The Door Industry Journal

Saturday, 20 September 2025

Aaron Clarke Promoted to National Account Manager at Garador

Garador, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garage doors and operators, is pleased to announce the promotion of Aaron Clarke to the role of National Account Manager. Aaron will report directly to Chris Hart, Director of Sales.

Aaron has made a significant impact during his time as Area Sales Manager, demonstrating strong leadership, customer focus, and in-depth market expertise. His promotion to this national role reflects his consistent performance and the trust Garador places in his ability to manage and grow strategic relationships.

In his new position, Aaron will be responsible for overseeing, developing, and growing Garador’s relationships with developers. He will act as a trusted adviser and the primary point of contact for the company’s key account developer business, ensuring that Garador continues to meet and exceed the expectations of its partners across the UK.

Commenting on the promotion, Chris, Director of Sales, said: “Aaron has been instrumental in building strong regional partnerships, and we are excited to see him bring that same energy and strategic insight to a national level. His approach to account management aligns perfectly with Garador’s customer-first philosophy.”

This promotion reflects Garador’s commitment to recognising internal talent and strengthening its commercial operations through experienced leadership.

www.garadoor.co.uk

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Friday, 19 September 2025

Consort Architectural Hardware Launches New Global Product Brochure

At 395 pages, Consort’s new product catalogue has been expanded significantly, with a refined layout showcasing more of the latest designs across its range of door controls, exit devices and Premium Range of pull handles, lever handles and bathroom turns.

The ‘one stop shop’ brochure also displays Consort’s growing collection of hardware finishes, including over 20 Premium PVD finishes which have been carefully developed to match universally across a variation of ironmongery categories.

Each newly updated product listing includes a complete list of features, finishes, fire certifications, BS EN standards and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Specifiers can also find detailed notes on the different standards and finishes to consider when choosing architectural hardware, helping to ensure the most appropriate products are selected for commercial, residential, hospitality and healthcare projects.

Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware discusses the launch: “Following a focused development cycle, we’ve scaled our product portfolio and certifications considerably over the past five years. With one central resource, we’re now able to showcase our newest lever designs, certified solutions and popular finishes all in one place.”

See the digital copy at: https://brochure.consortme.com/view/252636678/

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Thursday, 18 September 2025

Mila boosts door handles’ security accreditation

Mila’s SUPASecure™ 220mm and Harbour Collection high-security TS007 2 Star door handles have achieved Sold Secure certification, joining the already accredited SUPASecure™ 240mm model. This means all three handles now carry Sold Secure Silver Grade, Secured by Design, and TS007 2-star approval – a triple badge of trust.

The new accreditations further strengthen Mila’s security credentials, providing door and window fabricators with greater assurance that Mila handles can deliver the highest level of protection available.

When paired with a 1-star cylinder – all three door handles now achieve the maximum 3-star TS007 rating. The highest standard attainable anywhere, the TS 007 3-Star Kitemark testifies that a product offers elite protection against common forced-entry techniques such as snapping, bumping, drilling, and manual attack.

Straff Cooke, Technical Director at Mila, is proud of what this means for customers: “We’re delighted with these latest accreditations. They confirm that our door handles meet the very highest industry standards for security, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in security hardware for the window and door industry.”

With the handles part of wider product ranges, SUPASecure™ and Harbour, fabricators and installers can specify fully coordinated door and window hardware solutions that not only offer unrivalled protection but have a consistent look and feel.

Moreover, each handle is backed by Mila’s 25-year mechanical and finish guarantee, underlining the company’s confidence in long-term performance and durability.

Straff Cooke adds: “We’re absolutely committed to offering product ranges that meet the most rigorous standards for burglary resistance, long-term durability, and style. These new accreditations underline that there is no better option for fabricators in search of door handles that tick every box.”

www.milasecure.com

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Wednesday, 17 September 2025

VEKA sets a new standard in PVCu smoke ventilation

From a regulatory standpoint, the construction industry must deliver proactive approaches to fire safety. It’s no longer enough to simply meet minimum compliance, the industry is moving to integrate intelligent systems that respond automatically to emergency situations. These systems reduce reliance on human intervention and ensure the building is ready for future compliance rather than requiring costly system replacements later down the line.

Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vents (NSHEVs) represent an evolution from mechanical extraction systems as it activates automatically during fire events. Windows operate as standard but then transform into automatic smoke vents during fire events, which means smoke and heat can escape quickly and escape routes such as stairwells remain clear.

However, integrating these systems with existing PVCu window profiles has often presented fabrication challenges, particularly around compliance as BS EN 12101-2:2003 mandates testing the window and actuator combination together, not as separate parts.

A strategic partnership

VEKA is working to change this through a fully-certified Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust Vents (NSHEVs) system – developed in partnership with ventilation specialists WindowMaster.

By integrating the components, the NSHEV system is designed, tested and certified as a complete unit, including both the window profile and the actuator. This means the entire assembly is verified to provide reliable smoke ventilation in the event of fire.

The collaboration between VEKA and WindowMaster highlights a shared focus on practical innovation. The system brings together VEKA’s proven profile systems with WindowMaster’s specialist automation components, enabling the creation of dual-purpose windows that open automatically in the event of fire.

The involvement of established partners Teal Products and L J Pratley & Partners in development ensured fabrication requirements were considered from the outset, rather than as design afterthoughts.

Combining compliance, efficiency and intelligent safety

Designed for use with VEKA’s Halo System 10 and M70 window systems, the VEKA NSHEV solution is fully UKCA marked and compliant with BS EN 12101-2:2003. Delivering a robust, reliable and fully integrated smoke ventilation system that offers fabricators a route to compliance without compromising on build quality or ease of fabrication, providing both fire protection and architectural flexibility.

Through collaboration and intelligent solutions, the industry can forge an easier path to compliance without extra complexity in production or at installation stage. As building regulations evolve, particularly around fire safety, smart integrated solutions provide the clear path for going beyond compliance and ensuring buildings are future ready.

www.veka.com

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Access control for businesses via telephone – Auerswald collaborates with DoorBird

Greater security and transparency in access control: Auerswald, Germany’s leading specialist in business communication, and Bird Home Automation GmbH, manufacturer of DoorBird intercom systems, announce their technology partnership.

The first joint project is the integration of a DoorBird IP video door station with a telephone device from Auerswald’s COMfortel D series via an Auerswald COMtrexx PBX server. The system is already in use with initial customers, and further joint solutions are planned.

“Like Auerswald, DoorBird stands for the highest quality and manufacturing made in Germany,” says Christian Auerswald, Managing Director of Auerswald GmbH & Co. KG. “We are confident that the cooperation and the resulting solutions will meet our joint expectations.”

Sascha Keller, CEO of Bird Home Automation GmbH, agrees: “The combination of our door stations with Auerswald’s communication systems brings together both worlds and offers added value beyond enhanced IT security.”

Visitors are shown on the COMfortel display

By integrating a DoorBird IP video door station with a COMfortel D device, door calls in businesses are now displayed directly on the connected phone. A live video feed allows users to see and speak with visitors on the COMfortel display.

The COMfortel device and the DoorBird station can be installed independently of each other, as long as a VPN connection is available. This means they no longer need to be in the same building. The system is particularly suitable for industries with high security standards, offering full access control and entry management.

Similar products are increasingly common in the private sector but have not been suitable for companies so far due to a lack of protective mechanisms. In consumer solutions, data processing typically occurs outside of Europe, whereas in the joint solutions from Auerswald and DoorBird, data is handled on servers located in Germany.

Proven use in a care facility

The system is already in use at "Der Pflegebote", a facility for assisted living. There, staff use it to verify visitors' access authorization and grant them entry. Caregivers can open the front door using an RFID chip or via NFC or Bluetooth with their smartphones. This ensures that only authorised persons gain access without compromising data protection. The solution is also suitable for facilities with night service counters, such as pharmacies.

By integrating telephony and intercom systems, companies have the opportunity to enhance their security level. Implementing reliable access control is one of the technical and organizational measures (TOMs) required by regulations such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the NIS-2 directive.

In addition to access control and remote entry, the first joint development by the two companies offers another advantage: because the technology can indicate who is currently present in the building, it is possible in an emergency to quickly determine whether and which persons are still inside. In the case of a building fire, for example, this could potentially save lives.

Softphone integration announced

Due to the successful collaboration between Auerswald and the Berlin-based Bird Home Automation GmbH, and the many integration possibilities, the partnership will continue to grow. Auerswald is already a Gold Partner of DoorBird. In the coming months, integration of the COMfortel SoftPhone 2 is planned, which can be used from any location.

www.doorbird.com

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Monday, 15 September 2025

Industrial aesthetic meets contemporary function

Inspired by the clean lines of our industrial heritage the range of Heritage-style internal doors from Hörmann have been designed to create a feeling of light and space...

Combining the perfect blend of generous glazed panels with high quality slim steel profiles, the collection offers endless opportunities to create stylish doors and room screening to meet the growing demand for light-filled, functional interiors.

Available in three options - hinged, sliding and the newly introduced pivot, the Heritage-style doors can be configured with either single or double leaves, along with optional side elements and transoms for large-scale interior screening.

The flexible nature of the range allow doors-sets measuring up to 5000mm wide by 4000mm to be achieved, whilst the frameless pivot door supports an impressive single door leaf up to 2000mm in width making it an adaptable, yet sophisticated choice – ideal for bold architectural statements.

Two slim glazing bead styles are available to suit different design preferences – an angled version with exposed screw heads creates a traditional industrial look, whilst a narrow, 15mm bead provides a modern, sleek appearance.

All doors are glazed with 6mm laminated safety glass in either Clear or Clear white, whilst the steel profiles are supplied in RAL 9005 Jet black matt as standard. Five additional preferred colours, including Traffic white and Anthracite grey, together with bespoke RAL colours and textured and pearl-effect finishes offer maximum design flexibility.

Further enhancements to the range include an optional door closer for the hinged doors, which closes the doors gently, whilst a Smart-Stop set for sliding doors provides smooth and silent door operation with secure locking of the door leaves in the end-of-travel position. A new Retro-loft sliding door track allows for the creation of single and double-leaf retro sliding doors, showcasing bold exposed rollers that echo the collections industrial heritage.

Completing the system is a selection of high-quality ironmongery, with lever handles, push-bar options, and recessed handles available in Jet black RAL 9005 or stainless steel as standard.

“Hörmann’s Heritage-style range is a response to the growing demand for interior solutions that are both functional and striking,” says David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK. “These doors offer homeowners the tools to create and divide modern living spaces without compromising light and style.”

To find out more about Hörmann Heritage-style doors visit www.hormann.co.uk or call 01530 516868.

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Sunday, 14 September 2025

CONCEPT AMG GT XX: Record-Breaking Innovations for Relentless Performance

Recently, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX captured global attention when it covered 40,075 kilometers on the legendary Nardò test track in less than eight days – setting a total of 25 long distance records with an impressive margin during this journey "around the world in eight days".

Under extreme test conditions, the technology pioneer demonstrated its superior endurance, continuing Mercedes-AMG’s long tradition of record-breaking achievements.

The performance brand from Affalterbach pushed the limits with two vehicles sprinting lap after lap, breaking record after record, at a running speed of 300 km/h – for seven days, 13 hours, 24 minutes and 07 seconds. Among the records is the one for the longest distance ever covered by an electric vehicle in 24 hours.

But in this extreme endurance test, the previous benchmark wasn’t just broken once – it was shattered fourteen times: Mercedes-AMG fielded two CONCEPT AMG GT XX in the Nardò challenge.

Both vehicles exceeded the previous record in every single 24-hour window by an overwhelming margin. This ultimate stress test was only possible thanks to the unmatched endurance capability of its revolutionary drivetrain.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX is powered by three axial flux motors and a direct-cooled battery – technologies that will enter production next year in the upcoming high-performance architecture AMG.EA. A host of additional, partially production-ready innovations also played a key role in this extreme test. Among them: an integrated cooling concept, sophisticated aerodynamics, and an intelligent operating strategy.

Moreover, the CONCEPT AMG GT XX also introduces a range of innovations in both its exterior and interior. Highlights include an augmented reality racing helmet, ergonomic 3D seat pads, and novel biotechnolog based materials. Exterior standouts feature illuminated paint segments along the sides, headlight-integrated speakers, and the MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement:

“Mercedes-AMG and Formula 1® stand for innovation, intense competition, and pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible. Our powertrains have been delivering groundbreaking success since the very first road races in automotive history more than 120 years ago, setting benchmarks for decades.

“In the 1970s and 1980s, Mercedes-Benz was a regular guest here at Nardò, setting numerous international speed and track records - most notably with the C111 as a visionary technology program. Back then, we demonstrated the performance capabilities of innovative diesel and petrol powertrains.

“Now, with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX technology programme, we are entering a new dimension of performance – this time with fully electric drive. The goal is to redefine the limits of what is technically possible in the age of electric drives. So what could be more fitting than to go chasing records once again?

“Our mission: to redefine the very standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations. The motivation and dedication of the cross-functional team from Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz Mobility, and our F1 engine experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains throughout the entire preparation phase were boundless. I am immensely proud of the unprecedented achievement of the entire team in this unique record drive.”

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Saturday, 13 September 2025

Hörmann Partner Standard Awards – Your Chance to Meet the Judges

Hörmann has unveiled a short new video introducing the expert judging panel behind its prestigious Partner Standard Awards – and is reminding all Partner Standard dealers that ‘you’ve got to be in it to win it’!

The submission window officially opened on 1st September and will close on 6th October, giving dealers plenty of time to share their successes, innovations, and stories from the past year.

This year’s awards programme has been refreshed and expanded to include 12 diverse and equally weighted categories. The new structure ensures broader recognition for dealers of all sizes and specialisms, featuring awards from customer service excellence and business growth to outstanding showroom experiences and team spirit.

Shortlisted finalists will be announced in November, leading up to the much-anticipated, in-person Awards Ceremony on 26th February 2026 at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester. This will truly be a night to remember - an evening of awards, dinner and dancing and the chance to mix with the great and the good of the garage door industry.

Click here to https://youtube.com/shorts/Kop4g8tgMl8 to meet this year’s esteemed judging panel.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Friday, 12 September 2025

Staying ahead of the curve: Innovation and security in a changing world

In today’s security landscape, the role of a hardware manufacturer goes far beyond simply producing components. It demands foresight, agility, and a deep understanding of evolving risks.

At UAP, these principles are at the heart of everything we do. The launch of Kinetica Freezeguard, our latest innovation in high-security cylinders, exemplifies this approach. It’s more than just a response to updated standards - it’s a step towards redefining what’s possible in security hardware.

Product innovation in response to updated standards

In recent years, the pace at which security standards have evolved has accelerated. From the tightening of PAS 24 requirements to the introduction and revision of TS007, the landscape is shifting in response to changing criminal tactics and increasing consumer demand for robust protection. For manufacturers, the challenge is twofold: to not only meet these standards but to anticipate what comes next.

Kinetica Freezeguard is a product born from this thinking. Designed to address emerging vulnerabilities identified by both industry standards bodies and our own security testing, it offers a unique freeze-resistant mechanism - a key advancement in deterring thermal and chemical attacks aimed at compromising cylinder integrity. Alongside this, it integrates the proven anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill features that specifiers, fabricators, and end users increasingly expect as standard.

But compliance is the baseline. True innovation looks beyond it. By embedding features that go further than current requirements, we provide peace of mind to our customers that they’re investing not just in hardware for today, but in security that will stand the test of tomorrow’s threats.

What’s next for high-security hardware in the age of hybrid threats?

The nature of security threats has changed. We are witnessing the rise of hybrid threats, where traditional physical attack methods are combined with digital reconnaissance and increasingly sophisticated techniques. Opportunist burglars are learning from organised crime groups. Criminals share knowledge online. Attack tools, once confined to professional circles, are now easily purchased or 3D-printed. This convergence means the vulnerabilities we protect against must be reassessed and addressed with new urgency.

High-security hardware can no longer operate in isolation. It must work as part of a layered defence – one that integrates with wider security systems, from alarms and smart locks to surveillance and access control technologies. At UAP, our focus is on creating hardware that offers resilience in this new environment. That means robust physical design that resists tampering and forced entry, but also compatibility with connected technologies without creating additional points of failure or risk.

While Kinetica Freezeguard is primarily a mechanical security product, it is engineered to fit seamlessly into a modern, holistic approach to securing homes and commercial properties. The question for the future is clear: how do we continue to innovate without compromising simplicity, reliability, and user confidence? For UAP, the answer lies in collaboration across the security ecosystem.

The R&D challenge: staying ahead of criminal techniques

Innovation is not a one-off achievement; it is an ongoing process. The techniques used by criminals to bypass security hardware are evolving at a rapid pace. At UAP, our R&D teams dedicate significant time and resource to staying ahead - studying emerging attack patterns, learning from real-world incidents, and stress-testing our products in conditions that simulate the most determined of intrusions.

Kinetica Freezeguard is the result of this investment. Its development combined deep technical expertise with intelligence from across the security sector, including feedback from locksmiths, fabricators, and even law enforcement. Every design choice, from its unique freeze-resistant feature to the configuration of its anti-snap sections, was informed by insight into how attacks occur and how they’re changing.

But this work never stops. We understand that as soon as a new standard is set, or a new product hits the market, criminals will look for ways to defeat it. That’s why UAP’s innovation pipeline is driven by proactive research. We look at what’s happening not only here in the UK, but globally. We monitor how technology is changing the tools at criminals’ disposal - from lock impressioning techniques to the potential use of AI in attack planning. Our mission is clear: to stay one step ahead, and to help shape the standards that define security for the future.

The opportunity ahead

For those of us working in this space, the challenge of evolving security threats is significant, but so is the opportunity. The opportunity to redefine what effective security looks like in the modern age. The opportunity to set benchmarks that raise the game across the sector. The opportunity to protect not just property, but people’s sense of safety and peace of mind.

At UAP, we are proud to play our part. With Kinetica Freezeguard, and with every product that follows it, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, so that our customers can be confident they are always one step ahead.

www.uaplimited.com

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Thursday, 11 September 2025

GRP Side Hinged Garage Door

Garador has announced the launch of a new GRP side hinged garage door designed specifically for the modern market...

These new doors offer a perfect solution for homes requiring all the advantages of a modern side hinged garage door with the added benefits of a lightweight, impact resistant and low maintenance material that looks stunning on any design.

Easy entry side hinged garage doors are growing fast in popularity as garage spaces are increasingly being used for storage, as offices and gyms and for other purposes.

Garador’s new glass fibre reinforced side hinged doors feature a glass-fibre reinforced construction with a fully encapsulated chassis for strength and durability. They won’t rot, rust or corrode and the special UV stable finish protects against the elements, with only an occasional rinse to keep them looking pristine.

Door stays at the top of the door, helping to keep the door open and preventing it from blowing shut, are standard along with dampeners for a gentle closing action.

These great looking doors come in a wide variety of sizes and styles including a wide range of timber effect finishes plus white and anthracite, all as standard. A range of options are also available including windows and a full range of British RAL colours.

“This is one of our most exciting launches for some time,” said Garador’s managing director Jon Watson. “We have recognised the recent move towards side hinged garage doors, and this stylish low maintenance GRP side hinged door offers so many solutions for modern living.”

Garador has distributors and fitters available right across the UK. To find out more about Garador’s garage doors visit www.garador.co.uk, call them on 01935 443701 or talk to your local merchant or builder.

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