The Door Industry Journal

Friday, 10 September 2021

Does Your Door Hold a Dirty Secret?

The need for deep cleaning to combat disease has never been more pertinent, especially within health and care sectors where efforts to limit contagion have been stepped up to minimise contamination through contact.

This includes doors – entrances to wards, operating theatres, laboratories, emergency rooms and other public areas.

Naturally, there will be a focus on minimising contact transmission by cleaning handles, fingerplates and other door architecture that has frequent use, but what about those all-important fingerguards and drop seals? All door parts have a propensity to trap dirt or germs but can they take the impact of rigorous cleaning and remain effective?

Strand Hardware is the exclusive UK distributor for Athmer finger protection which has undertaken rigorous testing of its products using a range of cleaning agents.

The products were extensively tested using the most common cleaning agents and disinfectants from the RKI/VAH list. They were examined for possible reactions and resistance to:

Bacillol AF
Incidin +
Trichlorol
Optisept
Milk of lime
Terralin
Helipur

The tests found little or no reaction to the 100% pure solutions, with only slight discolouration of fabric due to deposits caused by evaporation of the cleaning products. No negative impact was caused to the durability or function of the components.

Finger protection is a vital safety measure in public buildings, particularly those where children or vulnerable people are present. A closing door will exert a massive amount of pressure on fingers or hands trapped in the hinge gap and can cause injury.

Catherine Franks, Managing Director of Strand Hardware, was keen to point out that not all fingerguards are made equal.

“There are a great deal of cheap plastic finger protectors coming into the UK which may not have durability or resistance to cleaning products. As with heat, cold or aging, detergents can cause plastics to become brittle,”

She said

“Athmer finger guards offer a quality product range which is durable and reliable, preventing injuries by eliminating the danger of accidental finger entrapment between the closing edges of the door leaf and the door frame. Specifiers should choose products that have been tested to BS8613 as well as being tested with cleaning products.”

About Strand Hardware

Strand Hardware Ltd is a family run business with a wealth of experience in the architectural ironmongery industry. Based in Walsall, West Midlands, the company was established in 1991, by the late Jonathan Franks and is now run by his daughter, Catherine.

It supplies high-quality window and door hardware, combining locally-manufactured products with sole UK distribution for top European brands including Athmer and Antipanic.

Strand Hardware’s reputation has been built on delivering first-class customer service and technical support by its experienced industry professionals.

For more information visit: www.strandhardware.co.uk

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Thursday, 9 September 2021

Hörmann launch first virtual showroom

Hörmann Partner Standard dealers are busy taking advantage of the exciting opportunity to feature a virtual showroom tour on their Hörmann Dealer Finder profile pages.

The team at Hörmann have been out and about filming, with Pro Door Ltd becoming the first dealer to showcase a 360-degree tour of their Gloucester showroom.

Using the latest in image capture technology, the virtual tour is designed to allow customers to step into a showroom from wherever they are, 24/7. It provides an immersive experience not possible with photos and videos and is created using a sequence of panoramic images that are ‘stitched’ together to form a 360° view of a showroom.

The tour features detailed floor plans that give a bird's eye view, together with an automatically generated guided tour through the showroom with ‘hotspots’ giving specific product information.

Liz Stephen at Pro Door Ltd comments:

“We’re delighted with being the first dealer to get our showroom filmed as a 360 ° virtual tour. This came as part of our Hörmann Partner Standard accreditation and the process was so easy and quick, we would recommend it to all who qualify as a Hörmann Standard Partner”

The Hörmann team are available to visit Dealer showrooms to film and capture all the Hörmann products on show. To take advantage of this free service, Partner Standard dealers should talk to their Area Sales Manager, with dealers who do not have their own showroom having access to a Hörmann showroom virtual tour.

To find out more about Hörmann please visit Dealer finder | Find your nearest Hörmann Dealer (hormann.co.uk) or call 01530 516868

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Wednesday, 8 September 2021

Committed Visitors Welcome the Return of the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show

The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show is making its long-awaited return to ExCeL London between 24-26 September 2021, issuing a call for entry to companies interested in exhibiting at this year’s event.

After 18 months of continuous COVID restrictions, over three quarters of Homebuilding & Renovating Show visitors have revealed that they are most looking forward to being able to touch, see and feel products and speak to home design and build experts, according to research carried out by the event organiser Future PLC.

Click here for your FREE Tickets

Although 85 per cent of survey respondents researched home improvements during this time, half refrained from making any such purchases online.

Over half of survey respondents said that they are looking to spend a minimum of £50,000 on their homes, and areas such as architecture and design, builders/contractors, garden/landscaping, doors/windows, kitchen, heating and flooring are among people’s top interests.

Exhibitors will finally be able to meet new clients face-to-face again and shore up their databases with relevant contacts, while visitors will get back to reviewing the suitability of the products and services in person for their current and future home ventures after months of internet searches and online shopping.

Nick Noble, commercial & events director at Future PLC, says:

“These past months have been very frustrating for the industry but we’re thrilled to once again be able to offer our visitors the help and guidance they look to us for under the format of a live event. We’re picking up the pace and inviting companies to get on board and introduce their new products and services that are currently so in-demand directly to the individuals who are most excited to see them.”

All visitors are assured that the safety and wellbeing of attendees and staff remains a priority. Every aspect of the event complies strictly with the latest Government official guidelines.

Key information on the status of the show and any regulations people need to follow while attending will be updated on the website. There is also an app, available on iPhone and Android, that can assist people in browsing the venue with confidence, in a Covid-safe environment.

The Homebuilding & Renovating Show’s portfolio consists of eight shows across the year, covering key locations from north to south, east to west, and their nearby affluent areas.

Companies interested in attending can fill out the form at this link.

london.homebuildingshow.co.uk

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Tuesday, 7 September 2021

New breakfast briefings launched for fire safety professionals

Fire safety professionals are being invited to attend a free webinar to ensure they are following the current best practice guidance for managing fire door safety in purpose-built flats.

The Behind Closed Doors: Managing Fire Door Safety in Purpose Built Flats breakfast briefings will be held on Thursday 9 September and Tuesday 12 October.

These sessions will look at the different types of fire doors in these buildings, the considerations when managing retrofit essential fire door safety works, and how stakeholders should interact with them during the specification, installation and maintenance.

Hosted by Hannah Mansell, Group Technical Director of Masonite UK, Premdor, National Hickman, Door-Stop International and Solidor, the webinar also focuses on testing – including primary test evidence and dual third-party certification and how to navigate the complex paperwork trail that often comes with fire doors.

Hannah said:

“This is critical information for all stakeholders in the fire safety chain. From building owners, installers, fire safety managers and facilities managers, through to architects, fire engineers, clerks of works, contractors, building residents and even emergency services.

It’s vital that everyone in the fire safety chain understands the role of fire doors and the implications of deviation from best practice.”

For more information on the breakfast briefings and to sign up, visit: https://bit.ly/Masonite-breakfast-briefings

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Monday, 6 September 2021

Novoferm: Becoming the Reliable Supplier of Choice

With a brand-new initiative coming into effect this month, Novoferm are on a mission to prove they have what it takes to be a reliable door supplier of choice in the garage door industry.

Change is often necessary and nobody knows this better than door industry manufacturer, Novoferm. Several months have passed since Robin Baker became the new Group MD.

When he first joined the company, he made it clear that there was need for significant changes. September sees the start of a brand-new initiative as Novoferm reaffirms its commitment to being a reliable door supplier of choice.

As part of this initiative, the company will continue building on the improvements and investments in new machinery that have already begun with the intention of improving lead-time reliability and quality for all its clients.

Big things are about to happen, but what does this all mean? What do the customers say and how does investment and a changing staff culture help shape this new, forward-thinking Novoferm?

Give the Customers What They Want

Let’s start by looking at what Novoferm brings to the table. The company certainly does not fall short on unique selling points (USPs), having earned the status as one of Europe’s largest system suppliers of doors and operators. Such USPs include:

Leading Mass Producer
Made-to-Measure Bespoke Products
Flexible Production
Flexible Paint Options
Great Range of Products
Excellent Product Specification and Production Features

On paper, it sounds like Novoferm is going in the right direction, so what more can Novoferm do? To find out, the company decided to engage with a number of key clients to get their view and advice.

The response was overwhelmingly unanimous – clients wanted lead time reliability and better quality, not just faster delivery times. In the past, Novoferm’s focus has always been to get products to the clients as quickly as possible.

However, this can present challenges, such as lead times not being met or product quality wavering. Speed, it would seem, is not always the answer. Clients prefer the peace of mind of receiving quality doors when promised.

A New Way of Doing Things

The message is clear – clients want to know that the doors they have ordered will arrive on the day they have been promised. They also want to know that the doors will meet their expectations.

So, how does Novoferm go about making this happen? The answer is a two-part solution, beginning with investment.

Novoferm has committed around £400,000 towards investing in new machinery. They have also committed to investing in personnel with a focus on quality control and raising standards.

To date, the company is around 30% of the way there. The remaining investment in machinery is to be finalised by the end of 2021 with the next big piece of kit arriving early September.

With the initial investment completed, it is hoped that this new initiative in September will see a push to improve processes to focus more on lead time reliability, following an extensive review.

Quality is an ongoing commitment with further investment to be sunk into the quality team. The goal is to ensure that products leaving the premises always meet the high standards clients expect, driving customer retention.

To oversee this, Novoferm recently appointed a new Quality Control Manager along with a roaming QC Inspector.

While all this certainly spells the beginning of a new way of doing things, clients can rest assured that all this enhances the USPs for which Novoferm are known.

Making Novoferm a Great Place to Work

As a company, Novoferm remains more committed than ever to becoming the industry employer of choice. But, once again, change is needed to create a fantastic staff culture.

Any team is only as effective as those in charge, and a lack of inclusive leadership can lead to an unpleasant working environment for all. This is something Robin vowed to change when he first came on board.

Today, Novoferm’s staff culture is moving firmly in the right direction under Robin’s guidance and inclusive leadership style. A more forward-thinking approach has been adopted, empowering employees to engage, speak up, and have their say.

Robin believes strongly in giving people the runway they need to grow and develop, whether that is picking people up when they stumble, rewarding success or encouraging ideas and feedback.

Novoferm are on a mission to be the company where careers are made, building an exceptional team through coaching, training, development, and incentivisation.

With all that said, why not try Novoferm’s reliability for yourself? If past experiences have put you off, you will likely find yourself pleasantly surprised. Contact the team today to learn more about Novoferm’s new September initiative and their drive to be a supplier and employer of choice.

Find out more about what Novoferm has to offer by visiting www.novoferm.co.uk

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Sunday, 5 September 2021

Return of the original: The AC Ace RS electric

Britain’s oldest car manufacturer, AC Cars, has today unveiled the AC Ace RS electric, continuing the company’s return and reaffirming its approach to providing highly evocative, hand-built cars with high performance zero-emission powertrains.

Restored for the first time in over two decades as an official AC Cars model, and retaining the iconic shape of the original, the new AC Ace RS electric is a true thoroughbred in keeping with the lineage of the iconic brand.

A world away from messy conversions using off the shelf parts, the AC Ace RS electric is a brand new production car that delivers precision British engineering with a specifically developed cutting-edge electric drivetrain.

Despite its classic styling the new AC will deliver a 0-62mph time of around 5.5secs and 500Nm of torque (peak), ensuring that it’s in a different performance league to the Ace of old. The AC Ace RS electric will achieve around 200 emissions-free miles on a single charge.

Named in honour of the original car’s final iteration, the AC Ace RS, just 37 Founders Editions of the AC Ace RS electric are planned, starting at £129,500.

Alan Lubinsky, Chief Executive of AC Cars for 25 years said:

“Our move to electric power has proved to be more important for the brand than anything else we’ve attempted before.

“The combination of our pedigree with a new, fully electric drivetrain means that we’re ready to offer brand new cars that are undeniably historic in character yet thoroughly modern in their powertrain and performance.

“The interest around the world in our new electric cars from has been tremendous and has proved that developing a bespoke EV powertrain is the right approach in ensuring the future success of AC Cars.”

Undeniably the Ace

The definitive British sports car in the post-War years, the original AC Ace was launched in 1954 and stayed in production until 1962, capturing enthusiasts’ attention with its undeniable beauty and spirited performance. In turn, the Ace led directly to the development of another all-time automotive great, the formidable AC Cobra.

The new car will wear an AC Cars chassis number, ensuring the AC Ace RS electric reaffirms the marque’s traditional values and delivers customers an expertly crafted, brand new electric car.

Using the more advanced Mk IV AC chassis, the new cars will be hand-built under the watchful eye of acknowledged expert Steve Gray, Head of AC Heritage. Based at the UK’s historic racing circuit Brooklands, Surrey, Steve and the specialist team will be responsible for tailoring each car to the owner’s specification.

Once again AC Cars has worked with Derby based technical partner Falcon Electric, to ensure that the integration of EV technology remains wholly in keeping with the personality and performance that made AC’s cars admired around the world.

Deliveries of the first customer cars will start in late 2022, and reservations can be made now via the AC Cars website.

The launch of the new AC Ace RS electric follows the finalization of the AC Cobra Series 1 electric, ahead of the first customer deliveries, and the AC Cobra Series 4 electric announced in June.

The AC Ace RS electric specifications are:

Acceleration 0-62 mph: approx. 5.5 seconds
Torque: 500Nm Peak/ 250Nm Continuous
Estimated Range: 200 miles
Power: 230kW
Battery Capacity: 38kWh
Weight: approx. 1050kg

For further technical details please visit: www.accars.eu or email info@accars.eu

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Saturday, 4 September 2021

MAMIL of the Month

With cycling becoming even more popular since the pandemic lockdowns, Dan Randon IT Technician at Hörmann UK has been recognised by British Cycling as Volunteer of the Month.

Passionate about cycling, Dan is a ride leader for the Guided Ride scheme and has led over 150 rides all over the UK since the programme’s inception in 2017.

Well known for his easy engagement with fellow ride leaders, for offering support, assisting on rides, and having a calm, happy and positive attitude, Dan is recognised for going above and beyond – even leading rides whilst on family holidays.

Dan wants to make sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to get involved in the sport he loves and has plans to deliver 42 consecutive rides over 30 days in line with British Cycling’s Let’s Ride Summer of Cycling.

Designed to encourage more people to cycle, the Let’s Ride programme aims to help create a greener, fitter, and healthier Britain.

For more information please visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Friday, 3 September 2021

Yale Rises to the Challenge at International Awards

The results are in, and the final decision has been made – Yale has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award: Brand & Communication Design 2021.

The Brand & Communication Design Award is focused on excellent quality of design and creativity. Judged and assessed by 24 international judges, entries to the award are comprehensively evaluated, looking at the creative idea, the form, and the communicative effect of every entry.

Yale’s detailed entry impressed the judges with its creative and innovative transformation of the Yale brand. Key to the development of the brand identity, the iconic brand with over 180 years heritage in mechanical engineering was transformed, moving it into a digital era.

With the smart industry rapidly transforming and evolving, it was important for Yale to create a coherent future-focused brand message, which could be used across the 125 countries the Yale brand is present in.

The brand’s development project reflected the change in the Yale values and positioning, and this was also portrayed in the modern and sleek new product designs and matching the modern bespoke typeface.

Paul Atkinson, Managing Director at Yale commented:

“We are delighted to receive this exceptional award. We’re extremely pleased our refreshed brand identity, along with the development of our global integration and communication, has been recognised at the awards.

The new brand identity of Yale expresses how we hope to move forward in this digital era, continuing to position Yale as a trusted brand who innovate thoughtfully.

With over 180 years of heritage and experience, we’re excited to see how it develops further in the future!”

This rebrand from Yale came at a time when more people became digitally focused, and the home security space was moving forward with combining mechanical products with smart solutions.

The new brand identity focused on warmth and trust, sharing the positive emotions homeowners feel towards Yale. Designed to reflect the sun – not only does the logo shine bright, but Yale is always there when needed, supporting homeowners, and providing safety and security any time of the day.

Red Dot Founder and CEO Professor Dr. Peter Zec comments:

“The events of last year truly underscored the importance of communication and the way it is designed.

Our jury was amazed by the quality of the submissions to the Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design 2021. The fact that you managed to stand out in such a strong and international field of competitors and impress the experts is proof of your design skill. Your award-winning project is outstanding.”

The Red Dot Design Award is one of the biggest design competitions in the world. In three disciplines, participants submit products, communication projects and brands as well as prototypes and concepts. The distinction “Red Dot” is an internationally recognised seal of excellent design.

To find out more about the range of security products from Yale, please visit www.yalehome.com.

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Thursday, 2 September 2021

Securing the Relationship between the Ironmongery and Interiors Sector

Skills, best practice and innovation are among the top priorities identified in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by two of the UK’s largest trade bodies in the architectural ironmongery and interiors sectors.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry, and the FIS, which represents the Finishes and Interior Sector, will be working together to showcase the skills of members to the wider industry and build on the wealth of technical knowledge the organisations already share.

Simon Forrester, CEO of the GAI, said:

“For many years, the GAI and FIS have enjoyed an excellent working relationship. The MoU between the two organisations formalises that relationship and gives us a platform on which to build even closer, collaborative initiatives.

“Our aim is to build a stronger long-term relationship between our organisations by exploring opportunities to work together in areas including education, advocacy, innovation and best practice, for the continued benefit of the architectural ironmongery and interior fit-out markets.”

Iain McIlwee, CEO of the FIS, said:

“There’s a clear connection between our members and the work GAI do. The importance of both sectors working in partnership and understanding how all of the elements work together was illustrated perfectly with the ‘How Business Owners Can Use Partitioning and Ironmongery to Help Manage Social Distancing’ guide that the FIS and GAI published earlier this year.

“Going forward, we will be celebrating examples of best practice and installation through awards for those individuals and organisations who showcase excellence in our industries.”

Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations will work together to improve the wider construction industry’s understanding of the safety issues relating to fire doors, ironmongery, access control and flexible walls by developing technical standards and resources to support the professional development of not only their members, but all stakeholders in the interiors supply chain.

The organisations will also be delivering joint events, the first of which will be held during Fire Door Safety Week. The Fire Door Safety in the Finishes and Interiors Sector webinar on 21 September will highlight the priorities for delivering fire door safety in specialist interior and fit-out contracts.

Fire door hardware, certification, intumescent seals and the golden thread will all be discussed during a series of presentations from technical experts across the supply chain including: Douglas Masterson, technical manager at GAI; Hannah Mansell, group technical director at Masonite UK; Tim Foster, sales and marketing manager at Mann McGowan; and Alan Brown, director of Fire DNA and Forza Doors.

After the presentations, the speakers will join a panel discussion alongside a fire door inspector for the Fire Door Safety Clinic.

To book a place on the webinar, visit: www.gai.org.uk/FDSW2021

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Wednesday, 1 September 2021

Hörmann OktaBlock achieves VADs rating

Hörmann UK have announced that their innovative, bollard based mobile vehicle blocker OktaBlock, now holds a CPNI Vehicle Attack Delay Standard (VADs) rating when used in specific configurations.

This further enhances its capability to provide hostile vehicle mitigation for open-air events and publicly accessible locations, whilst providing the highest standards in safety and flexibility for pedestrian access.

Developed in response to vehicle related terrorist attacks across Europe, Hörmann recognised the challenge being faced by local authorities regarding the security of public spaces and open-air events.

OktaBlock has been designed to replace temporary concrete barriers, providing the highest standard in safety and flexibility whilst being easy to deploy without the costs normally associated with fixed security bollards or blockers.

Certified as a single module, OktaBlock has been designed to be unobtrusive, making it ideal for specification throughout public spaces, whilst its exterior can be customised to feature bespoke information or advertising space.

Impressively a single OktaBlock can stop a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50 kilometres per hour and is certified according to international crash standards PAS68 / IWA14-1.

Ideal for areas where fastenings into the subsurface are not possible, OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, offering a completely flexible solution to meet each venue’s specific requirements.

Due to its’ axisymmetric geometry, OktaBlock has no predefined impact side, which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential making it equally suitable for a variety of situations from narrow streets and cycle paths to wider pedestrian areas.

OktaBlock can be easily moved using a forklift truck or the newly available OktaMover manual handling device, making it simple to position whilst providing access for rescue vehicles as and when required.

Its’ tamper-proof and non-flammable construction also mean there is no need for physical guarding before, during and after the event.

Mark Lester of Hörmann UK comments:

“The addition of the VADs rating is an important achievement for Hörmann and further enhances OktaBlock’s ability to provide public authorities and event organisers with a flexible solution delivering the highest standards of protection.

The OktaBlock range is a truly innovative security solution and the VADs rating follows on from the award for the Security Solution Innovation of the Year at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards in 2020.”

To find out more about Hörmann OktaBlock visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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