The Door Industry Journal

Sunday, 14 February 2016

The World’s Finest Long-Term Preserved Jaguar C-Type

A closer look at the ‘time machine’ Jaguar headed for Monaco - Bonhams forthcoming Monaco Sale on May 13th will feature the world’s finest as-original, running, long-term preserved 'time-machine' Jaguar C-Type, UK road-registered ‘POV 114’.

On January 14, 1955, this outstanding example of Jaguar's double-Le Mans-winning XK120C design was registered under chassis number ‘XKC 011’, and was sold ex-works to the Dunlop Rubber Company. It survives today in essentially identical specification.

The preceding history of Jaguar’s works team car ‘XKC 011’ embraces the 1952 Le Mans 24-Hours, the 1953 Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, plus a race win at Goodwood, when driven by such Jaguar stalwarts as Sir Stirling Moss, Major Tony Rolt and Peter Walker.

The Jaguar world at large has long accepted a contemporary works team anecdote that a subsequent body swap saw chassis ‘XKC 011’ fitted with the body from sister car ‘XKC 047’, which had itself been campaigned by the Belgian Ecurie Francorchamps team during the 1953 Sports Car World Championship season.

As works prepared, and tended by Jaguar factory team mechanics, ‘XKC 047’ competed in two 1953 24-Hour races – at Le Mans and at Spa-Francorchamps – plus the ADAC 1,000 Kilometres classic at the Nürburgring in Germany. ‘XKC 047’ finished 9th overall in the great French race, co-driven by its formal owner Roger Laurent / Baron Charles de Tornaco. At Spa Laurent shared it with future Ferrari personality Jacques Swaters and at the Nürburgring with Ferrari’s great future three-time Le Mans-winner Olivier Gendebien.

Bonhams' comprehensive investigation of ‘XKC 011’ (aka ‘POV 114’) to be offered at Monaco, initially revealed evidence identifying its chassis as having been the works team car which substituted at the last moment as the Ecurie Francorchamps entry in the 1954 Le Mans 24-Hour race. After our attention was drawn to other features of the car, further inspection now indicates that such participation is in fact debatable.

It is therefore probable that ‘XKC 011’ as now offered by Bonhams is not really a split-identity car at all. Present opinion is that it is likely the 1953 car, chassis ‘XKC 047’ - still bearing its original, complete ‘K 1047’ body - subsequently re-stamped ‘XKC 011’ at the factory before delivery to Dunlop in 1955.

POV 114’ continued to be maintained by the factory when it served as a test car for Dunlop, and during its club-racing days in the hands of owner-drivers Mike Salmon, Gordon Lee and Robin Sturgess into the 1960s.

It was acquired by the Griffiths family in 1963 and it is to be offered at Monaco direct from this self-same ownership, 53 long years later.

Most significantly, it has been preserved virtually untouched in wonderfully well-patinated ‘time machine’ condition to this day.

James Knight, Group Motoring Director of Bonhams, commented:

“Bonhams has been assisted in its investigation regarding this famous Jaguar C-Type by a wealth of experts, and tremendous thanks are due to British Jaguar authority Den Carlow, motoring writer Marc Noordeloos, Jaguar enthusiast Jeremy McChesney, Chris Keith-Lucas of CKL Engineering Ltd, Gary Pearson of Pearsons Engineering, Australian Jaguar authorities Les Hughes and Terry McGrath, and Andrew Tart of Andrew Tart Motor Engineering.

“While officially sold by the Jaguar factory as 'XKC 011', the histories of ‘011' and ‘047' - which became intertwined during the preceding 1954 Le Mans race period – have baffled any number of Jaguar enthusiasts and historians over the years. These recent collective efforts - most notably with the total support of the long-term owner - are getting closer to unlocking this exciting mystery in this gloriously-preserved old war-horse’s very early life.”

Bonhams inaugural Monaco Sale will present an exclusive auction of just 40 hand-picked, exceptional motor cars. Timed to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix Historique, the Sale will take place on 13 May 2016.

The venue for this grandest of motoring auctions is the prestigious Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel, overlooking the Grand Prix circuit’s famous ‘Station’ hairpin, scene of so much motor sporting drama.

For further information on Bonhams motor car department visit: www.bonhams.com/cars

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Saturday, 13 February 2016

Securefast Opens To The Trade In Dublin

Securefast plc has announced the opening of its new service and distribution centre conveniently based just off Ballymount Road, Dublin.

Heading up the new facility is John Power, a well-respected industry professional who brings with him with over twenty five years of product knowledge and experience. John and his team will be on hand to provide product advice and offer same day collection on all Securefast, Abloy and ACT products together with the full Deedlock Electronic range of products.

The centre is also stockists for a wide range of mechanical and electronic locking products in addition to fire safety and DDA.

Duncan Crawley, Group Managing Director of Securefast said:

“We hope that the new centre will prove to be the ideal location for tradesmen involved in all aspects of the Fire, Safety, Electrical and Security industry. Our aim is very simple, to offer customers the best prices, direct from stock, here in Dublin”.

New customers are assured of a warm welcome and expert assistance in recommending the best products for their projects.

Contact details:
Securefast Ireland,
Unit 6,
Ballymount Court,
Ballymount Road,
Dublin 12.

Phone: 01-456 8257
www.securefastirl.ie

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Friday, 12 February 2016

PAS 3621 Sets the Standard for Multi-Point Locks

House builders and door fabricators now have the opportunity of specifying PAS 3621 multi-point locks in order to raise levels of security in bespoke domestic entry doors.

PAS 3621 is the standard for multi-point locks which offers a similar level of security to the long established BS 3621 standard for single-point locks. BS 3621 has been the gold standard for single-point locks for timber doors having gained credibility when it comes to consumer understanding and acceptance.

With multi-point locks now becoming the norm, PAS 3621 is developing a similar reputation as the accepted standard for this type of lock, according to the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), the trade association representing the UK’s leading lock makers and it is one of the four parties to sponsor the new standard.

PAS 3621 offers a number of benefits to housing developers and door fabricators. In particular, it gives them the opportunity to add value to the building and provide extra security for their customers

The recently published Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations requires entrance doors to meet new security requirements. This also covers non-primary doors such as, back doors or garage interconnecting doors. To achieve the requirement, the doors should be robust and fitted with appropriate hardware. Document Q specifically states that multi-point locking systems incorporated within bespoke doors must meet the requirements of PAS 3621.

The Kitemark and the Secured by Design status afforded to PAS 3621 are well recognised and understood by house builders and door fabricators. In addition, PAS 3621 is referenced in the insurance sector’s RISCAuthority guidelines and is increasingly being accepted (and required) by leading insurance companies.

The sponsors of PAS 3621, along with the DHF, were ERA, ASSA ABLOY and Secured by Design. For more information about PAS 3621 contact the DHF: Telephone 01827 52337; Email info@dhfonline.org.uk .

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Thursday, 11 February 2016

GEZE UK is ‘The Automatic Choice’

GEZE UK has published a new technical guide to provide contractors, fabricators and architects with the information they need to specify the most appropriate and effective automatic operator.

Easy-to-use, ‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure encompasses GEZE’s extensive range of sliding, swing, revolving and folding doors including the latest Powerturn swing door drive and the Slimdrive range. This is supported by information and advice about how to specify the right products when taking in to account accessibility requirements, sustainability and industry regulations.

Available to download from the company’s website or in hard copy, the guide features double page spreads dedicated to each product with technical drawings and photography showcasing the products in situ across a range of different buildings. The detailed product data pages make comparisons between products quick and easy.

As well as GEZE’s complete range of automatic operators, it includes information about supporting products such as activation devices and safety systems, as well as advice about supply and installation, and repair and maintenance contracts.

Andy Howland, sales director of GEZE UK said:

“We have worked hard to ensure that ‘The Automatic Choice’ technical guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to specify an automatic operator. It provides a comprehensive overview of all our automatic door systems allowing comparison between the benefits and functionality of different products to be carried out with ease.

“This technical guide provides contactors, fabricators and architects with a good introduction to our range of products so they can make informed choices and select the best product for the job.”

‘The Automatic Choice’ brochure is available to download from GEZE’s website. Alternatively call 01543 443015 or email info.uk@geze.com for a printed brochure.

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Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Union At The Locksmith Expo 2016

Attending for the seventh consecutive year since the show began in 2010, UNION, from ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, will be exhibiting at the Locksmith Expo 2016.

Returning to the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, on the 27th and 28th February UNION will be showcasing its innovative offerings on stand A1.

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with many of the most popular products from UNION, including its StrongBOLT® range.

Known for its superior strength and exceeding the requirements of BS3621:2007, the StrongBOLT® British Standard 5 lever mortice lock fulfils the security needs of home insurance policies. UNION’s representatives will also reveal how locksmiths can benefit from an extended StrongBOLT® range, allowing them to save time, without compromising on quality.

UNION’s Eximo range has also been developed in response to customer feedback, and will be on display at the exhibition. UNION’s Panic Exit Device range includes panic latches and bolts, emergency push pads, and outside access products with lever and knob variants.

Finally, UNION’s new Heavy Duty Tubular Latch for residential properties will also be on display. The new HD Tubular latch has been fully tested to meet EN12209 - category of use grade 2, demonstrating that it is appropriate for medium frequency of use by people with some incentive to exercise care, but where there is some chance of misuse.

Paul Johnson, Commercial Manager Trade, at ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said:

“The Locksmith Expo has always proven to be a great event to showcase the technological advances within the locksmith industry, so we are excited to be attending for the seventh time.

“Having grown out of a family business set up in the heartland of the British lock-making industry, for over 160 years the UNION name has been synonymous with reliable, high quality hardware. The Locksmith Expo is an ideal opportunity for us to demonstrate why UNION is Trusted by Professionals.”

For further information please visit www.uniononline.co.uk or follow on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com

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Tuesday, 9 February 2016

Garador introduces new and improved roller door design

With compact designs and precision engineering, Garador’s GaraRoll roller doors are among the best available on the market today.

As part of Garador's mantra to continually improve their products, during 2015 they worked to develop a new and improved roller door design. The new GaraRoll roller door has now been enhanced with different features that make its door travel motion smoother and make it easier to fit and maintain.

A new hinge connector on the header box provides a better seal on the box itself. This is an important improvement with obvious benefits for externally fitted boxes, subjected to all the elements of the weather. The new hinge connector also makes it easier to access the box for maintenance activities.

In addition, the guide rails on the door have been widened to be more conducive to a smoother door travel, and with two more brush seals for each guide rail they now give even more of a water-tight door motion.

The GaraRoll is available in a choice of 11 colour and timber effect finishes, and is supplied with one 2-button hand transmitter and one 4-button hand transmitter as standard.

Please visit www.garador.co.uk for further details.

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Monday, 8 February 2016

P C Henderson introduces Roomflex: A solution to adaptable living

An ageing population and children moving back home have been highlighted as key factors that affect how a home’s form, function and use is shifting to offer more flexibility. In addition, research has revealed that 24 percent of homeowners are adapting their households in order work from home[1].

To meet the growing demand for adaptable living, P C Henderson launches Roomflex, an innovative internal folding door system that helps make the most of the space and privacy available in family homes.

Designed primarily as a room divider, Roomflex is ideal for use in applications where there is no cavity to accommodate doors when open. The system is available in three kits which when mixed and matched, can provide up to 5 different configurations, promoting flexible living.

Available from mid-February, Roomflex is capable of carrying doors of up to 35kg which when fully open, stack up neatly to maximise the opening space. In addition, the system does not utilise a bottom channel and therefore eliminates a potential trip hazard making it not only safer to use, but also easier to clean and maintain.

Andrew Royle, UK Commercial Director, P C Henderson adds:

“We are seeing a rise in the specification of hardware systems that maximise space within the home. With the new Roomflex kits, homes can be transformed into flexible living areas, allowing occupants to make the most of the rooms they inhabit the most. The benefit of such a system when used as a room divider is that when open, it allows more light in and when closed, it can help reduce heating costs as only the space in use needs to be heated.”

Roomflex is available from 15th February 2016.

To download the latest digital brochure please visit www.pchenderson.com

[1] Global Futures & Foresight

P C Henderson Ltd., Durham Road, Bowburn, County Durham, DH6 5NG, England

Tel: +44 (0) 191 377 0701

Website: www.pchenderson.co.uk

Email - UK: sales@pchenderson.com

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Sunday, 7 February 2016

Don’t Panic! Corporal Jones’s Van is Back in Service after Repairs at its Dagenham Birthplace

A platoon of Ford apprentices helped with the renovation

The 1935 Ford BB van, which features in the legendary sitcom “Dad’s Army” as Corporal Jones’s van, has been given a new lease of life as a new Dad’s Army film is launched.

A platoon of Dagenham-based Ford apprentices, under the command of Ford’s heritage vehicle technicians, have helped repair the running gear of Jack Jones’s famous van - in the same building at Dagenham that it would have left the plant, more than 80 years ago.

The van pictured outside the building it would have left 80 years ago

The original Dad’s Army television series ran from 1968 to 1977, and “BUC 852”, the van’s registration, made its screen debut on 11th September 1969 in the first colour episode. This month it appears in the big-screen version of Dad’s Army with stars including Sir Tom Courtenay, Toby Jones, Bill Nighy, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Sir Michael Gambon.

Ford heritage technician, Colin Gray with Ford apprentices

The van, belonging to local butcher and home guardsman, Jack Jones, is known for its role as a support vehicle for the Walmington-on-Sea branch of the Home Guard. It is now owned by the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, Norfolk.

The van leaves Thetford to go to Dagenham

Although it has undertaken extensive cosmetic restoration, Ford, together with a team of its apprentices, was tasked with returning it to operational duty. This included a full engine rebuild, replacement clutch, and new wiring looms.

BUC 852 arrives at Ford Dagenham

The Ford BB truck was among the first commercial vehicles produced at the Ford Dagenham site, which started production in 1931. The mechanical repairs were carried out in one of Dagenham’s original buildings, which remains in use today as Ford’s heritage workshop.

A Ford apprentice works on the renovated engine

Stuart Wright, from the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford, said:

“This vehicle has a special place in British entertainment history, and is enjoyed by the many visitors to the Dad’s Army museum. It’s fantastic to see the van operational again and we hope it will capture the imagination of the younger visitors less familiar with Dad’s Army, as well as triggering happy memories for the older generations.”

Thetford Museum regulars on parade at Weybourne station

Today the Ford Dagenham estate is responsible for powertrain design and engineering, and manufacturing up to one million diesel engines every year for the global market. Ford Dagenham also plays a vital logistical role in the movement of vehicles and parts through its own internal rail network and jetty as well as on road-going transporters.

The box van, today, pictured outside its original Dagenham building

Paul Neighbour, Ford Dagenham Engine Plant manager, said:

“It has been wonderful to see the van back at Dagenham after all these years, and we’re delighted that our apprentices have had the opportunity to get involved with getting such an iconic vehicle back on the road.”

For information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.co.uk

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Saturday, 6 February 2016

The Master Locksmiths Association launches flexible training programme

MLA’s Training Facilities

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – the UK’s leading trade body for the locksmithing profession - has revamped its training programme in a bid to promote further education and encourage people to see Locksmithing as a long term career.

As of February 2016, the MLA’s traditional five day training course will be reserved for the locksmith apprenticeship and a new flexible approach, consisting initially of four individual, one and two day training modules, will be available to trainees.

MLA training provides trainees with the opportunity to learn
new skills or update their knowledge in specific areas

Dr Steffan George, development director of the MLA, said:

‘This is the first major revamp in training that we have undertaken for many years and we hope that our new offering will encourage those thinking of joining the industry to choose the MLA, as well as provide existing locksmiths with the opportunity to learn new skills or update their knowledge in specific areas.

‘We have invested heavily in developing our new training programme by employing the best locksmiths in the business to teach both the theory, as well as the necessary practical skills. Not only this, but we have brought our modules bang up to date with the latest information, as well as introduced the use of new technology and machinery.’

Beginners are advised to enrol on the new two day foundation module, which will provide a high level overview of the industry and include basic information on the various types of locks available, working with safes and key cutting, amongst others.

In addition to the foundation module, the MLA is also launching three specific modules in lock fitting, UPVC and basic opening – all of which are vital skills needed to help become an accredited locksmith.

Silca Futura Code
Key Cutting Machine

Dr Steffan George continued:

‘We understand that people want to learn in their own time and to their own budget, so week long courses can be a less desirable option.

‘Our new modular approach to training is completely flexible, meaning that you don’t have to take a week off work, and is a cost effective alternative for those wanting to pay for training in instalments.

‘It also helps member companies who may want to help staff develop in certain areas, for example a bench locksmith who needs to learn fitting skills can now simply attend the 1 day fitting module.

‘We have been blown away by the initial response to the new training offering and as a result, are looking at introducing more advanced modules at a later date.’

For more information and to book yourself onto an MLA training course, please visit www.locksmiths.co.uk

Follow @MLA_locksmiths on Twitter

Follow Skills for Security @Skills4Security

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Friday, 5 February 2016

Arkay Windows expands its business to deliver quality products and services to its customers

Continuing its exciting business growth, Arkay Windows has expanded its aluminium fabrication division to meet customer demand, following a move to bigger premises in Watford.

It has enabled Arkay to stock more products, add machinery and employ more staff, resulting in increased production. The company has also upgraded its software system to streamline its entire operations.

Raju Radia, owner of Arkay Windows, comments:

“The popularity of aluminium - with its slim profiles - is rising, which has seen many of our uPVC customers diversify their product range. Manufacturing high-quality aluminium systems with the latest design features has allowed us to cater to market needs. Our recent investment in the business will enable us to offer faster delivery times, reduce waste and provide a comprehensive and personalised service, meeting customer and project specific requirements.”

The move to larger premises from 25,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft, reflects a growing order book for the company. Aiming to further improve its quality and service provision, Arkay has boosted its workforce by 25 percent, creating a design team and recruiting more production and administration staff. The new team is in place to support its high-end aluminium offering, satisfying customers who demand a comprehensive service, from design through to project completion.

Raju Radia adds: “We have also invested in and developed a unique and tailor-made CRM software system that helps our production team to accurately account for every job and process. The end-to-end system logs and calibrates all processes from estimation, stock take and replenishment to delivery times. We are now able to deliver an even better service to customers as we can respond to queries within 24 hours.”

The new software provides Arkay’s customers with an accurate and up to date report on the status of their orders. It is able identify potential pitfalls that could delay product delivery such as low stock, enabling staff to take the required steps at the earliest stage.

Investment in the new facility, its staff and advanced technology will see fabrication rise by 40 percent, achieved through increased stock holding and a streamlined production line. In addition, the team at Arkay has been given in-house training to ensure that they are up to speed with the new systems and procedures. As a result, customers can expect a consistent, quality controlled product and an enhanced service throughout.

W: www.arkaywindows.com E: info@arkaywindows.com

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