The Door Industry Journal

Friday, 5 December 2025

WIŚNIOWSKI Connected debuts with additional smart products in Europe

WIŚNIOWSKI Connected is a free app available for Android, iOS, and as a web version. It manages the entire smart-home system – from entrance and garage gates to doors and shutters. Now, the system is gradually becoming available through selected WIŚNIOWSKI distribution partners across Europe, including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Italy.

"Our market innovation, one of the very few of its kind in Europe, is now available across several countries. With WIŚNIOWSKI Connected, users can grant selected individuals access to specific devices, set time limits or usage quotas, and track activities from the last 30 days. The app sends push notifications, for example, if the gate has not been closed or was opened with a remote control. In addition, every user can customise the system to their needs – from the appearance of the app to device names and even automated scenarios like “Coming Home,” which, with a single click, opens the gate, unlocks the door, and raises the shutters," says Marcin Burek, Sales Director DACH at WIŚNIOWSKI.

WIŚNIOWSKI Connected is the only smart-home system for gates, doors, and shutters that is this comprehensive and immediately available – without extra costs, installers, or unnecessary complications. With a single app, multiple locations can be managed – for example, a city home, business premises, a shop, or a holiday house – without needing to log in to different accounts. The app allows users to monitor product status, effectively becoming a “remote control” for the property. It is also ideally suited for commercial use, where customers can grant access to a building on specific days or at designated times.

www.wisniowski.de/smartconnected/wisniowski-connected

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Thursday, 4 December 2025

Hörmann Introduces Flood-Resistant Doors

Hörmann UK have expanded its extensive product portfolio with the introduction of flood-resistant versions of its established industrial steel construction doors and its premium ThermoSafe Hybrid aluminium entrance door.

In response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, Hörmann has developed solutions to help protect buildings from water ingress. The flood resistant versions of the doors do not compromise on performance or aesthetics and have been independently tested to ift Rosenheim’s FE-07/2 guidelines for flood-resistant closures, covering windows, doors, gates, and roller shutters.

The flood-resistant variant of Hörmann’s industrial steel doors maintains all its core functionalities, including fire resistance, sound insulation, thermal efficiency, and security. It offers protection against floodwater up to 900 mm for single-leaf doors up to 1150mm wide. A retrofit package is also available, allowing existing installations to be upgraded with this flood protection capability.

On the residential side, the ThermoSafe Hybrid aluminium entrance door now features flood resistance up to 500 mm water height for door widths up to 1250mm. These enhancements do not affect the door’s advanced performance levels or its modern, stylish appearance.

With these latest additions, Hörmann reinforces its position at the forefront of innovation, creating resilient building protection solutions tailored for industrial and residential environments.

To find out more about Hörmann floor resistant doors visit Flood-resistant steel construction project doors OD and aluminium entrance doors | Hörmann or call 01530 516868.

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Wednesday, 3 December 2025

FenceX 2025 Breaks Records and Brings the Fencing Industry Together

The UK fencing industry came together in record numbers on 15th October for FenceX 2025 at NAEC Stoneleigh – and the result was a day packed with innovation, collaboration, and inspiration.

With record numbers of visitors and more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the latest in fencing products, technology, and best practice, this year’s show was the largest and most dynamic FenceX ever. From the exhibition floor to the outdoor demonstration areas, the energy and enthusiasm were evident throughout the day.

Live Action, Innovation and Expertise

One of the biggest draws of the show was the largest-ever destruction testing schedule seen at a UK fencing exhibition. Crowds gathered throughout the day to watch leading manufacturers – including Barkers, Zaun, CLD, IAE, Alexandra, Henry Squire & Son, and First Fence – put their products through rigorous real-world testing. These live demonstrations not only showcased the strength and durability of modern fencing solutions but also highlighted the continual innovation taking place within the sector.

The Gate Automation Zone, delivered in partnership with the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), and First Fence was another major attraction. Featuring live demonstrations, compliance guidance, and expert advice, the zone proved invaluable for contractors, specifiers, and clients keen to understand more about automated access solutions

Best Practice in Action

Outside, the AFI & AFA Best Practice Day brought practical skills and expert techniques to life. Following the sell-out spring event at Harper Adams, the outdoor demonstrations at FenceX featured two full fencing lines – one timber and one metal – covering everything from deer and horse netting to stock fencing and electric top rails.

Delegates learned how to adapt approaches for strainers, struts, turners, and wire work across different ground conditions and added even more value to a packed programme.

Knowledge Sharing and Future Thinking

Education was also at the heart of the show, with a busy seminar programme tackling key topics including apprenticeships, standards, safety, compliance, and business development. Speakers from across the industry – including training experts, standards bodies, and leading contractors – shared practical insights and answered audience questions in well-attended sessions throughout the day.

Perks, Prizes and Networking

Visitors who pre-registered were welcomed with a free breakfast roll and coffee to start their day, and hundreds took the opportunity to network, meet suppliers, and explore new business opportunities.

One lucky visitor will also be enjoying a weekend in Ghent, courtesy of Locinox, with Eurostar travel, hotel accommodation, and a private tour of the company’s cutting-edge factory included. The prize draw, entered by dropping name badges into a collection bucket on departure, proved a popular finale to a memorable day – the winners presentation will take place at the UK Fencing Industry Awards on 13th November at Mercedes Benz World.

With this year’s event setting a new benchmark, the AFI is already planning ahead for future editions. For those who couldn’t make it, highlights, photos, and videos will be shared on the FenceX website and social media channels in the coming weeks.

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Tuesday, 2 December 2025

DSI Delivers a Stunning New Shopfront for M&S Outlet

Door Systems Installations (DSI) is proud to announce the successful completion of a brand-new shopfront installation for the latest Marks & Spencer Outlet, handed over ahead of schedule and finished to the retailer’s exact specification.

The project involved the full removal of the existing frontage and the installation of a sleek new Seniors SFG-SD aluminium shopfront system, complete with 25mm double glazing for improved energy efficiency and acoustic performance. The design also features toughened laminated safety glass in the side screens, combining strength, security, and style.

Accessibility was a top priority, with a DDA-compliant ramped threshold seamlessly integrated into the new entrance. Finished in RAL 9005 Black, the contemporary frame perfectly complements M&S’s clean, modern aesthetic.

Smart Automation

The new entrance is powered by a Record STA-20 automatic sliding door system, offering smooth and reliable operation. Controlled via a digital function box and supported by advanced safety sensors, the system ensures effortless access for shoppers while maintaining maximum safety and efficiency.

Working to the M&S Standard

From initial site meetings to final handover, the DSI team worked closely with the client and design team to meet M&S’s exacting standards. This included using low-iron glass with a toughened outer pane and laminated inner pane to provide enhanced clarity and visual quality.

Although five days were allocated for the project, DSI completed the full replacement in just three days, underlining the company’s trademark speed and attention to detail.

Tendered to multiple suppliers, the project was awarded to DSI for its competitive pricing, responsive service, and proven technical expertise — a combination that continues to set the company apart in the UK retail and commercial sectors.

www.dsilimited.co.uk

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Monday, 1 December 2025

Another year nearly gone… another one coming

And just like that, another year has almost slipped by—proof, perhaps, that time really does fly when you’re ISO-certified, conference-hosting, qualification-launching, and competence-defining!

2025 has been a year of remarkable progress for DHF. From earning ISO 9001 certification to launching the ABBE Level 3 Award in Fire Resisting Roller Shutter Doors and even helping to shape the industry’s new Competence Framework, we’ve shown that when it comes to raising standards, we don’t just talk about it — we publish, deliver, and certify it.

So, what awaits us in 2026? In no particular order (and with a fresh notebook at the ready):

Publish a Technical Specification for key safes—complete with aspirations of a BSI Kitemark and Secured by Design support.
Host another DHF Conference and Exhibition, following the success of RAF Cosford 2025.
Encourage more face-to-face events to give members space to connect (and maybe even debate which buffet sandwich reigns supreme).
Launch an Apprenticeship Scheme for installers of industrial and garage doors and gates.
Roll out an Ofqual-accredited training programme for building hardware manufacturers.
Continue guiding our members through the ever-twisting path of sustainability and add PSTI to the list.
Raise the bar of competency through offering NVQs and CSCS cards.
Continue offering our standards training through various means, making them accessible to all and encouraging the uptake on refresher courses or CPD webinars.
Promote the use of timber and steel doorsets.
And, as ever, deliver the best possible technical support for our members.

No small list—but then, DHF has never been one to take the easy route.

Twelve months from now, we’ll look back and, with any luck, tick off most of these boxes (and perhaps even add a few surprise achievements for good measure).

Until then, thank you to the entire DHF team for their unwavering commitment, professionalism, and good humour—it’s your work that turns ambition into accomplishment. And thank you to our members, without whom none of this would be possible.

Here’s to another year of challenge, change, and progress—and to proving once again that for DHF, “business as usual” means anything but.

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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Sunday, 30 November 2025

Built to excite: A stunning Las Vegas premiere for Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe

Mercedes-AMG is delighted to welcome Brad Pitt as the newest member of the World's Fastest Family. Known for his starring role in the Hollywood blockbuster F1® THE MOVIE and his unmistakable on-screen presence, Brad combines ambition, performance and a spirit of innovation – values that are deeply rooted in the DNA of Mercedes‑AMG.

His passion for powerful, emotionally engaging cars makes him the perfect ambassador as AMG enters a new dimension of performance. Brad will represent the upcoming Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupe – a machine that is engineered to excite and which will celebrate its world premiere in 2026.

To mark this partnership, Mercedes‑AMG staged a spectacular high-energy stunt in Las Vegas, starring Brad Pitt, George Russell and a camouflaged prototype of the upcoming vehicle. The scene: Brad waits for his car at a valet stand - only to discover that the valet driver is none other than five-time F1 race winner George Russell.

Behind the wheel of a Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupe prototype, George puts the car through its paces, offering a first look at the breathtaking precision, agility, and thrill that will define the new Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupe.[1]

With this playful yet powerful appearance, Mercedes‑AMG prepares the world for the arrival of the upcoming all‑new Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupe – the first vehicle based on the future high-performance architecture AMG.EA.

[1] The driving stunt was carried out under strict safety precautions on closed roads and exclusively with professional drivers and should not be imitated.

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Saturday, 29 November 2025

Hörmann Announces 2026 Dates for Academy Training programme

Hörmann UK has launched the dates for its 2026 installation and product training courses, to be held at the company’s state-of-the-art Training Academy in Coalville, Leicestershire. With 50 sessions scheduled throughout the year, the programme is offered free of charge to Hörmann’s trade partners and covers both the domestic and industrial product ranges.

The domestic training will focus on the installation of Hörmann’s extensive selection of garage doors, entrance doors, and operators, including the range of Hormann Truedor composite doors. In addition, sales and product modules will provide insight into product features, benefits, accurate specification, and pricing – giving installers the tools to offer a complete solution to customers.

For the industrial sector, courses will cover the installation and configuration of Hörmann’s full industrial door portfolio, including dock levellers and associated equipment. These sessions are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the product range and help trade partners better support their clients with tailored industrial solutions.

A dedicated platform, Hörmann Events, helps streamline the booking process, allowing trade partners to find detailed course descriptions, available dates, and make bookings quickly and easily.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, commented, “Since the launch of the Hörmann Academy in 2019, we’ve trained hundreds of installers and trade professionals each year. It continues to play a vital role in supporting our partners with effective and up-to-date training and for 2026, we’re once again offering an extensive programme to meet demand across all areas. The sessions are always popular and book up quickly, so I’d encourage our partners to secure their place as soon as possible.”

In addition to face-to-face sessions at the Coalville Academy, Hörmann also provides a range of training videos via the Hörmann UK YouTube channel, offering on-demand support for commonly encountered installation issues.

For more information about the courses, please contact Marizel Le Roux at m.leroux.lei@hormann.co.uk

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Friday, 28 November 2025

New British-Made Timber Garage Door Range

Novoferm UK would like to announce the addition of a new timber garage door range, marking a return to one of the most respected materials in door manufacturing, solid cedarwood. Designed, engineered and hand-finished in Britain, the collection combines the natural appeal of timber with the reliability and precision for which Novoferm is known for.

Manufactured from high-grade Western Red Cedar boards, each door is constructed to deliver long-term performance and visual impact. The result is a product that not only complements the architectural character of the property but also meets the durability demands of trade professionals and their clients. Doors are available in made to measure sizes across our Up & Over door gear types (Canopy and Retractable) and Side-Hinged designs.

Available in a variety of period and contemporary designs, the new timber range has been developed to suit an array of applications, from premium residential developments and bespoke builds to renovation projects where authenticity is key. Each door is supplied in a protective basecoat stain, ready for finishing on site, with a choice of multiple finishing options to achieve the desired appearance and protection level.

Every door is individually hand-prepared and finished by skilled craftsmen. This process ensures consistent quality control and precision across the range, a hallmark of the brand’s long-standing reputation in the trade. The focus on British manufacturing also offers shorter lead times, reliable supply, and greater flexibility for project scheduling.

Available in a wide range of factory finishing options, provide the doors a hard stain long lasting finish than can last up to five years, depending on position and location of the door. To meet every design requirement, we can reproduce an extensive palette of finishes, including all RAL Classic and RAL Design colours, British Standard (B.S.) shades and even premium decorative ranges such as Farrow & Ball and Little Greene. With such versatility, our doors can be tailored to complement any architectural style or client specification, making colour choice a true competitive advantage.

Managing Director John Carey commented on the launch: “We’re proud to bring timber garage doors back into Novoferm’s product range. Timber remains one of the most versatile and desirable materials in the market, strong, sustainable and visually timeless. By combining traditional methods with modern production techniques, we’re able to offer doors that not only look outstanding but also meet the performance expectations of today’s trade professionals.”

This new timber range reinforces Novoferm’s commitment to product diversification and to supporting the trade with high-quality, design led solutions. Each door is engineered for straightforward installation, compatibility with a range of operating gears and seamless integration into new or existing builds.

With growing demand for sustainable and design focused materials, Novoferm’s timber garage door range provides trade customers with an opportunity to deliver genuine added value to end users, combining craftsmanship, visual appeal and proven durability.

For further information, technical specifications and trade enquiries, contact Novoferm UK on 01582 563 777

www.novoferm.co.uk

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Thursday, 27 November 2025

Yale security upgrade for Fort’s range of garage doors with multi-point locking

Fort Doors has teamed up with Yale and Mila Hardware to develop a security upgrade for all Pro 20 Insulated Side Hinged garage doors.

To celebrate, Fort Doors is offering Yale Lockmaster three-point locking on all Pro 20 Insulated doors free of charge until March 2026. Each door will be fitted with Yale’s Lockmaster 28mm multi-point door lock and KM Series 1-Star Cylinder, supplied by leading hardware specialist Mila, a long-term partner of Fort Doors.

Karen Paskin, Area Sales Manager at Mila, adds:
“This new partnership combines Fort Doors’ advanced engineering with our unrivalled security expertise, setting a new standard for garage doors. We’re proud to see Yale and Mila hardware at the heart of Fort’s garage doors featuring a multi-point lock, and we look forward to working closely with Fort Doors on similar projects in the future.”

The Yale Lockmaster 28mm U-Channel Multi-Point Lock features signature hooks and anti-lift pins for exceptional strength and protection. It has been tested to 100,000 cycles, is PAS 24 certified, and is proudly made in Britain.

Complementing this, the Yale KM series 1-Star Cylinder is British Kitemarked TS007 1-Star accredited, offering advanced protection with an anti-snap sacrificial front section and defences against picking, bumping, and drilling.

Both components carry a 10-year mechanical guarantee, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.

In addition, the Mila Supa™ Stainless Steel Handle – crafted from premium stainless steel – lends an elegant, modern design to the garage door. Independently tested beyond industry standards and backed by a 25-year guarantee, the Supa™ range ensures lasting weather resistance and effortless performance.

Lee Moon, Managing Director at Fort Doors, comments: “Our new Pro range has proved extremely popular, and this collaboration to offer a respected brand-named security locking system from Mila and Yale represents a significant leap in quality from a brand you can trust. Along with outstanding insulation, weather resistance, durability and ease of operation, the range now offers formidable security too, thanks to Mila’s upgrade to the market-leading Yale components.”

www.fortdoors.co.uk/garage-door-range/insulated-garage-doors

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Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Keeping Up, Staying Safe - Why ongoing training matters more than ever

It is easy to see training as something to complete and then move on from. Many of us receive a webinar invitation or a reminder for a refresher course and think we already know what we need to know.

Yet in an industry where products directly protect people’s property or lives, keeping skills and knowledge current is not an optional exercise. It is a professional responsibility.

DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, explains more...

Competence is at the very heart of safe practice. The Building Safety Act has made that expectation very clear. Those involved in the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of safety-critical products must be able to demonstrate that they are qualified, capable, and committed to ongoing learning. It is no longer enough to say we are experienced. We must also be able to prove it through continuous development and a genuine understanding of our obligations.

Across our sector, competence frameworks now guide how we work. They ensure that every individual, from office teams and manufacturers to installers and maintenance engineers, understands their responsibilities and the standards required. These frameworks help create a culture where safety and compliance are shared priorities rather than box-ticking exercises.

The world does not stand still, and neither do regulations or standards. They change as technology evolves and as new lessons emerge. What was correct five years ago might no longer meet the current benchmark. A single overlooked update can lead to costly mistakes or, in the worst cases, real harm. Keeping knowledge up to date is therefore not just a matter of compliance but a matter of responsibility.

At DHF, we continually refine and expand our training offering to reflect this responsibility. Each course, webinar, and module is designed to deliver a clear, understanding that enables people to apply best practice with confidence. We want to make learning accessible, relevant, and enjoyable.

Continuing Professional Development does not always mean stepping away from work for a full day. It can be as simple as joining an online session, reading an industry update, or watching a short presentation that challenges the way you think about safety, sustainability, or innovation. The important thing is to remain curious. Small moments of learning, repeated often, strengthen professional confidence and help build a safer industry for everyone. Keeping skills current is about more than compliance paperwork. It speaks of pride in one’s craft. It means knowing that every product you touch has been manufactured, installed, or maintained to the best possible standard. It also demonstrates credibility, and employers and clients are increasingly seeking proof of recent training and certification. Having that record demonstrates commitment, care, and competence. It can open doors, literally and figuratively, in an increasingly competitive market.

For professionals installing or maintaining doors, gates, and shutters, demonstrating competence has never been more important. Major organisations such as Amazon and London Heathrow Airport now expect clear evidence of skills, whether for initial installation or ongoing maintenance. The new competence framework from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) provides exactly that, setting a clear standard for the industry.

The framework, now available in the Completed Installer Frameworks section of the CLC Competence webpage, has been shaped over 18 months in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) under Sector Lead Group 10 (SLG10). DHF has been at the heart of its development. The framework assisted with the updating of the National Occupational Standard (NOS) to reflect the current skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours required across the sector. It provides a structured approach, including a Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours (SKEB) matrix, clear pathways to competence, and practical guidance for implementation. The framework supports alignment with the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023, and applies across installation, maintenance, servicing, and associated roles. This initial publication establishes a robust benchmark for the sector and offers essential guidance. For DHF members, it is a tool to demonstrate professional standards, enhance credibility, and ensure compliance with evolving industry expectations.

At DHF, we never stop reviewing our materials, consulting experts, and developing new ways to support those who rely on us. Our aim is to help our industry stay informed, skilled, and confident in the work it delivers. Of course, training takes time, but it is time well spent. That one morning refresher, that hour-long webinar, or that new course may not only strengthen your knowledge but could also be the difference between a product that performs and one that fails. And when we invest in our own learning, we invest in the safety of others. Staying current is not just a professional duty. It is the right thing to do.

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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