The Door Industry Journal

Monday, 20 January 2025

JDUK’s Premier-Line, Constantly Evolving To Ensure Easy & Speedy Installation!

Since its launch in March last year, Premier-Line has been a huge hit with installers and homeowners alike.

It is becoming known for its stunning aesthetics, pre-tensioned and pre-assembled springs for ease of installation, automation options, strength, and durability.

Meticulously engineered and tailored for the UK market to the highest of standards, Premier-Line is now firmly established as one of the fastest-growing sectional garage doors in the UK this year.

Labelled ‘The New Garage Door Standard’, Premier-Line is manufactured exclusively for JDUK Door Systems.

JDUK actively drives continual product improvements to make their Premier-Line sectional garage door range continually the most relevant to their installer customers while also exceeding homeowners’ expectations.

Quality, ease, and simplicity for their customers are paramount and centric to JDUK’s entire service proposition to be the brand of choice for sectional garage doors across the UK.

The team at JDUK actively encourages its customers to find elements that can be improved within its product portfolio.

As a result of JDUK’s close working relationships with its customers, they have received some wonderful suggestions to further enhance and improve the installation of the Premier-Line sectional garage doors.

The New Standard In Easy Installation!

JDUK’s Sales & Marketing Director Jason Wade explains:

“Our installers will always benefit from our flexibility and meticulous attention to detail.
“We obsess over how to enhance the speed and ease of installation because reducing the installation time means that our customers can install more doors per day, dramatically increasing their sales.
“Time is money, and we appreciate that speed of installation and premium product confidence are paramount in elevating our Premier-Line range as the UK’s sectional garage door brand of choice.
“We likewise have fantastic partnerships with our manufacturers and are very quickly able to get the adaptations designed and made to further satisfy our customers’ specific requirements.
“Further enhancing our Premier-Line range with smarter panel packaging, the introduction of new colours to suit homeowner requests and a new design of bracketry supplied as standard, ensuring even easier and speedier installations for our customers!”

As a result, JDUK now supplies Chartwell Green priced as a standard colour. The panels are now packaged in more accessible packs of two, and the packaging itself has been enhanced to make opening easier and faster.

Newly enhanced panel packaging and the addition of Chartwell Green

Header brackets for behind and under installations

Each Premier-Line door will now also contain three header brackets. The base plate serves a dual purpose; you can either opt and connect the brackets needed for behind or partially behind the lintel or connect the brackets required for between and under the lintel. Both options can be slightly adjusted to offer a further extension of 10mm on the base plate. Always Evolving To Ensure Speed, Ease, & Quality!

New profile shaped fixing brackets

Fixing brackets for the vertical track have been newly adapted and redesigned to provide a shaped fit around the profile to enable a close fix for the vertical frame.

Six of these new brackets, three for each side, will be included with every door as standard. The New Standard In Perfection!

All orders are now supplied with the new bracketry, offering installers more options that will enable better, stronger and more rigid fixings whilst also allowing choice to have the frame partially or all on show.

Jason continues:

“When our customers ask for changes to the product that will make their installs easier and more seamless, here at JDUK, we do far more than just listen; we always act.
“The team are always looking for ways to evolve our portfolio and service to ensure speed, ease, and the highest of quality for our customers.”

Jack Gawthorpe, ABC Garage Doors, advocates the switch to Premier-Line:

“We have installed several Premier-Line garage doors, including one on our own unit, and were very impressed. Fitting was so easy and much quicker than other doors on the market.
“Quality was great, and the panels are solid, heavy-duty, and with a nice matt finish. Overall, we are very impressed and are now big fans of Premier-Line, and we are using it across all of our installations.”

Jack continues:

“With several time-saving features as standard across the entire Premier-Line range, including a pre-assembled vertical track system and pre-tensioned springs, roller carriers and roller brackets, pre-drilled holes, and it's available with side tension springs on doors up to 5500mm wide - it’s all very exciting!
“Premier-Line, due to its special faster-fit features, will only take half a day to install, which will be a real benefit to our business and to our customers!”

JDUK is currently encouraging installers to come to their showroom in Dewsbury to see firsthand their Premier-Line range, which is taking the UK by storm.

The invitation includes having a brew with the JDUK team, hearing all about the unique special features and benefits of the Premier-Line range, and being able to try the range out firsthand.

For a copy of JDUK Door Systems’ Premier-Line brochure, to arrange a visit, or for further information, please contact their friendly team of experts at sales@jdukltd.co.uk or call 01924 472 924.

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Sunday, 19 January 2025

StarterMotor supports REVS Pilgrim Tour 2025

REVS is delighted to once again partner with StarterMotor for its fifth annual Pilgrim Tour this October, providing car enthusiasts the chance to drive some stunning ancient routes in Wales as part of the ongoing automotive community support initiative.

Hugely successful, and acclaimed for its work, REVS Pilgrim Tour builds on the foundation laid since the first event 2021 and, reflecting its growing popularity, all general admission spaces for 2025 are already taken.

However, two places for worthy participants are still available.

Continuing a collaboration established in 2024, the charity group’s support of REVS Pilgrim Tour will allow two specially nominated automotive enthusiasts to pilot a car from StarterMotor’s Drive-It Fleet, for the duration of the tour, as part of an all-expenses classic motoring adventure.

Following the formula of the last four tours, this year’s tour promises a new scenic but varied route across South Wales.

With the emphasis on enjoying a mixture of challenging roads that promise a rewarding experience, the participants will take time from the bustle of the modern world and reflect on the important things in life.

Dedicated to preserving our automotive heritage by assisting a younger generation to find jobs in the classic and historic car sector, across a range of professions, StarterMotor works with schools and colleges to engage and support their careers activities.

The charity also provides the opportunity for its team of young volunteer ambassadors to attend events and shows, and fulfil their passion for ‘old cars’ by driving a range of classic and historic cars from its loan fleet.

Perfectly in step with REVS’ core values of community, friendship, integrity and mental well-being, the partnership for the Pilgrim Tour 2025 will see two worthy winners enjoy a heritage vehicle for a timeless drive through the splendour of South Wales this autumn.

Steve Cootes, StarterMotor’s General Manager, said:

“I’m delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause. In this fast-moving, often hard and challenging world we now live in, to be able to facilitate this unique experience for two deserving people gives me great pleasure.”

With nominations open from May, REVS is asking the wider motoring community to nominate those who would benefit most from such an opportunity.

The criteria are simple: people who have faced struggles in their life affecting their wellbeing, and who have never had the opportunity to take part in a vehicle tour.

Proposers can submit names by email to revs@revscommunity.org, with a quick explanation of why joining the Pilgrim Tour would be beneficial to their nomination.

The final selection made by REVS’ trustees will be announced in September so the deadline for nominations should be sent no later than August 11th.

The two selected guests will be invited to Bicester Heritage on 10th October to collect their classic steed for the weekend, with the opportunity of a tour of the historic site, before a familiarisation briefing and the chance to enjoy some laps around the well-known Bicester Heritage track with the StarterMotor team.

Once complete, a convoy of cars and drivers will depart for Llandeilo, via some stunning roads across the Cotswolds and South Wales, from where the adventure gets officially underway.

The REVS Pilgrim Tour is about restoration, be it people or community, and reflects the true nature of a pilgrimage.

Allowing people the chance to take a journey with a purpose, the weekend takes time from busy schedules and daily demands for better wellbeing.

The Pilgrim Tour is open to people of faith, no faith and everything in between.

From inception, the REVS Pilgrim Tour has owed its success to the generosity of partners, and it has truly become a community event.

The continuing collaboration with StarterMotor is a reflection of how much community lies at the heart of both organizations.

StarterMotor is dedicated to nurturing passion, along with developing the necessary skills in young people.

This is more than a mission; it's a promise to bridge generations, to promote and assist people in exploring automotive career pathways and REVS is delighted to be able to support these aims during the Pilgrim Tour.

For more information please contact REVS at revs@revscommunity.org

For information on StarterMotor see https://startermotor.co

For information on HERO-ERA see https://www.hero-era.com

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Saturday, 18 January 2025

Robin Clevett Joins the Lineup for FIT Show 2025

Self confessed carpentry, joinery and building fanatic, Robin Clevett joined the lineup for FIT Show 2025, taking on the role of official ambassador for the event, which returns to the NEC Birmingham later this year (29 April - 1 May.)

Robin, who boasts over 134,000 Youtube subscribers, more than 54,000 Instagram Followers and hosts The Carpentry Show on FIX Radio, will play a hands-on role as part of the Installer Demo Zone, as well as participating in sessions on the main seminar stage.

The Installer Demo Zone is returning to FIT Show on a bigger scale, building on the success of its 2023 launch, and expanded to incorporate a more diverse product demonstration offering as well as a marketplace area to purchase the latest tools, workwear and supporting products and services for the trades.

The show will also include a larger focus on roofing and outdoor living solutions, with a focus on helping installers to broaden their portfolios to mitigate the current and ongoing economic challenges they are facing.

Visitors to the UK’s number one event for the window, door, flat glass, hardware, components and roofing industry can expect to see Robin, and a host of familiar faces at FIT Show 2025 as event organisers strive to broaden the reach and appeal of the show to new and wider audiences in collaboration with online content creators.

Robin Clevett comments:

“I’m really pleased to be working with the FIT Show team to help bring the campaign to life in the run up to, and during the event. I’m constantly looking at new and innovative products for my own construction projects, as well as better and faster ways to install them.

“I’m familiar with a number of the brands that are exhibiting at the show, but I’m excited by the prospect of unearthing new solutions that could help me, and visitors, to deliver more sophisticated projects and installations on site.

“I’m looking forward to meeting visitors across the three days of the show and helping to bring products and solutions to life on both the Installer Demo Zone and learning programme. Come along and say hi!”

FIT Show event director, Nickie West added:

“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Robin on one of our sister events and have experienced first hand how engaging and personable the delivery of his content is. With a raft of construction projects under his belt thanks to his 25+ year career as a professional joiner and builder, he’s perfectly placed to share his hints and tips for delivering high quality installations, as well as offering advice and support on running your own business.

“We’re always looking at new and innovative ways to broaden the reach of the show and, with more channels than ever to choose from, we’re excited to see how implementing a robust strategy in collaboration with online content creators helps us to reach and engage with new audiences who are also on the tools, such as housebuilders and developers.”

Sign up to see Robin and the wider FIT Show family when the event returns to the NEC Birmingham from 29 April - 1 May, 2025.

Visitors can now register to attend for FREE at www.fitshow.co.uk.

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Friday, 17 January 2025

DoorBird is redefining industry standards with new products

DoorBird, one of the leading providers of innovative door communication systems, is introducing its new products, which will have a significant impact on the future of door communication: the new D31TDV and D31TDH IP video door intercom systems and the A1131 IP video mini dome camera.

D31 Door Intercom System – Innovation for apartment buildings and large properties
The D31TDH and D31TDV models set new standards in door communication – ideal for apartment buildings and commercial properties with up to 1,000 units.

The models offer maximum flexibility and security with their integrated RFID and QR code reader, a virtual keypad, Bluetooth, and an innovative 4D motion sensor.

Another highlight is the Sony Starvis image sensor with Full HD.

A company logo for the phone directory, concierge call or individual background: both devices also impress with a 7-inch touch display module that can be reliably operated even when wet and can be easily replaced if necessary – a noticeable relief for installers and owners.

Thanks to the new 4D motion sensor technology and full remote configurability via app and web browser, the D31x series enables user-friendly operation and convenience in everyday life.

A1131 IP video mini-dome camera – compact security for any building

The A1131 mini-dome camera is characterized by its compact design, robust metal housing and outstanding image quality with a full HD Sony image sensor.

It was designed for indoor and outdoor installation on walls or ceilings and is easily installed by scanning a QR code.

Thanks to its 180° ultra-wide-angle view, the camera expands the field of vision of the door intercom, providing additional security with an undisguised image in the entrance area – video transmission is in real time via PoE or WLAN.

The A1131 can also be integrated into numerous smart home and video surveillance systems.

Sascha Keller, CEO of DoorBird:

“With the D31x series and the mini dome camera, we are setting another milestone in the door communication and security industry.
“These products not only offer innovative technology but also an exceptional user experience. We are looking forward to introducing them to our customers worldwide.”

The new products are now available and can be ordered directly from the DoorBird online store and/or from authorised sales partners.

About Bird Home Automation GmbH / DoorBird

The Bird Home Automation Group develops and manufactures high-quality IP video door intercoms, access control devices, indoor stations and accessories under the trademark ‘DoorBird’.

The company’s headquarters and production plant are in Berlin, Germany, with a sales office in San Francisco, CA and Jacksonville, FL.

The connected smart home products are made in Germany according to the highest quality and security standards and are installed worldwide.

‘DoorBird’ combines exclusive design with innovative IP technology in the field of door communication.

DoorBird has been part of ASSA ABLOY since November 2022.

For more information, visit www.doorbird.com.

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Thursday, 16 January 2025

Exciting Opportunity for Installers with Rhino’s New Aluminium Entrance Door - the Rhino Door!

Installers who want a slice of the lucrative aluminium entrance door market have an exciting new option – thanks to the launch of a new 77mm deep, structurally panelled door from specialist trade and commercial fabricator Rhino Aluminium.

Rhino manufactures the Rhino Door in-house at its Kent factory using its own advanced bonding press, so it can offer compelling guarantees on quality, short lead times, and competitive pricing.

Paul King, Managing Director at Rhino Aluminium, says:

“Our door is targeted directly at those high-end properties where the buyer or developer wants the same quality feel that they get when they open and close the door of a luxury car. There’s a reassuring weight and smoothness in the operation of the Rhino Door, which easily distinguishes it not just from the composite pretenders, but also from other aluminium entrance doors which use a beaded inlay rather than a bonded panel.

“There’s no doubt the aluminium entrance door market represents an exciting new target for installers who are seeing margins being squeezed elsewhere, but only if they choose the right door from the right supplier.

“We’re taking an uncompromising approach to quality which extends beyond the bonded panel. The frame is AluK, the handles and pull bars are Sobinco and the multipoint locking systems are Winkhaus, for example. And, because we’re manufacturing the door in house, we can offer competitive lead times of 15 days on standard designs and colours and pricing, which still gives installers plenty of room for healthy margins. That’s a combination that other suppliers just can’t match.”

The Rhino Door is available with 12 contemporary and traditional panel options and in sizes up to 1200mm wide x 2400mm high for even the grandest of ‘grand designs’. Buyers can choose any RAL colour, inside and out, and a matt, textured or oxide metallic marine grade finish.

As expected from a premium engineered door, the Rhino Door is fully compliant with Part L, PAS24 2022 accredited and boasts market-leading weather performance.

With lead times of 15 days, there are also opportunities for fabricators to buy in the Rhino Door and add a potentially valuable new product to their product portfolio.

More details are at: http://rhinodoor.co.uk/.

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Wednesday, 15 January 2025

ThermoSecure Reports Surge in Laminated Garage Door Sales

ThermoSecure, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of insulated roller garage doors, is experiencing a surge in demand for its laminated garage doors, a direct result of a significant investment in a state-of-the-art laminating machine.

This strategic move has streamlined production and unlocked exciting new possibilities for customers, leading to a remarkable 35% increase in orders for laminated finishes.

Dual Colour Laminates

The installation of the laminating machine represents a pivotal moment for ThermoSecure and its customers as they can now offer dual colour lamination.

The roller garage door’s interior and exterior faces can be finished in different colours, providing unparalleled flexibility and design potential.

This allows installers to offer their clients a truly unique and bespoke product, differentiating their offerings from competitors and enhancing their value proposition.

Unmatched Quality and Lead Times

ThermoSecure's commitment to quality is unwavering.

By bringing the laminating process in-house, they have gained complete control over the entire manufacturing process, ensuring consistently high standards and superior product quality.

This translates to a more reliable and predictable lead time, a crucial factor for businesses reliant on timely project completion.

The investment in the laminating machine demonstrates ThermoSecure’s dedication to meeting the market's growing demands efficiently and effectively.

This commitment to efficiency benefits installers by providing them with a reliable supply chain and allowing them to meet their customer deadlines confidently.

The Benefits of Laminated Roller Garage Doors

Beyond the aesthetic appeal of dual colour options, ThermoSecure's laminated roller garage doors offer a multitude of advantages:

Enhanced Durability: The laminate layer acts as a protective shield against general wear and tear, extending the garage door's lifespan and maintaining its pristine appearance for years to come.
Superior Aesthetics: With an extensive colour palette and various textures available, customers can choose a finish that perfectly complements their home's style, whether modern, traditional, or something in between.

This allows for a truly seamless integration of the garage door into the overall architectural design.
Low Maintenance: The durable laminate finish requires minimal maintenance, making it a practical and convenient choice for busy homeowners.

Simple cleaning keeps the door looking its best with minimal effort.

ThermoSecure's dedication extends beyond the manufacturing process.

They provide exceptional customer care, marketing support, and technical assistance to their network of installers throughout the UK.

Each garage door is carefully packaged and delivered by their dedicated in-house transport team, ensuring safe and timely arrival.

This comprehensive support system allows businesses to focus on their core operations while relying on ThermoSecure for a seamless and efficient supply chain.

Elevate Your Business with ThermoSecure

If you're looking to expand your garage door offerings with a high-quality, customisable product and reliable lead times, ThermoSecure's laminated roller garage doors are the perfect solution.

Contact ThermoSecure today at 01302 499 603 or visit their website at www.thermosecure.co.uk to learn more about how you can offer your customers something truly exceptional.

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Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Promat provides fire resistant glazing solutions for Sheffield’s landmark Kangaroo Works

Fire resistant screens designed in a Crittall-style at Kangaroo Works, created using the Promat SYSTEMGLAS® Ferro fire resistant glazing system.

Fire resistant glazing and fire-rated glass door-sets manufactured by Promat UK have been installed to provide assured passive fire protection whilst maintaining high levels of natural light in key communal areas within a major new build-to-rent (BTR) development in South Yorkshire.

Kangaroo Works in Sheffield is a mixed-use development that is a key part of the Heart of the City II regeneration masterplan.

The Whittam Cox Architects designed scheme, constructed by Henry Boot Construction, has transformed a former industrial site in the city centre into 365 dwellings, offering a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, as well as commercial space at ground floor level.

Paying homage to the industrial heritage in this area of the city, the building’s design responds to the local vernacular, including courtyards, a stepped roofscape and the use of brick as the primary façade material.

Until the early nineteenth century, the factory of tool manufacturer Robert Sorby & Co occupied the site, and it was one of their brands that the works became known as.

Its tools were exported around the world, including to Australia where its Kangaroo brand grew strongly and was actually used until the 1980s.

The new Kangaroo Works residential development features a range of high quality shared facilities and amenities, including a roof terrace, gym, reception and co-working spaces.

The Promat Pyrosec Slimlite door system was used at Kangaroo Works to meet the project’s fire resistance rating.

One of the co-working areas is located on the ground floor and it was here where Promat SYSTEMGLAS® fire resistant glazing and Promat PYROSEC® Slimlite fire rated doors were specified to provide the necessary passive fire protection.

Fit-out contractor Whitehead Commercial Interiors awarded the internal fire rated glazing project to MD Glass Partitions, who are experienced Promat recommended installers.

The brief was to provide two large screens and two double door sets – all with minimal framing and maximum glass to ensure natural light levels would be optimised.

They also had to meet a 1B1 safety rating and provide a high level of acoustic insulation.

The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro screens and Pyrosec Slimlite door complement each other aesthetically as well as in terms of their matching level of fire resistance.

The design, including an industrial look and feel, sought by the interior designers along with high levels of EI fire performance concluded that the Promat SYSTEMGLAS® Ferro screens and Promat Pyrosec SLIMLITE Doors with ‘Crittall effect’ bars would provide an effective solution.

SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and SLIMLITE doors are tested as complete systems and can be finished in any RAL colour.

The larger of the two screens measures approximately 4.2m wide x 2.5m high and features butt-jointed glass with plant-on glazing bars applied to achieve a ‘Crittall style’ appearance.

Promat SYSTEMGLAS Ferro fire resistant glazing system features metal framing to deliver contemporary aesthetics.

Within the steel frame are Promat SYSTEMGLAS® F1 double glazed units which encapsulate an intumescent fire-resistant gel, specified with EI120 fire resistance (120 minutes integrity and insulation protection) and acoustic insulation with a sound reduction level of 47dB (Rw).

The second screen is a similar construction and configuration with dimensions of approximately 3.6m x 2.5m, an EI60 level of fire protection and 45dB (Rw) sound reduction.

Two double door-sets were created using the Promat SLIMLITE® steel framed glass door system.

The 2250mm wide x 2460mm high door-sets were specified to provide EI60 fire resistance and featured slim side panels at either side to keep within tested evidence, as well as full height back to back handles.

The glass used in the door-sets was Pyrosec EI60 which combines fire resistance with a 40dB (Rw) sound reduction rating.

Chris Hays, Project Coordinator at MD Glass Partitions, said:

“It was a pleasure working with Promat and Whitehead Commercial Interiors to deliver this exciting project and I look forward to being involved in future similar fire rated glazing projects.
“The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro and Pyrosec SLIMLITE door systems provided solutions that balanced aesthetics and performance, with the added benefit of Promat’s technical support throughout the design, manufacture and installation stages.”

The SYSTEMGLAS Ferro screens allow a high level of light transmission to be balanced with fire safety requirements.

Harlow based MD Glass Partitions have completed numerous Promat SYSTEMGLAS® fire resistant glazing projects.

Working with architects and main contractors nationwide, the company provides partition glazing, glass doors and architectural glass in both commercial and domestic applications.

The steel-framed Ferro is one of four different framing options available for Promat SYSTEMGLAS®.

In addition to the Ligna timber version, two options are available which use PROMATECT®-H, a calcium silicate based material.

These are Advenerat, which can be overclad or painted, and Celare, a system designed to be concealed within surrounding walls, floors and ceilings to give a virtually frameless appearance.

All Promat SYSTEMGLAS® installations are backed with the company’s 360-degree wheel of assurance which provides transparency in the supply chain from raw material sourcing, manufacture and processing to installation.

Clients receive a certificate of conformity to reflect this and all the information provided is appropriate for a building’s golden thread.

Find out more about Promat SYSTEMGLAS® at www.promat.com/en-gb/industry/technologies/fire-rated-glass/products/.

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Monday, 13 January 2025

Revolutionising Logistics: SWS UK Expands with a State-of-the-Art Truck Fleet

Quality products are essential for any business, but true customer service demands efficient logistics. Quality assurance, quality control, and logistics are all interlinked - if the supply chain falters, the entire customer experience suffers.

Therefore, streamlining operations, minimising downtime, and quickly delivering products are all crucial for ensuring a superior customer experience.

A company’s vehicle fleet is the lifeblood of its logistics operations, enabling the seamless movement of goods from manufacturers to distributors and shaping the customer’s buying experience.

Leading manufacturer, SWS UK, has demonstrated its commitment to a quality delivery service by making its largest-ever investment in logistics.

This year, the company debuted 10 brand-new vehicles, upgrading and expanding its fleet.

The enhanced fleet has already hit the road, covering every corner of Britain to deliver to SWS UK’s nationwide network of trade distributors.

The impressive investment includes 5 new 7.5-tonne lorries capable of handling packages up to 7 meters long, plus a new 18-tonne lorry that services Scotland and can accommodate packages up to 8 meters long.

Additionally, the company has invested in 2 further 3.5-tonne vans and 2 articulated tallboys for inter-depot transit.

Delivering Efficiency

The manufacturer’s innovative new vehicle design includes vertical poles to segregate freight effectively, as well as horizontal load bars that distribute the weight of the load.

Additionally, the company has added rollers to the horizontal bars, enabling easier loading and unloading - a feature described as a ‘game changer’ by drivers and customers alike.

Each vehicle maintains a curtain side and a rigid side, allowing items to be loaded from the side and accommodating the delivery of heavier goods on pallets or in stillages as needed.

Delivering a Trusted Brand

A company’s vehicle fleet functions as a highly visible mobile billboard, prominently displaying the brand through thoughtfully designed, consistent graphics.

As the vehicles make deliveries, the branded graphics create a recognisable presence, serving as an effective advertisement and call-to-action for interested customers.

The launch of new vehicles presented SWS UK with an opportunity to reinforce the company’s brand identity through a uniform application of striking new graphics across its entire fleet.

As one of the most recognisable brands in the industry after nearly 40 years in business, SWS UK has now leveraged its vehicles’ eye-catching wraparound graphics to perfectly highlight the company’s ethos of quality and professionalism.

Each vehicle’s sides feature SWS UK’s signature red colour and a slogan that nods to the manufacturer’s longevity as a trusted British brand.

This is of particular relevance as the established company celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025!

Separate logos represent the company’s various product lines, with the rear showcasing its popular SeceuroGlide Roller Garage Door - an industry favourite since 1997!

Clear web and telephone details prompt existing and potential customers to connect with SWS UK.

Delivering Strong Relationships

SWS UK’s delivery service goes beyond simply dropping off goods - it’s an opportunity to build strong relationships with customers.

The team of skilled drivers is crucial, ensuring timely and secure deliveries with high levels of personalised service that have earned praise from the company’s distributors.

The new vehicles have now enabled drivers to elevate their service even further.

In addition to personal benefits like automatic engines and a more comfortable cab, the removable loading poles allow drivers to strategically load the trucks to accommodate diverse delivery routes.

Integrating the new fleet into SWS UK’s busy delivery schedule was seamless, ensuring customers experienced no disruption to their regular drop-off routine during the transition.

In fact, the company maintained its full-service schedule throughout.

Unsurprisingly, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the lorries’ improved internal structure resulting in more efficient deliveries.

The vehicles have also been widely complimented for their ‘extremely smart’ appearance and ‘very practical’ design.

https://www.sws.co.uk/

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Sunday, 12 January 2025

The Dacia Sandriders are in The Dakar Rally Podium Fight

At the halfway point of the Dakar Rally, The Dacia Sandriders will start the second week full of fight for the tough challenge ahead.

Contesting the hugely demanding FIA World Rally-Raid Championship for the first time, the team has impressed with its pace and potential in Saudi Arabia, tackling some of the world’s most demanding terrains, but not without experiencing a few challenging moments.

The experience and knowledge gained so far and the exemplary teamwork on show leave the team full of belief for the remaining 2,464 competitive kilometres.

Tiphanie Isnard, Team Principal of The Dacia Sandriders, said:

“We expected a tough week for our first Dakar, and it has certainly been the case.

“But as a young team with a young car, we have been able to improve our understanding with every kilometre completed during the first week.

“It was a big disappointment and frustrating moment for all of the team when we lost the #219 Dacia Sandrider, and for Sébastien and Fabian, who had done a fantastic job.

“The team spirit has been so impressive, and it was fantastic to see them all helping each other, especially Cristina and Pablo, who are paving the way for The Dacia Sandriders.

“Each member of the team is feeling that spirit and now we have learnt lots of things, so let’s see what’s possible next week.”

The teamwork was particularly notable on Stage 4, on Wednesday.

Having helped Nasser Al-Attiyah and Édouard Boulanger continue after their Dacia Sandrider suffered a suspension failure caused by the punishing terrain, Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno came to the rescue again at the overnight halt in A1U1a following the competition of the first marathon stage.

With marathon stage rules preventing outside assistance apart from the help provided by other FIA competing crews, Moreno, a qualified mechanic, worked with the team’s T5 crew to swap the gearboxes of both cars ready for Stage 5.

Gutiérrez and Moreno had earlier helped Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin with spare parts and a replacement tyre following their roll that happened on Stage 3 of the Rally when an electrical issue struck Loeb and Lurquin’s Sandrider on Stage 2.

With five stages now run, Al-Attiyah and Boulanger are fourth in the overall classification, 35 minutes behind the leaders, having come within just one second of banking the first Dakar Rally stage win for the team on Thursday’s fifth stage.

Gutiérrez and Moreno are in 45th due to their non-finish on Stage 2.

The Dacia Sandriders Key Moments so far

Stage 1 (Saturday, 4 January): Gutiérrez / Moreno are fifth fastest.

Loeb / Lurquin take a strategic approach to secure an advantageous road position for Stage 2 and go 22nd quickest.

Al-Attiyah / Boulanger are delayed changing a damaged tyre and a failure of the tablet used for navigation and the on-stage Sentinel security system.

Stage 2 (Sunday, 4 January – Monday, 5 January): Al-Attiyah / Boulanger completes the 48H Chrono stage in third overall.

Loeb / Lurquin hold second after 409km but are stationary for 40 minutes while an electronic issue is rectified.

Gutiérrez / Moreno are unable to go beyond the 792km mark due to a power steering failure.

Stage 3 (Tuesday 5 January): Loeb / Lurquin roll after just 12km, but they make it to the stage finish.

Unfortunately, they sustained damage to the roll cage, which prevented them from continuing. Al-Attiyah / Boulanger move up to second place with the sixth quickest time.

Gutiérrez / Moreno are 14th quickest following their restart, stopping in the stage to assist Loeb / Lurquin.

Stage 4 (Wednesday, 6 January): Starting Stage 4, the first marathon stage, in second position, Al-Attiyah / Boulanger is forced to stop after 97km to change a damaged left-rear tyre.

A further stoppage following 118km of challenging terrain proves more extensive, with the pair stationary for 26 minutes due to a suspension issue.

It requires the assistance of Gutiérrez / Moreno for them to continue, but they slip to seventh in the overall standings. It’s 35m35s off the lead.

Stage 5 (Thursday, 7 January): Al-Attiyah / Boulanger charge through the 428km stage with the fastest time.

But, due to a spare wheel missing after the supporting frame fails, a 10-minute penalty is applied, and they lose the stage win by one second. Nevertheless, they reach the rest day in fourth overall.

Gutiérrez / Moreno continue to perform their exemplary supporting role. They set the 15th fastest time.

Loeb’s focus now switches to Abu Dhabi

Sébastien Loeb has already switched his focus to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, round two of the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, taking place between the 21 – 27 February.

It follows the Frenchman’s early exit from the Dakar Rally after a high-speed roll that happened on Stage 3.

Despite incredible determination and a huge team effort following the accident, a decision by the Stewards in response to a deformation of the safety cage prevented Loeb and Lurquin from continuing.

Loeb, who had been in fightback mode after a delay of 40 minutes due to an electrical issue when running in second place on the 48H Chrono stage on Sunday, said:

“It’s really frustrating to head back to Jeddah to fly home instead of being in the car fighting it out on the stages.
“As for our roll, I’m honestly at a bit of a loss for words.
“It wasn’t from pushing too hard; we just got caught out by a bad compression, simple as that! There wasn’t much we could do in the moment.
“These things happen, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating.
“Still, I’m with Cristina, Pablo, Nasser, Édouard and the entire team in spirit and I wish them all the best for the second week.
“I have no doubt they will make themselves proud.”

Dakar Provisional Overall Results After Stage 5 (Unofficial)

4th: Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) / Édouard Boulanger (FRA), +35m00s
48th: Cristina Gutiérrez (ESP) / Pablo Moreno (ESP), +37h34m39s

Dakar Rally 2025: The Big Number

4,245: There is still another 4,245km, including 2,464 against the clock, to go before the finish of the 2025 Dakar Rally in Shubaytah, eastern Saudi Arabia, on Friday 17 January.

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