significantly reduces exposure to global logistical challenges, a critical advantage in today’s unpredictable environment.

Five Ways Hörmann Truedor Strengthens Supply Chain Resilience

1. In-House Door Slab Manufacturing
Hörmann Truedor is the only volume manufacturer in the UK producing its own GRP composite door slabs. By bringing this critical process in-house, the company eliminates reliance on imported slabs, ensuring dependable availability and tighter quality control.

2. A UK-Based Supply Network
Every key component is sourced domestically:

Door skins from the Northwest
Glass from South Wales
PVC frames from the Midlands
High-grade steel from Tata Steel in Port Talbot

This interconnected regional network reduces risk, shortens lead times and strengthens supply continuity.

3. Reduced Transport and Faster Delivery
Shorter supply routes mean fewer delays and lower transport emissions. For trade customers, this translates into predictable delivery schedules and improved project planning.

4. Support for British Manufacturing
By investing in UK suppliers, Hörmann Truedor reinforces the domestic manufacturing base, a strategic move that benefits the wider industry while safeguarding its own operational stability.

5. Sustainable, Future-Focused Production
The company’s Welsh manufacturing operations are underpinned by responsible sourcing, energy-efficient processes and ongoing investment in renewable energy. These initiatives align with the wider Hörmann Group’s commitment for European factories to operate using 100% renewable energy, ensuring long-term sustainability alongside supply reliability.

In uncertain times, a secure supply chain is essential. Hörmann Truedor’s commitment to UK manufacturing, local sourcing and sustainable production delivers not only high-quality composite doors, but dependable availability. For installers, fabricators and trade professionals, that means fewer delays, greater certainty and the confidence to supply and install a range of residential doors that meet customer expectations every time.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Thursday, 7 May 2026

Martec Introduces New Premier Shield Steel Security Doorset

Secured by Design (SBD) member Martec Engineering has announced the launch of its latest product, the Martec Premier Shield, a high performance steel security doorset designed to meet the demands of modern construction.

Founded in Glasgow in 1985, Martec specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of glazing systems. With decades of experience and fully integrated in-house manufacturing capabilities, the company has established a strong reputation for delivering robust, high quality solutions across a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial and public buildings.

Kenny McHugh, Secured by Design, commented: “It is always great to see new products coming to market - Martec and this new product represents a positive step forward, aligning with proven security principles that help prevent crime and improve community safety.”

The Premier Shield doorset has been engineered to combine security, durability and thermal performance within a single, cohesive system. Certified to PAS 24, the doorset meets the requirements of Secured by Design standards, providing assurance that it has been tested against recognised measures of security performance.

The doorset incorporates high performance glazing, including laminated and toughened glass designed to enhance resistance to attack, alongside advanced ironmongery featuring fail-safe electromagnetic locking systems. This combination supports a secure and reliable entrance solution suitable for a variety of applications.

In addition to its security credentials, the Premier Shield has been developed with efficiency and design in mind. Its thermally broken construction contributes to improved energy performance, with an indicative whole-unit U-value of 1.8 W/m²K. The doorset also offers a high level of design flexibility, with a range of finishes including polyester powder coated steel or stainless steel, allowing it to integrate effectively within different architectural settings.

The system is available in multiple configurations, including single leaf options with inward or outward opening, and can be specified with entry control or fully automatic operation. Integrated access control options are also available, enabling the doorset to support modern building management requirements.

The introduction of the Premier Shield further strengthens Martec’s portfolio of steel door and glazing systems, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to developing solutions that balance security, performance and design. Martec proudly state that research and design is ‘very much at the forefront’ of what they do.

Karen Dickie, Sales Director at Martec says: “The addition of the Premier Shield door gives us a brilliant addition to the range. Suitable for new build social housing developments it provides the modern appearance of a welcoming entrance, with the strength of a top class security door. Allowing inward and outward opening directions, we are confident this will follow in the footsteps of our Premier E door and become a market leader in this sector.”

www.securedbydesign.com

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Wednesday, 6 May 2026

ASSA ABLOY acquires Rollerdoor Group in Portugal

Rollerdoor was founded in 2020 when several long established brands came together. Headquartered in Leiria, Portugal, the company now employs around 400 people. Rollerdoor will be part of the Business Segment Industrial within the Entrance Systems Division. Sales for 2025 amounted to about MEUR 58 (approx. MSEK 640) with a good EBIT margin. The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from the start.

"I am very pleased to welcome Rollerdoor to ASSA ABLOY. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

"Welcoming Rollerdoor into the Entrance Systems Division strengthens our position in the Iberian market. By combining their product range with our own solutions, we can offer customers a broader and more competitive portfolio while also enhancing our operational efficiency. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition will create for both our business and our customers," says Massimo Grassi, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of Entrance Systems Division.

www.assaabloy.com

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Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Comp Door Goes ‘Black to Basics’ with Launch of New Black Outerframe

The move reflects a clear shift in homeowner preferences over recent years, with black emerging as one of the most on trend finishes in both contemporary and traditional properties. By introducing a fully stocked black outerframe, Comp Door is enabling installers to deliver a complete colour-matched solution without the need to compromise on contrasting frame options.

Available to order now, the new outerframe can be specified in both white on black and black on black configurations and is offered across both chamfered and sculptured profile systems, giving installers full flexibility regardless of project style. Importantly, the new black outerframe is also available on Stable and French Doors, supporting a consistent aesthetic across wider entrance door installations.

Richard Diliberto, Sales Director at Comp Door commented, “We’ve seen black grow steadily in popularity over the last few years, moving from a niche choice to something much more mainstream. Homeowners are increasingly looking for a fully coordinated finish, and that includes the frame as well as the door.”

While darker door colours such as anthracite grey and black have long been popular, frame options have historically required a degree of compromise, often pairing bold door colours with lighter or contrasting surrounds. The introduction of a dedicated black outerframe removes that limitation, allowing installers to deliver a more premium, design-led finish.

“This is about giving installers what they’ve been asking for; more choice, better alignment with current trends, and something they can get quickly,” Richard continues, “By stocking black as a standard outerframe option, we’re making it easier to meet customer expectations without extending lead times or complicating the specification process.

“Black is no longer a statement, it’s become a staple. This launch means there’s no need to compromise on the overall look. Installers can now offer a fully matching solution that meets the expectations of today’s homeowner.”

With the exclusion of arched frames, the new black outerframe is available to order immediately across the Comp Door range.

Contact the Comp Door team directly at: info@compdoor.co.uk or 01782 340 444

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Monday, 4 May 2026

DOOR MANUFACTURER & INSTALLATION COMPANY SUPPORTS LUTON FOODBANK

Robust UK, a leading UK manufacturer of steel door solutions, has partnered with its sister company BGS Intelligent Door Solutions, which specialises in door installation, servicing and maintenance, to donate two new steel doors to Luton Foodbank, helping to improve the security of their premises.

The existing front entrance and rear fire exit door at the foodbank’s warehouse had suffered significant wear and tear over time and were now a risk to security. Therefore, Robust recommended and supplied OUTA-DOR for both the front and rear doors, while BGS carried out the installation at the premises in Luton.

Manufactured from Magnelis® steel, OUTA-DOR is recognised for its exceptional strength, durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a highly versatile steel door solution. Compared to traditional timber doors, steel doors offer improved security and can withstand ongoing wear and tear as well as requiring less ongoing maintenance. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, delivering long-term value as well as peace of mind. With up to 10-years anti-corrosion warranty, OUTA-DOR provides further reassurance of its long-lasting performance and low maintenance requirements, providing a cost-effective fit and forget solution over the lifespan of the door.

Sonya Maroke, Business Development Manager at Robust UK, said: “We were happy to help Luton Foodbank by supplying these replacement steel doors. Their work is essential in the local community and it is important that their premises are secure so they can help as many people as possible.”

OUTA-DOR is available with up to 240 minutes fire resistance on request. For up to 60 minutes fire resistance, low U-values of just 1.5 W/m²K can be achieved with OUTA-DOR THERM. Non-fire rated options can achieve U-values of 1.3 W/m²K. Both options surpass the 1.6 W/m²K requirement set out in Part L of the Building Regulations.

To support safe and efficient emergency evacuation, the new rear door was fitted with Briton two-point panic bolt hardware. This secures the door at both the top and bottom to increase stability and provide protection against unauthorised entry while also complying with BS EN1125 for panic exit hardware.

The entrance steel door was designed with a letter plate, a Hooply sashlock with additional upper and lower cylinders for further resistance to forced entry, and a HOPPE (UK) surface-mounted door closer, ensuring the door closes automatically after use for energy efficiency and security.

For improved aesthetics and visibility, the front steel door in Anthracite Grey features a double-glazed frosted vision panel, which allows light to pass through while maintaining privacy.

Luton Foodbank supports people across the local community by providing emergency food alongside essential skills in managing finance, smart shopping and cooking on a budget. Robust and BGS recognised the food bank’s impact on the local community and donated the steel doors to help reduce costs, allowing the food bank to focus more of its budget on supporting the community.

Steve Taylore, Luton Foodbank employee, shared: “Our new doors from Robust really are fantastic. We feel much more confident that our premises are secure and I’d like to thank Robust UK and BGS for their generous donation and support. This means that we can focus on helping those in need in our area.”

Darren Elam, Technical Manager of South East Region at BGS, said: “It was a pleasure working with Robust UK to support Luton Foodbank. With a depot nearby in Luton, we were well positioned to install the steel doors with no fitting costs for the foodbank, helping them to utilise budget where it is needed most – serving the community.”

Robust UK and BGS are a part of the Novoferm Group, Europe’s largest provider of door systems, ensuring maximum quality, safety, comfort and aesthetics at a minimum cost.

For more information about OUTA-DOR, visit www.robust-uk.com, or contact Robust at sales@robust-uk.com or call 01782 592900.

For more information on BGS, visit: https://bgs.uk/

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Sunday, 3 May 2026

McLaren confirms 2027 FIA Hypercar entrant and exclusive Project: Endurance track car

McLaren Racing has revealed the name of the FIA Hypercar that will return the iconic motorsport team to the pinnacle of endurance racing. The McLaren MCL-HY will compete for overall honours in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2027 in one of the most exciting eras of endurance racing.

Alongside its WEC and Le Mans programme, McLaren has also announced a track car variant and supporting track day programme that also provides exclusive access to the team’s return to sports car racing’s top class through the hyper-exclusive Project: Endurance.

The MCL-HY adopts McLaren Racing’s established Formula 1 naming convention, combining the ‘MCL’ prefix with the Hypercar designation ‘HY’ reinforcing the brand’s unified motorsport identity across the highest categories of motorsport and signalling its commitment to the highly successful WEC category. For the MCL-HY GTR track car variant, McLaren Automotive has chosen a storied name for this unique proposition.

“The MCL‑HY GTR proudly continues a lineage that began with the McLaren F1 GTR’s outright Le Mans victory in 1995 and then continued with the McLaren P1 GTR™ and McLaren Senna GTR track cars. This badge stands for moments that define McLaren. With the MCL‑HY GTR, we are writing the next chapter for our most focused, authentic, and uncompromising track cars,” says Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, McLaren Automotive.

This announcement precedes the full reveal on May 4 of both the 2027 race car and its track car counterpart, which have been developed through close collaboration between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive.

“Taking the McLaren name back to the pinnacle of sportscar racing is a huge milestone and it’s a proud time for everyone within McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive to share the name of our new Hypercar that follows in the footsteps of an incredible lineage of McLaren racing cars. We are in a golden era of sportscar racing and the Hypercar category continues to be extremely successful, and our new car name shows respect to that. Our development MCL-HY will be revealed in its incredibly cool test livery ahead of our first rollout,” added James Barclay, Executive Director of McLaren Endurance Racing.

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Saturday, 2 May 2026

Take the GfA challenge: How to make sense of complex applications

For most installations, a standard control panel is sufficient. But what happens when it's not: When a control system needs to manage a fire door in a baggage handling system at a major international airport, manage traffic flow at a recycling plant, or secure priceless artefacts at a museum?

Tim Drysch, head of electrical at GfA, is trained in handling the unusual, the complex, and the unexpected. The key, according to Tim, is understanding the environment, the challenge and finding simple, integrated solutions.

Here are three challenges that show how bespoke electrical design can turn a problem into a solution.

Challenge 1: The Baggage Conveyor Fire Door

The Situation: At a major international airport, fire shutters are required over baggage conveyor belts to prevent the spread of fire within airside terminals.

The Considerations: This presents a unique conflict of interest. The primary function of the door is to close to stop a fire. However, if the door closes while a suitcase is passing underneath, it will rest on the object, failing to create a smoke-tight seal and compromising the fire rating. Furthermore, the system needs to be reliable; if the mains power fails, the door must remain able to close in power loss.

The Solution: GfA utilise a PLC to create a "handshake" between the door and the conveyor system.

● Intelligent Obstacle Detection: The system uses photo beams. If a fire alarm triggers whilst the door is open and a bag is blocking the beam, the control panel allows the conveyor system to move the belt in forward or reverse until the obstruction is cleared. Only when the beam is clear does the conveyor system send a signal to our panel to close. Once the door has left the open position the conveyor is inhibited.

● Battery Intelligence: The design includes several monitoring systems, for example the battery backup. It constantly checks the voltage and acts depending on the battery status feedback.

Challenge 2: High-Security Logic

The Situation: For high-security applications, such as museums housing cultural treasures or cash-handling centres, standard locking is insufficient. These sites often require heavy-duty physical locking mechanisms or bollards that engage when the door is closed.

The Considerations: The challenge isn't just locking the door but also preventing the door from destroying itself. If a user tries to open the door while heavy mechanical locks are engaged, the motor could cause catastrophic damage to the door curtain. Conversely, the system must ensure the door is actually locked before giving a "secure" signal.

The Solution: The design service implements a strict logic sequence using a PLC and limit switches.

● Verification: The system incorporates strict interlocking protocols to ensure reliable communication between the door, locking mechanisms and other security functions. The system cannot be operated until all the conditions of the interlock are met to safeguard access to the building.

● Fault Detection: If the door hits the floor but the locks fail to engage (perhaps due to misalignment), the system recognises this "fault condition" and locks out the operation, preventing misuse until the security breach is resolved. It also monitors lock switches when the door is open, via volt-free signals to indicate to control rooms the lock status alongside any errors.

Challenge 3: The Universal Retrofit for Retail Logistics

The Situation: A major retailer and distribution customer needed to upgrade loading bays across a vast network of sites.

The Considerations: The customer required a "universal" solution that could handle varying equipment levels at different depots. They needed a single control panel that could integrate dock levellers, traffic lights, inflatable shelters, and door controls. Crucially, they wanted to minimise the time installers spent on-site wiring complex connections.

The Solution: GfA designed a modular, combined control panel.

● Integration: The panel combines two interlocks ensuring that neither the dock or the door could impact each other, achieved through door position monitoring and proximity sensing.

● Fitter-Friendly Design: To address the installation challenge, the panels were pre-wired and pre-tested prior to dispatch. In the field, clear connection diagrams make for easy connection to the DIN rail meaning installers don't need to decipher complex schematics on-site; they simply connect specific wires to specific terminals, significantly reducing site time and wiring errors.

Whatever your challenge, GfA’s electrical design team and technical team provides the logic that sits between the door and the site's specific needs. Call GfA today on 01926 452452 and start work on your project requirements.

www.gfa-elektromaten.com

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