The Door Industry Journal

Monday, 10 July 2017

Jewers Doors Secure Hitachi’s Doncaster Maintenance Depot

Specialist industrial door manufacturer, Jewers Doors, has installed five of its latest Swift SEW automated sliding bi-folding doors at Hitachi Rail Europe’s (HRE) new £80m maintenance depot for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) trains at Doncaster.

There has been a railway depot located on the Doncaster Carr site for over 140 years. With a footprint of 11,000m2 and access for rolling stock via five roads, the new facility will inspect, repair, clean, maintain, refuel, re-water and store Hitachi’s fleet of express trains including Virgin Trains’ East Coast Class 800/801 and TransPennine Express Class 802 AT300 trains.

Once in operation, the train maintenance centre will accommodate up to 25 five-car trains which will be serviced there every night.

Tilo Hoelzel, Associate Director of RPS Consulting Services Limited , the Lead Designer for the new maintenance building commented:

“As well as securing the building, the practical issues of accommodating live overhead electrification lines (OLE) and rail tracks had to be taken into account. These were extremely large doors with many factors including thermal and acoustic insulation, resistance to wind, operational safety and security to be incorporated into the design”.

Each door is 4 metres wide and 6.6 metres high, comprising four highly insulated, single piece composite panels, with two leaves folding to each side when open. Each door panel also incorporated a 600 x 600mm double glazed vision panel which is argon filled and manufactured from toughened glass.

The panels are seamlessly fitted with multi-wall rubber seals to all edges to reduce water, air and dust ingress. An 850mm x 760mm cut out in the door allows an OLE cable to pass through the closed door. The cut out is lined with 9mm thick safety matting tested to 30kVA to prevent bird entry along the cable and for additional safety, the door is then earthed back to the structure with suitably rated earth bonding braids.

The doors are operated by a recently developed high power, centrally mounted SEW drive unit, which incorporates inverter control for smooth start and stop and takes less than eight seconds to open fully.

Safety is ensured with full height pressure sensitive safety edges and photocell beams to create a safe zone around the door during operation. An electro mechanical lock within the motor automatically holds the door in the closed position while automatic solenoid floor bolts provide additional security and protect against high winds.

Tilo Hoelzel added:

“Jewers are very experienced in the rail sector and we have established an extremely good relationship with them on previous projects. We were therefore confident in Jewers’ approach to collaboration in the overall design and in the quality of their doors.”

For more information visit www.jewersdoors.co.uk

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Sunday, 9 July 2017

Battle of the Cosworths – but which is best?

Two of the most iconic performance Fords ever built are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, but which is the best?

The organisers of Britain’s biggest event dedicated to the Blue Oval are aiming to find out, by conducting a special survey in the run-up to Ford Fair 2017, where the 30th birthday of the Sierra RS500 and 25th birthday of the Escort RS Cosworth will be celebrated in style.

Both wear the famous ‘Cosworth’ badge, both are based on mainstream production cars and both have an enviable motorsport pedigree – but only one can be crowned the nation’s favourite.

Will it be the RS500, a car developed for homologation purposes to give the Eighties’ favourite repmobile, the Sierra, a chance to compete in World, European and British Touring Car Championships?

Or will it be the Escort Cosworth, launched in 1992 and based on a shortened version of the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth platform to give it 4WD capability beneath a radically restyled three-door Escort body shell?

The Escort was the car that propelled Ford to World Rally Championship stardom in the hands of drivers such as Francois Delacour, Carlos Sainz and Malcolm Wilson and is widely regarded as one of the best performance Fords ever made.

Fans can cast their votes to determine which of the Cosworths is the nation’s favourite here.

Taking place at the legendary Silverstone Circuit in Northants, Ford Fair will have over 4,000 club cars on display, including many other classic and modern Fords, plus a special selection of cars from Ford itself, including the all-new Fiesta.

The Cosworth anniversary display will be one of the major draws of the event, while other star features will include The Live Action Arena, which will once again be at the centre of the show, a live performance from stunt driver Paul Swift, bookable track time for show visitors and a dedicated Classic Zone, hosted by Classic Ford magazine, which will play host to all manner of historic heroes from Anglia to Zodiac.

Once again, the event will see headline sponsorship from aftermarket Ford specialists, mountune, while Hardrace, KSport, BC Racing, BC Forged Wheels and Goodridge are other key sponsors.

New for 2017, Ford Fair will also host the inaugural Fast Ford Awards. This special display will form part of the Fast Ford stand at the show, and will include winners of various categories, such as ‘Best Street Car’, ‘Best Engine Swap’, ‘Best Modern Ford’, ‘Best Old School Ford’ and many more.

This epic display of the UK’s finest fast Fords will coincide with the very latest issue of Fast Ford magazine – available to buy at the show a week before it hits the shops. The ‘Fast Ford Awards’ special issue will include full details of the various categories and all of winners. And, with all of the winners proudly on display at the front of the Fast Ford stand, you will be able to get up close and personal with the very cars in the magazine.

At the show, all of the Award winners will be entered into the Fast Ford People’s Choice Award, which will be decided on the day.

Also, you’ll find the Ford Fair merchandise marquee on the Fast Ford stand, where you can pick up the latest issue of the magazine, take advantage of some show-exclusive subscription deals, or get your hands on the latest branded goodies.

Other show highlights will include a Show & Shine, individual entries, public track time and a packed retail village.

Already, over 4,000 Fords are booked into club displays, promising a fun-filled day for all fans of the UK’s most popular car brand.

For the chance to buy discounted tickets*, visit www.fordfair.co.uk

*booking fee applies

Social Media:

Twitter: twitter.com/FordFair

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FordFairCarShow

Instagram: FordFair_Official - #FordFair

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Saturday, 8 July 2017

Lancaster strengthens GEZE UK’s Window Technology Sales Force

GEZE UK’s expansion continues with the appointment of Stephen Lancaster who takes up the role of sales manager within window technology supply and installation, covering the Northern region.

Stephen will be primarily responsible for the supply and installation sales of GEZE’s wide range of window technology products for smoke extraction and natural ventilation.

This will involve forging strong relationships with key fabricators in the North of England and Scotland and assisting them with technical compliance issues.

With wide experience as an architectural technologist for a number of practices across Harrogate and Leeds, including Smith Smalley, DLG Architects and S+SA Architects, Stephen is ideally placed to ensure that fabricators are aware of both the latest regulations and the comprehensive range of GEZE products available.

Further expertise comes from his role as architectural project manager for Aluminium system house, Schuco, where he assisted architects in specification and provided technical input.

A Leeds Metropolitan University graduate, Stephen was proud to receive the ‘Stephen George Excellence Award’ for the best dissertation on his BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology course. This paper revealed how off-site construction methods could be utilised to achieve high fabric performance in the drive towards carbon neutrality, together with the perception of housebuilders adopting this approach.

“I have always been aware of GEZE as a strong name in the industry from my early days as an architectural technologist. GEZE is a well-respected company with good core values, run as a family business, making it very appealing to be associated with,” said Stephen.

Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK, commented:

“Stephen is an excellent addition to our growing sales team. His understanding of the market, technical knowledge, personality, not least familiarity with the Northern territory makes him the ideal, front-facing ambassador for GEZE in this region.”

When not presenting to fabricators, Stephen can often be found on the football pitch, where he is gradually building up his strength after three years out due to an injury. A keen socialiser, he also enjoys music festivals; Glastonbury is a particular favourite.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic operators, manual door closers and window technology products call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

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Friday, 7 July 2017

P C Henderson 301 hardware specified for coastal build

Award winning architectural practice, NVB Architects worked closely with Spiller Architectural Ironmongery to specify P C Henderson’s Stainless Steel 301 sliding door hardware for a popular visitors’ centre based at Chesil Beach, Dorset.

Stretching 18 miles along the South coast of England, Chesil Beach lies at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, which is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built to raise awareness of the unique and sensitive nature of the beach, the visitors centre is a knowledge hub where people can learn more about the beach, as well as a space for educational visits by schools and tours.

When the decision was made to expand the original building, the project brief demanded a low impact building that would be in keeping with the extremely sensitive ecological location - whilst also meeting budgetary constraints.

A strong emphasis was placed on utilising durable, naturally finished materials that would require minimal maintenance. Along with this, the centre is heated via ground source heat pumps and there was also a stipulation for the use of locally sourced sustainable construction products, which could endure the hostile coastal climate.

Specified and supplied by Spiller Architectural Ironmongery, P C Henderson’s Stainless Steel 301 sliding door hardware was identified as the best solution to effectively move the external stainless steel and timber shutters covering each of the centre’s window and door openings. The shutters were a key part of the build as they ensure that the building is protected from winter storms, particularly as waves can quite often break over the roof of the building.

A number of the new centre’s windows are extremely large, so another important necessity was to install hardware robust enough to carry and slide the huge, heavy shutters, but be light enough for the volunteers working at the centre to open and close effortlessly.

James McGillivray, Director at NVB Architects, commented:

“Henderson’s Stainless Steel 301 hardware was the only system we found to have the duty and grade of stainless steel capable to cope with the weight of the shutters and the aggressively corrosive coastal environment.

“Aesthetics also played an important role when it came to the systems used. The specified hardware had to be sympathetic to the low key building in a prominent location. Another consideration was installing hardware that would be tough enough to resist vandalism and burglary, which the 301 system does very well.”

Mike Trowbridge of Spiller Architectural Ironmongery, said:

“We have specified PC Henderson sliding door gear for many years. The 301 system really ticked all the boxes when it came to meeting the design brief provided. Working closely with NVB Architects and the main contractor we ensured that from specification to installation we provided all the technical support and back up required.”

Interestingly, the site where the visitors centre sits was a test ground for the bouncing bomb during World War Two. This meant that a site survey for unexploded ordnance had to be done before construction began. The building has also featured prominently in the BBC2 Horizon programme, “The Lost Tribes of Humanity” presented by Dr Alice Roberts, who spent a lot of time drawing diagrams on the windows.

P C Henderson is a leading designer and manufacturer of sliding and folding door hardware. Its new website now features an online Expert Specification Tool to help with specifying for sliding or folding door projects of any nature with detailed digital brochures available for download.

For more information and to see the wide variety of sliding and folding door systems on offer, visit www.pchenderson.com or email hello@pchenderson.co.uk

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Thursday, 6 July 2017

Bft Automation Launch New Rigel 6 230V Control Panel

The 230V Rigel 5 Universal Control Panel has been favoured by powered gate installers for many years - however, the new and improved Rigel 6 will be launched on Monday.

The new panel, for use with single or twin electromechanical and hydraulic motors, supports a number of new features. These include: 8K2 on-board safety edge input; an integrated 24/7 time clock; better magnetic lock integration; separate open/close directional leading edge inputs and stop & reverse obstacle detection (on 230V electromechanical motors only).

Installers are able delete individual transmitters from the radio memory, which has been increased to a four channel radio, particularly useful in commercial and multi-property sites.

Danny Wall, owner of CD Wall who has trialled the Rigel commented:

“Whether I am doing a new install or upgrading an existing one, I will be choosing this panel due to the additional safety aspects it provides and the other great features it offers.

“Amperometric sensing on 230V setting of the Rigel 6 is brilliant (available on electromechanical only). I’ve tried it on both Bft rams and other brands and can confirm that it works well.

“The time clock facility is a fantastic idea; saving space in the control panel housing. Once you know how to change it, it is easy to adjust.

“Latching relays on the remote control means you can lock and hold open the gate from the remote. Rather than having an additional unit.

“Installing the Rigel 6 is very much like the Thalia P, which makes it easier and quicker to fit, thus reducing the overall installation time of the job.

“I am very impressed with the new panel. It’s obvious that Bft have listened to what we have been saying out in the field and are developing products based on that feedback.”

To find out more about the Rigel 6 or any other Bft Automation products - call 0161 456 0456 (North) or 01488 674 750 (South) or visit www.bft.co.uk

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Wednesday, 5 July 2017

Masterson brings Mastery to Door Hardware Industry

Door fabricators, hardware manufacturers, suppliers and architectural ironmongers will be able to benefit from bespoke training support on a wide range of technical issues from this month, thanks to a new service from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI).

All members of the GAI can now request in-house training workshops from Douglas Masterson, the GAI’s technical manager.

Popular areas for training are likely to range across many topical issues, including electronic access control, BIM, recent and upcoming changes to British and European standards, architectural ironmongery scheduling, sales and negotiation, and the latest updates to Building Regulations.

Douglas Masterson says:

“Many GAI members have been asking if we can offer a service like this – the opportunity for completely bespoke training which is tailored to their business needs and specific areas of product expertise.

“The GAI provides education and technical support to many hundreds of people in the UK and internationally every year, so this new service is a natural extension to our well-known and highly regarded education programme.”

Douglas Masterson has worked in the hardware and ironmongery industry since 1989, including as regional manager of MB Architectural in Belfast, part of the Lloyd Worrall Group, a division of Macnaughton Blair, where he spent 10 years; in addition to experience with major players in the sector including Allgood plc and Laidlaw.

He has a deep understanding of all aspects of the trade from trade counter, estimating, specifying, contract management and field sales through to senior management. He obtained a silver medal in the GAI Diploma in 2000 and has sat on the Executive Committee of the GAI since 2008.

As the GAI’s technical manager, Douglas is responsible for looking after the technical helpline as well as providing and delivering CPD presentations to the membership and externally. He also represents the ironmongery industry on numerous committees in the UK and Europe.

For further information on training availability and prices, contact the GAI at technical@gai.org.uk

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Tuesday, 4 July 2017

The force is with two: Jacksons Fencing and Harper Chalice tighten up perimeter security

Jacksons Fencing has joined forces with Harper Chalice, a manufacturer of Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems (PIDS), to deliver greater security to discerning clients in the UK and abroad.

The two companies working together represents the strength of British manufacturing in the perimeter security sector.

Cris Francis, Head of Commercial Sales at Jacksons Fencing, commented:

“As a channel partner, we aim to specify and utilise Harper’s PIDS in all our high security schemes to provide clients with an enhanced, all-encompassing security solution. The collaboration also means that we get project leads from the team at Harpers, giving us more opportunities for specification.”

Chris Hackett, Managing Director at Harper Chalice, said:

“Our partnership with Jacksons Fencing means that we are now able to consistently deliver quality high security perimeters to our clients. When integrated with our PIDS units, perimeter fences are assured to have the best protection against physical attack, detecting penetration, cutting, climbing, jacking or attempts to sabotage the system.”

Bringing together their individual expertise to deliver a more complete package means that customers benefit from a better aligned offering, reduced management and risk. The partnership has extended their cumulative reach, enabling entry into new markets as well as expanding their offer to existing clients.

More recently, the pair collaborated to secure the site of one of the UK’s largest Telecoms and Internet Service Providers. Jacksons Fencing supplied and installed its Securi mesh fencing, single leaf manual gates and a double leaf automated swing gate. These perimeter security defences were complimented with the addition of Harper Chalice’s Perimeter Intruder Detection System, FenceSecure including a SecureBus network to give central control and monitoring of the system.

Jackson Fencing security fences and gates and Harper Chalice’s PIDS offer further integration with CCTV and other remote monitoring technologies to provide a complete solution.

Visit www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk for more information about Jacksons’ full range of perimeter security solutions and www.harperchalice.com to learn more about Perimeter Intruder Detection Systems.

Image:

The Harper Chalice product shown is - PulseSecure™ - Electrified Perimeter Security Power Fencing System. PulseSecure™ is the most advanced electrified perimeter security system available and is supplied in five configurations, providing the ultimate solution for every application. In UK government tests in 2010, it was officially judged to be a significantly more effective and secure perimeter security solution than Power Fence and other alternative power fencing systems.

The PulseSecure™ system can be seen installed on Jacksons’ Trident Xtreme 3 Fencing, which is CPNI and SBD approved.

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Monday, 3 July 2017

Olympians Choose Origin in New Joint Venture

Olympic swimmer Fran Halsall has opened the doors to a new business venture alongside fellow sports personalities, cyclists Jessica Varnish and Liam Phillips – a café on the outskirts of Manchester.

Aptly named ‘Common Ground’, to show a mutual love of sport and good coffee, the venue has opened following a full renovation and the installation of Origin Bi-fold Doors.

Speaking about the new venture, three-time Olympian Fran said:

“The whole idea came about just after the Rio Olympics. We used to eat here all the time, so when a unit became available, it was too good an opportunity to miss.”

The business partners set about planning the space in November 2016. By March, the lease was signed and building work began, taking only five weeks to complete.

Minimalist and Scandinavian in style, with rustic wooden tables and an unusual sit up bar made from natural wood, the café is perfect for those hoping to enjoy the British summer.

Origin Bi-folding Doors at the front and back of the café, both three door sets, open up entirely to the outside. Powder-coated in Anthracite grey, they were chosen specifically to match the café’s quirky décor.

As Fran explains:

“We’ve made the best use of space by installing the Origin Bi-folding Doors, which are amazing. They fully fold back so people can sit and have their coffee in the fresh air. At the other side of the café is another set of doors to what we call the ‘Zen Den’, a relaxing courtyard and seating area. It’s minimalist and Scandinavian in style, with pastel green and grey décor. The bi-fold doors certainly make it a beautiful space to enjoy a cuppa.”

The open plan style also means that the owners’ dogs can equally enjoy the space. Jess, Liam and Fran are all dog-lovers, and the bi-fold doors mean that their four-legged friends can sit at the front of the café and watch the world go by, while Fran and her business partners are serving up a range of both healthy treats and not-so healthy baked goods and cakes.

The café kitchen is still under construction, but once complete it will also be serving up hot meals, with a brunch menu on the horizon.

www.origin-global.com

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Sunday, 2 July 2017

Wacky Record Breakers Race into Beaulieu

Experience the crazier side of motoring in Beaulieu’s brand new summer exhibition with Wacky Record Breakers in the National Motor Museum.

From mid-July until 31st August, the awesome collection of off-the-wall automotive oddities brings together unbelievable creations by inventors Edd China and Colin Furze and each one of these custom-built vehicles proves that you don’t need a sports car to break a world record.

Fast Asleep in Amsterdam

Have you ever seen a double bed careering down the road, or a motorised bathroom suite stopped at the traffic lights? How about a fairground dodgem setting a speed record? Head to Beaulieu this summer and you’ll be amazed by these bizarre record-breakers and more, on show in Wacky Record Breakers.

Bog Standard

Renowned for repurposing ordinary household furniture to build road-legal vehicles, former Wheeler Dealers mechanic and presenter Edd China is the man behind Bog Standard, a complete bathroom suite that is taxed, insured and MoT’d. The driver takes their place on the toilet seat and grips the sink handlebars, as the passenger reclines in the bathtub.

Dodgem

Even more bizarre is Fast Asleep, a double bed that can whisk its restful occupants along at the national speed limit. If you think that is strange, then you’ll be blown away by Gone to Speed, a garden shed capable of a window box-wobbling 58mph.

This unassuming wooden structure is just at home on the highway as it is nestled in a suburban back yard. Watch Gone to Speed and some of Edd’s other vehicles in action by clicking here.

The Shedmobile

Inventor Colin Furze has masterminded some truly insane creations, specialising in making slow things go very fast. Joining Wacky Record Breakers is the world’s fastest fairground dodgem, the world’s fastest pram and a mobility scooter that also once held its own speed record.

Mobility scooter

Driven by Top Gear’s The Stig for a record-breaking run, the customised 1960s dodgem topped over 100mph; far quicker than the 5mph it would have seen when working at a fairground. A 600cc Honda motorcycle engine provides the get-up-and-go for this madcap machine. The automotive oddities continue with the high-speed mobility scooter, capable of over 80mph thanks to its 125cc Honda motorcycle engine.

Colin Furze

Equally incredible is the world’s fastest pram, built to exceed 53mph with a petrol engine mounted in a custom-built frame. This wacky creation turns the pedestrian act of pushing a pram on its head; the driver stands on two foot platforms trailing behind the pram and hangs on tight. To watch Colin’s most daring projects take shape, click here.

Pram

Wacky Record Breakers is just one of the awesome displays in the National Motor Museum this summer. For a very different collection of record breakers, make sure you also see "For Britain And For The Hell Of It" which features the museum’s amazing collection of British Land Speed Record monster machines.

Wacky Record Breakers is included in the Beaulieu entrance ticket, which also gives admission to the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and grounds and Palace House, which has been home to the Montagu family since 1538.

Tickets can be bought in advance online or on the door.

For tickets or more information see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

Wacky Record Breakers Fact File

• Bog Standard, Gone to Speed and Fast Asleep are all former speed record holders

• Bathroom suite Bog Standard is capable of 42mph

• Garden shed Gone to Speed can reach 58mph

• Double bed Fast Asleep has a top speed of 69mph

• See some of Edd China’s most memorable creations on the move at youtube.com

• The world’s fastest dodgem set a record with an average speed of 100mph

• The world’s fastest pram can reach 53mph

• The world’s fastest mobility scooter set a world record at 71mph, but can go even faster to reach 82mph

• For film footage of Colin Furze’s crazy inventions in action, visit his Youtube channel .

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Saturday, 1 July 2017

Statement on Grenfell House from Chairman of the BWF Fire Door Scheme

The stories we hear about Grenfell Tower are concerning and the BWF team has been working tirelessly since the tragedy to provide the necessary support and advice to those involved and ensure that corrective action is timely and efficient. Fire doors are in every building that we live in, work in and sleep in, but they are often overlooked, ignored and allowed to slip into a sorry state.

Many people do not realise that the real job of a fire door is to hold back fire, smoke and toxic gases, delaying the spread around a building and keeping the vital means of escape route clear. They only work properly if they are specified, manufactured, installed and maintained correctly, and of course, closed when a fire breaks out.

Fire Door Safety Week investigations have pointed to an endemic fire safety problem in this type of housing stock and many other residential, recreational, leisure, healthcare and educational buildings. It is sadly not uncommon to see buildings without fire doors, no emergency lighting or signage on doors and escape routes, broken fire rated glass, wedged-open fire doors, poor fire stopping around service hatches that breach compartmentation, no intumescent or smoke seals in fire doors, rubbish and combustible material left in the common areas.

In the catalogue of issues that the full investigation will reveal, it is clear that there are systemic failures that need to be looked at. We must look for quick wins, but take a holistic approach to active and passive options to ensure that we can all live, recover, work, learn and play in relative safety.

Our hope is not simply that full and comprehensive inspections and risk assessments happen now, but that their recommendations are acted upon quickly, and that the regulatory framework is addressed and policed with suitable resource to ensure we don’t simply create a hiatus and allow matters to drift back to the reprehensible state they are now in.

We also reiterate our call for a Register of Responsible Persons so that the responsible person is not be a mystery person lurking in the shadows, but must be front and centre so that people know where to take their problems.

By identifying the responsible person by name and providing the appropriate contact details, residents and building users are empowered to raise problems. This also ensures that those responsible for keeping them safe are made aware of issues directly. This doesn’t do away with the need for fire risk assessments, but supplements an effective process by harnessing the crowd to stay vigilant.

David Oldfield, Chairman, BWF Fire Door Scheme www.bwfcertifire.org.uk

See Best Practice Guide To Refurbishing Fire Doors here

See our specialist advice on fire doors in social housing produced for Fire Door Safety Week here

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