Industrial Doors & Shutters Automated Gates & Barriers Industry News Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security Entrance, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Fire Doors, Safety & Security Timber, Metal & Composite Doorsets Locks & Building Hardware The Dawn of a New Era for JDUK The Voice of the UK Door & Gate Industry | Summer 2022
THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Advertising and Editorial The Door Industry Journal PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 464147 F: 01444 464148 E: mail@doorindustryjournal.co.uk Design Agency Freelance Design & Graphics PO Box 508 Warninglid Haywards Heath West Sussex RH17 5GY T: 01444 461796 F: 01444 461596 E: info@freelance-design.co.uk Advisory Partner The Door & Hardware Federation The Barn Shuttington Fields Farm Main Road Shuttington Tamworth B79 0HA T: 01827 52337 F: 01827 310827 Printed Circulation: Door Industry Journal is a controlled free circulation publication and is available free of charge only to personnel who fall within our defined criteria. Copies are available on subscription to persons or companies who do not qualify. Our current printed circulation is just under 5000 copies. Digital Circulation: Our current digital circulation reaches around 12,500 readers. Annual Subscription Rates: £17.95 (UK), £29.95 (EU), £38.95 (Rest of World) To subscribe visit: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk 3 Follow us on Twitter @DoorIndustryJnl The Door Industry Journal is an independently produced and edited trade publication, published by Avalon Innovations LLP on behalf of the door, security, lock, ironmongery and automated gate industries, with support and guidance provided by our advisory partner The Door and Hardware Federation (dhf) and other carefully selected industry bodies. Companies selling to the any of the above industry sectors wishing to find out more about advertising or having articles published in the Door Industry Journal should visit our website at www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk or download our media pack at www.dijonline.co.uk . Alternatively, to obtain further information, discuss your advertising requirements or to enquire about special features and advertorials, please call us on 01444 464147 or send an email to advertising@doorindustryjournal.co.uk . Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP. Company No. OC364751 Derek Hibbart, Editor, Door Industry Journal welcome Summer’s here and I’m sure you’re looking forward to some well-deserved downtime. I certainly am, especially after the near 40ºC temperatures that accompanied our final preparations for this issue! It’s certainly been a challenging year so far, but despite war in Ukraine and the soaring price of petrol, gas and electricity, our industry is holding its own. However, for one big player in the garage door sector, JD UK, the war has led to a change in sectional door suppliers - from Alutech, a Belarusian company, to Polish firm Wi´ sniowski (pronounced vish – noff – ski). This was necessary due to punitive sanctions and 35% tariffs being placed on goods from Russia and Belarus. Amazingly, the change of suppliers was achieved in just under 4 months including modifying some of the products to be UK compatible – no mean feat! You can read all about this in our lead story on page six and other articles later in the magazine. A few more highlights in this issue: • IN2 Access is expanding the reseller network for its popular ExpertSystem safety edge kits – page 10 • Hörmann UK is improving both its service to clients and its social and environmental initiatives – pages 28 and 34 • A new range of ‘timber’ garage doors from Fort aren’t all that they seem – page 58 • Garador uses Durabelt technology in new scratch-resistant GaraRoll range - page 74 • SWS UK reports a strong performance for its range of industrial and commercial shutters – page 78 There’s plenty more inside. So, whether it’s a sun lounger by the pool or a deckchair in the garden that’s calling you, I hope you enjoy this latest edition of your DIJ. I’ll be back with you in November
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk contents 5 12 ADSA’s Future Workforce With the success and popularity of an apprenticeship scheme, a workforce is being developed for the automatic door industry. 50 Aluroll Delivers Roller Garage Paws Aluroll’s latest recruit, Hudson, is making customers smile as he helps deliver doors across the UK. 82 Loading - Safely and Quietly To meet different requirements and to make the workplace safer mydocking specifically offers the 7mm thick NC Silence Plus coating. 94 RNLI Finds an Entry System Fit for the Elements At the RNLI’s lifeboat station in Sennen Cove, harsh coastal conditions take their toll on the site’s entry system. 108 Ellard: Expanding on Intratone Providing flexible solutions for access management. 111 A Bond for Life Jack Aluminium’s JD47 system shows once again, its incredible versatility, at the headquarters of one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies. 114 Failing Fire Doors? How to Make Compliance Easier Stairways Midlands, explains how door sets can provide an easy and safe solution. 120 An Insight into the Testing and Benefits of Secured by Design Steel Doors Hazel Goss gives an insight into what it means for a steel door to be SBD and PAS 24 accredited. 122 Buy Quality, Buy Once Strand Hardware urges customers to apply the “gold standard” for safety and durability. 130 No Nonsense Coffee Guide Industry News Industrial Doors & Shutters Domestic Garage Doors Access Control & Smart Security 6 76 Automated Gates & Barriers 90 41 104 Entrance, Sliding & Bi-folding Doors Fire Doors, Safety & Security 110 112 Timber, Metal & Composite Doorsets 118 Locks & Building Hardware Take a Break Services 122 130 131 6-7 The Dawn of a New Era for JDUK An important statement from JDUK Managing Director, Steve Hudson. THE door industry journal summer 2022
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 6 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News “Since 2001, JDUK has been a major supplier of roller door components to the UK manufacturing market. In more recent years, we have developed our range and seen in excess of 40,000 Alutech sectional doors successfully delivered to our ever-growing customer base. During these years we have opened up the UK market, offering our clients a different choice to what was previously available. The development of the Alutech Garage Doors brand from scratch is something we are particularly proud of. We aim, and always have, to offer our clients a seamless experience. From ease of order placement and timely delivery right through to our technical support and friendly accounts team, we are here to serve”. “Our wealth of experience and passion for our trade enables us to provide a level of service that helps your business run in the best way possible. We are a family at JDUK and many of our staff have been with us for years, some developing from apprentices to skilled members of our team. We hope that we have built a level of trust in our clients that speaks for itself”. Time for Change “However, times are changing. As you are no doubt painfully aware, the war in the Ukraine has caused some unprecedented issues with obtaining goods from abroad, particularly, in this case, Belarus. Over recent months we have been working hard to continue to source components and sectional doors from Alutech Group for UK distribution, but this must now come to an end. With the government-imposed sanctions and with no end to this war in sight, it is no longer economically or morally viable to continue with our current route”. “After much travelling and visiting potential new suppliers that can guarantee the level of quality our customers have come to expect, we are pleased to announce we have now chosen to partner with WI ´ SNIOWSKI for our sectional door supply and Giménez Ganga for our roller door components”. “WI´ SNIOWSKI are a leading European manufacturer of sectional doors based in Poland, with an existing client base throughout Europe, and Giménez Ganga, based in Spain, are expert roll form producers of insulated lath and extruders of aluminium. They also currently deliver worldwide”. “It is with a heavy heart that we swap from Alutech as our main supplier, but external forces have left us with little choice. However, we have been so impressed with both teams at WI ´ SNIOWSKI and Giménez Ganga for their can-do attitude and speed at which they have adapted and altered their products to meet the UK market requirements”. New High-Quality range “As well as sectional doors, WI´ SNIOWSKI offer a very high-quality range of side hinged doors and aluminium panelled front doors, all with exceptional The Dawn of a New Era for JDUK Important Statement from JDUK Managing Director, Steve Hudson:
7 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News lead times. After working closely together and absorbing our experience with the UK market, we are confident that our existing client base will see that the WI´ SNIOWSKI range is as good, if not better, than anything currently on offer in the UK market”. “Building on a wealth of knowledge between both companies, Giménez Ganga has agreed to mirror the current available colour range for both 77mm and 55mm lath and supply the same level of stock to maintain the warehouse levels at JDUK. This, along with weekly deliveries from Spain, will ensure we can surpass the level of service we are renowned for”. JDUK – A new Era “To reflect these changes, JDUK has undergone a full rebrand, which we recently unveiled at our showroom in West Yorkshire. We have introduced some of our new products already and compiled a range of materials to support our customers in the sale and installation of our new product range. We would like to thank all involved for their support in this transition and assure all customers, new and existing, that we are committed to excellence. We are confident that we have the tools in place to take our collective businesses forward into this new, significant era for JDUK”. Please see pages 41, 60, 62, 71 and 110 or our new website for further details. “Should you have any queries or would like to see the new products, please contact your sales representative, call 01924 472924 or email sales@jdukltd.co.uk .” More about WI´ SNIOWSKI WI´ SNIOWSKI has been setting trends in design for more than 30 years. Their products are characterised by their global quality and supported by the application of the most advanced technologies. They have three production plants spanning 400,000 sq. metre of floor space, which utilise innovative automation and robotic solutions. Top training facilities, logistic centres and showrooms galore, they employ more than 2000 people. With the addition of 150 company-owned delivery vehicles, they are an impressive outfit. WI´ SNIOWSKI products offer the highest functionality and design standards. Their modern form and style are an inspiration to those who value both durability and elegance. Designed and manufactured with the utmost care, they are perfect for any condition, ensuring warmth, comfort and safety. The WI´ SNIOWSKI range on offer through JDUK includes sectional doors with automation and smart technology, side-hinged doors and aluminium entrance doors. More about Giménez Ganga It all began as a local company started by two brothers back in 1959, primarily making sun protection systems. Throughout the 1980’s aluminium products were added to the range, transitioning them into the experts they are today. Their facility boasts 9000 sq. metres of storage space and employs more than 600 people. They have eight machines constantly rolling insulated garage door lath and six aluminium extrusion lines, totalling over 70,000 tonnes of aluminium used in production in a year. Along with both vertical and horizontal powder coating plants, they have an optimised production capacity to ensure orders always arrive on time. Giménez Ganga are committed to their trade and their customer’s needs, ensuring their products meet the highest standard of certification and quality. All processes are in strict accordance with all applicable ISO 9001 regulations.
THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 8 Masonite Opens New Exterior Door Manufacturing Facility 136,000square-foot plant brings Solidor® operations under one roof to increase efficiency, capacity, environmental sustainability and safety. Composite door manufacturer Solidor® has opened a new factory and distribution in Stoke-on-Trent that incorporates the latest in manufacturing technologies and will provide room for future growth. The facility combines five previous Solidor® production and storage sites into one manufacturing hub and utilises advanced manufacturing automation to improve production and efficiency, product quality and the work experience for employees. Solidor® is part of Masonite International Corporation, a leading global designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of interior and exterior doors. Vicky Philemon, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Masonite Europe, said: “The opening of this purpose-built facility reinforces Solidor’s position as a leader in the UK’s exterior door manufacturing industry and reaffirms our commitment to the Stoke area as we continue to bring employment and career development opportunities to the local community. “We are excited about the enhancements the new site will bring for our employees, communities, partners and customers in addition to supporting our future growth plans.” The interior layout has been optimised to improve material flow and reduce the need for forklift trucks to enhance safety and reduce emissions. The latter is just one of the ways in which the design has focused on sustainability, with the factory achieving a Planet Mark accreditation. Planet Mark is a sustainability certification which requires the measurement and reduction of whole-life carbon emissions, engagement of the supply chain and the inclusion of the local community. The development was constructed using responsibly sourced or recycled content materials and includes rainwater harvesting, natural lighting and a building management system to ensure that energy use is fully optimised. In addition, it yields a 17% reduction in embodied carbon compared to a notional baseline. Masonite employs approximately 280 people at the new plant, with over 85% of the staff living within the local community. Located on Whittle Road, Meir Park, Stoke, the factory is only five miles east of Junction 15 of the M6, providing it with good transport links. Solidor®, one of the United Kingdom’s most recognised manufacturers and suppliers of composite doors, was acquired by Masonite in 2018. Solidor® exterior doors are constructed with a solid timber core that is complemented by a variety of innovative designs and colour choices to provide the appearance of timber with the benefits of modern, low-maintenance materials. More information about Solidor® is available at solidor.co.uk . New MD at Zero Seal Systems Zero Seal Systems is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Lockley as its new Managing Director with effect from 1st July 2022. Mark has been with the company for over 23 years, the last 14 of which have been as Sales Director. Regarding his new appointment, Mark said: “I am really excited to accept this new challenge and look forward to continuing the success of the business.” He went on to say: “Zero has some great products and a fantastic team who are totally committed to providing unmatched customer service.” Mark takes over from Mandy Greaves who is retiring at the end of this year after 24 years of service as Office Manager, Commercial Director and the last 4 years as Managing Director. “I am looking forward to retirement,” said Mandy. “Mark and I have worked closely together over the last 4 years and he knows the business inside out and will continue to be ably assisted by Gavin Hogan as Sales Director and Nicola Hewitt as Financial Director. It is an exciting time for the company.” www.zeroplus.co.uk
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News IN2 Access Grows Sales Team David Cowell joins the Internal Sales Team at safety and access control company. Shropshire-based IN2 Access & Control Ltd. welcomes the newest member of its sales team, who will be focusing on access control and safety solutions for automatic gates, barriers and industrial doors. David has ten years’ experience in the electronics industry, having previously worked for a company specialising in control panel manufacture and distribution. “I sold components for use in control panels as well as spares for older panels,” David explains. “I have also wired panels and been involved with purchasing, so I have a good understanding of the various challenges throughout the business. The ability to walk customers through a rather technical process, plus possessing knowledge of electrical components certainly helps with my new role at IN2 Access.” As the new Internal Sales Executive at IN2 Access, David is responsible for dealing with customers’ enquiries, processing quotes and orders, and managing trade account relationships. “I am talking to current, as well as potential customers, ensuring we continue to provide a quality service supplying new and existing products, and keeping them up to date on new additions and services that I think will help their businesses,” David says. Outside the office, David is a keen walker and photographer. “I look forward to exploring Shropshire and Wales from my new base in Oswestry. I have also taken up cycling again and have started using it to get to work; Oswestry is a lot more cycle-friendly than Stockport where I moved from recently,” he says. Derek Foreman, Managing Director of IN2 Access adds, “As our company grows and we add new product lines, David will be key in driving the business forward whilst providing the level of support customers have come to expect. We look forward to his continued development and are optimistic for what the future holds.” Contact: david.cowell@in2access.co.uk | Tel : +44 (0)1691 655150
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 10 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News New Reseller Network for Self-Assembly Safety Edge Range Shropshire-based company expands reseller network for popular ExpertSystem safety edge kits, from Swiss manufacturer BBC Bircher Smart Access FAAC (UK) has been a long-standing reseller of the ExpertSystem selfassembly kits in addition to the pre-manufactured safety edges. IN2 Access announces two further resellers that will offer ExpertSystem “kits” at their trade counters. ExpertSystem kits will now be available for local collection from the companies below (as well as directly from IN2 Access): • FAAC (UK) Ltd. in Basingstoke, Hampshire • Specialized Security Products (SSP) in Buntingford, Hertfordshire • North Valley Forge in Nelson, Lancashire Resellers will hold stock of the self-assembly safety edge kits, with customers able to collect same-day if needed. Additional partners will be added to the IN2 Access “approved” ExpertSystem Reseller Network with the aim of providing customers with a nationwide collection option. Since its launch in 2018, BBC Bircher’s ExpertSystem self-assembly safety edges for automatic gates and doors have become a topselling range within the IN2 Access product portfolio. Superior engineering and ease of assembly mean less time-on-site and reduced maintenance costs. “As the official UK distribution partner for BBC Bircher, we are excited about the opportunity to expand our Reseller Network of ExpertSystem,” says IN2 Access Managing Director Derek Foreman. “We know installers and maintenance providers can often benefit from a same-day collection facility, so we hope the expansion of our reseller network will fulfil this requirement, whilst still offering a despatch service from our Shropshire headquarters.” The ExpertSystem safety edge kits are available in six profile sizes,
each kit containing enough components to make a complete edge in either 1.5, 2, or 2.5 metre standard lengths. Stocking levels at each reseller location may vary. “We have long-standing relationships with our three resellers,” Derek explains. “They all have the great name recognition that many in the automatic gate industry know and trust. We are building on that relationship and may expand the range of products they offer at their location as the reseller network program grows. “Additionally, we are actively looking for interested partners to expand the network in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Partners with a strong local presence, efficient trade counter operation, and ability to maintain stock. We encourage interested businesses to contact us,” he concludes. Chris Dodgson, Managing Director at FAAC (UK), commented, “FAAC (UK) have a long-standing relationship with IN2 Access and we are happy to be an original partner in their growing ExpertSystem Reseller Network. Giving customers the option to collect kits same-day from our location is something that can benefit anyone facing emergency repairs. We look forward to continuing our relationship and growing it into the future.” Craig McLaughlan, Acquisitions Manager for North Valley Forge, commented, “We have used IN2 Access for various products for many years now, they are a great company to work alongside. We are now really excited to be able to offer our customers the ExpertSystem safety edges, which are such a great product. The fact that engineers, including ours, can get back to a job on the same day is a game-changer. We have already had great feedback from customers using the new range of edges.” Tammy Phillips, Head of Gate Automation at Specialized Security Products, adds, “SSP is delighted to participate in IN2 Access’ ExpertSystem Reseller Network. Customers can visit our location and pick up the self-assembly safety edge kits and whatever else they may need in one convenient stop. We look forward to expanding our relationship with IN2 Access in the future.” For more details about BBC Bircher’s ExpertSystem self-assembly edges, contact IN2 Access or any of the Reseller partners below. 11 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News FAAC (UK) Ltd. Unit 10 The Hatch Industrial Park Greywell Road Mapledurwell Basingstoke Hampshire RG24 7NG Tel: 01256 318100 Email: uksales@faacgroup.com Web: www.faac.co.uk Specialized Security Products Units 18-23 Park Farm Industrial Estate Ermine Street Buntingford Hertfordshire SG9 9AZ Tel: 01763 274223 Email: sales@specialized-security.co.uk Web: www.specialized-security.co.uk North Valley Forge Ltd. Valley Forge Business Park, Reedyford Road, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 8TU Tel: 01282 677300 Email: sales@nvf.co.uk Web: www.nvf.co.uk IN2 Access & Control Ltd. Unit 6a Mile Oak Maesbury Road Industrial Estate Oswestry Shropshire SY10 8GA Tel: 01691 655150 Email: sales@in2access.co.uk Web: www.in2access.co.uk Contact information for the ExpertSystem Reseller Network:
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News ADSA’s Future Workforce A future workforce is being developed for the automatic door industry with the success and popularity of an apprenticeship scheme created by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA). The third group of Powered Pedestrian Door Technician Apprentices started at South Staffordshire College in June with places for a further course in September now being booked. Members of the initial cohort, which began their two-year apprenticeship in March 2021, are completing projects for end point assessments with should be fully qualified by the end of the year. A second group which started last September is concluding its first academic year with another to follow. Says ADSA Managing Director Ken Price: Demand for places has been tremendous. It is good to know that the industry has embraced the opportunity to develop a future workforce utilising the apprenticeship. It provides a thorough learning opportunity, combining academic study with onthe-job experience. The automatic door sector is
considered somewhat niche within the wider building products and construction industry – but it is a niche that requires a particular set of skills and learning to demonstrate competency and meet exacting standards. “The nature of our business means that we have traditionally found it hard to attract new talent. Indeed, before starting their apprenticeships, some of the candidates commented that they’d been unaware that PPD technicians ‘were a thing’. “Automatic doors, gates and entrances may be widely used within commercial and public buildings, enabling convenience and accessibility but awareness of the businesses that make, install and maintain them may not have been as prominent as it might, which has led to a skills gap within the industry. ADSA’s efforts to professionalise it through the provision of end-to-end learning and development opportunities should help attract and retain talent for the future.” In addition to the success of the apprenticeship in the mainland UK, a new apprenticeship course is being launched in Northern Ireland, through South Eastern Regional College (SERC). The college will act as the industry delivery partner for the new Automated Entrances Apprenticeship which is being funded by the Department for the Economy NI. The college is now recruiting students for an expected 15-strong cohort which will be introduced as part of a rolling programme, beginning this September. Qualifications include: • EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Technologies • EAL Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations Modules will comprise engineering environment awareness, electrical installation methods, wiring and circuit protection, working safely in an engineering environment and maintaining electrical equipment/systems. Modules will be tailored to meet the needs of the industry. Level two maths and English will also be provided for apprentices that do not already hold these qualifications. Apprentices for the SERC course will need to be working for a company based in Northern Ireland or a UK company that works predominantly in NI. Visit https://www.serc.ac.uk/course/2223/Automated-Entrance-Systems-Apprenticeship-NILevel-2 for more information. Employers can arrange apprenticeships direct with the college by emailing: apprenticeships@serc.ac.uk For more information about ADSA membership or services visit: www.adsa.org.uk or email: rachel@adsa.org.uk . Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 13 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Interested in appearing in the Winter Edition? SAVE THESE DEADLINE DATES: Features Editorial Advertorials 15th October 28th October 10th November Industry News
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News 14 Speakers Corner Neil Discombe, Managing Director of Garador. Britain’s leading garage door manufacturer Garador has been in business for over 70 years, but recently there have been significant changes in the industry. Here Garador’s Managing Director Neil Discombe gives his views on the current market and how the company’s readiness to adapt to a changing world is key to longevity and continuing success. “Looking at the garage door market today, many of the issues being experienced right now are not confined to this sector or even to the building industry. Supply chain issues continue to be a major challenge in many areas; the automotive sector, for instance, has been particularly hard hit by silicon chip shortages. From our point of view, there are currently supply chain issues in steel for garage doors and components for our operators and we have now diversified our supply chains to help ensure reliable supplies while this uncertainty remains. Pricing, both in energy and steel, is also of concern; we anticipate further increases in steel prices in the second half of the year and at Garador we are taking what steps we can to help mitigate additional costs. However, there are also many positives in the market. The new-build housing market is currently a key area of growth and the replacement market is also strong. Overall, demand for garage doors is holding up and, despite the economic headwinds of inflation, increased energy prices, increased National Insurance and so on, the near-term outlook for the garage door industry remains fair. Garador has an advantage because it is a very well-established business with a strong heritage and a well-known and well-recognised brand throughout the building industry. Much of our strength comes from the quality of people within the organization and we have a diligent and dedicated team here in Yeovil, both on the commercial and the manufacturing side. This is supported by our comprehensive training programme for all our employees that helps us build a culture of continuous improvement. Our product range is well-rounded with one of the best offerings currently available in the UK market. Innovation has always been key, and we continue to innovate with new products such as the GaraGlide roller door and the new side-hinged door; both are growing market sectors at the moment. At the other end, we are removing less popular products such as Chevron and Linear Trio, from the range in order to focus on more popular styles. Investment and expansion have been key to success throughout Garador’s long history and this continues today. Our investment programme is ongoing, renewing plant and product machinery so we can mass produce quality garage doors to supply the market. By next year, we will have invested around £3m in manufacturing upgrades. We are also starting to see some of the recent projects we have been working on coming to bear fruit. This includes increased production capacity for wide-profile doors such as Windsor and Ascot as an example and a superior, more consistent painting system thanks to recent investment in new paint plant equipment. We have confidence in the future and are continuing with our plans to expand the factory in Yeovil to cover the increasing demand for garage doors in the UK domestic garage door market. We do recognise, however, that it is a period of great change, not only in the garage door market but in the world in general. Securing our energy supplies is vital, but caring for our environment is today also key to good business. Here at Garador we have for some time been looking at all environmental issues concerned with our industry, taking what steps we can to shift towards using cleaner energy to manufacture our products and what else we can do for our business as a whole. We have this year commissioned a full study to establish our baseline carbon footprint and we have also just implemented our new plan to remove plastic coverings from our products. Here at Garador, we will continue to evolve and change as a business, ensuring we are flexible and can adapt quickly to changing market trends. This has been a successful foundation for Garador in the past and we have confidence it will also see us into a long and successful future.”
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 16 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News Steel Door Manufacturer, Strongdor Makes FIT Show Debut! Strongdor made their debut appearance at the 2022 Fit Show in May, alongside their new mascot Theodor! Theodor won over the crowds, featuring in hundreds of selfies and even attending the PiG’s party hosted on the late-night Wednesday! Those lucky enough to spot Theodor at the show could claim a key to try it in the lock on their stand and see if they could crack the lock! Congratulations to the lucky winners Wendy Pratley from L P Window Controls Ltd, Sophie Elliot from Allports Group and Marc Flynn from Smart Installations Mids Limited; who chose the right keys, winning a choice of either a trip to Paris, Weber BBQ or Apple watch. During the event, Strongdor offered product demonstrations showcasing their full range of steel doors available including Louvred Doors, Glazed Panel Doors, Fire Doors and Security Rated to PAS 24 and SBD. Offering attendees the chance to get up close with the products and understand what makes a Strongdor truly; Better, Faster and Stronger! Business Development Director, Leon White shares: “We thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting at the FIT Show for the very first time. The highlight for me was definitely getting back out face to face and meeting so many interesting businesses.” A Lancashire-based manufacturer which is passionate about delivering outstanding products, high-quality service and making life easier for the installer. Strongdor offers a complete range of steel doors including personnel doors, fire exits, security rated and even acoustic doors. Based at their 44,500 SqFt manufacturing facility in Lancashire, Strongdor manufactures precision-built steel doors, consistently checked at every stage for build quality and finish. Strongdor has been accredited as a member of Made in Britain. Strongdor’s adoption of the official, protected mark will help buyers recognise its products as high quality, innovative and British-made. The mark also lets customers know that Strongdor is a trusted company that values transparency, sustainability and ethical business practices. Consumers are increasingly recognising the Made in Britain mark as a mark of confidence. As part of Strongdor’s commitment to transparency, they have opened up their factory in a 360-degree virtual factory tour, available to view on their website. Enabling customers to navigate around the factory to go behind the scenes and watch how and where their doors are made. Managing Director, Tim Devenish said: “As a manufacturer, we are continually looking to deliver excellence. Excellence in manufacturing, excellence in the sourcing of raw materials and excellence in customer service and experience. Having moved to our new manufacturing facility in 2021, our production capacity has more than tripled, enabling us to deliver industry-beating lead times and unrivalled quality.” Offering lead times of custom steel doors as fast as 7 working days, let Strongdor be your competitive advantage. For more information visit www.strongdor.com Strongdor Walk Away Victorious, Winning Medium Business of the Year! Steel door manufacturer Strongdor celebrated success by walking away victorious as winners of Medium Business of the Year at the Red Rose Awards 22. Held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, the Red Rose Awards saw over 1,000 Lancashire businesses gather together, to celebrate the best of the best in a glittering ceremony on 9th June. Businesses from the length and breadth of the county vied for titles across a range of categories, with only the best of the best, as selected by a panel of expert judges, progressing through to the shortlist and a rigorous interview stage before being rewarded for their excellence. Managing Director, Tim Devenish said: “We are all delighted to have been awarded the prestigious honour. Having moved to our new manufacturing facility in 2021, our production capacity has more than tripled and our staff numbers have almost doubled. Without the continued dedication of our team who strive to maintain our mission, our journey would not have been possible.” The judges were impressed by continual investment and drive during Covid, including the opening of a new 44,500 Sq Ft
manufacturing facility in 2021. Commenting on why Strongdor was chosen for the award the judges commented: “Strongdor are bold and brave, committing significant investments to home-based manufacturing and their people and skills. They are paying off.” Event founder Richard Slater, also the publisher of Lancashire Business View magazine, said: “The Red Rose Awards, now in its twelfth year, are very hotly contested, so Strongdor should be very proud that they have seen off all the competition to win this award!” Strongdor is a manufacturer of custom-made steel doors, produced in their 44,500 Sq Ft purpose-built factory in Morecambe. Proud to manufacture their products in Britain, they are committed to maintaining their reputation for high-quality British manufactured steel doors. As part of Strongdor’s commitment to transparency, they have opened up their factory in a 360-degree virtual factory tour, available on their website. Enabling customers to navigate around the factory to go behind the scenes and watch how and where their doors are made. For further information visit www.strongdor.com or www.redroseawards.co.uk 17 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Do you want your company to feature in the Door Industry Journal but don’t know what to write? Don’t worry, help is at hand… Martin Sayers at MSCopy is the copywriting partner for the DIJ and is available to write your editorial, marketing and advertising copy. It is his job to write words that drive customers to your door. Martin has over a decade of experience and can produce copy for you based on a simple written brief or telephone interview. If words are failing you then contact Martin Sayers today – call 01223 476286 or email mail@mscopy.co.uk www.mscopy.co.uk Martin Sayers Are you lost for words? The intention of this column is to give you advice on how to improve your marketing communications – websites, emails, brochures etc. As a copywriter, It’s my job to sell with words and I hope you can benefit from my experience. Here’s my latest tip: Here’s my latest tip: Before you write any marketing material, you must remind yourself that nobody has the slightest desire to read what you’re about to write. It may seem harsh, but it’s true. Absolutely no-one wakes up in the morning with a desire to read a marketing email, sales letter, landing page, Facebook ad, website or anything else that’s there to sell. Fact is, people have better and more important things to do – work has to be done, children need looking after, dogs must be walked, food has to be cooked etc etc. Taking the time to read your marketing literature comes very far down this list of priorities. What you write must cut through all the clutter and chatter in someone’s life. So, before you prepare your marketing, think hard about what your customer wants to hear. Martin on Marketing
19 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News dhf Celebrates 125 Years of Raising Standards Across the Industry 2022 has already proved a hugely successful year for one of the UK’s oldest trade associations, Door & Hardware Federation (dhf), with a new Chairman in place, the re-establishment of its training regime in Ireland, and the Covid-19 pandemic hopefully very much in the rear-view mirror. And as it faces its 125th anniversary with tremendous optimism, the federation has much to celebrate, particularly following the unprecedented challenges of the past two years. It has never been a better time to celebrate the organisation’s history, heritage, vision, and values. dhf has been serving the needs of its now-500 plus members since it was formed in 1897 (then an employers’ association called the Brass Masters’ Association); 125 years on, it remains the ‘go-to’ organisation for technical advice and training with its ultimate objective to raise industry standards and provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for technical expertise, information, knowledge, advice, and practical help. “It is, quite simply, a ‘centre of excellence’, with a network of professional consultants in Automated Gates, Industrial & Garage Doors, Building Hardware and Doorsets,” explains dhf’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “It is entirely true to say that we are going from strength to strength.” One of dhf’s greatest changes in recent years has been successfully managing its significant expansion. Its relocation to ‘The Barn’ at ‘Shuttington Fields Farm’ took place in 2018, and offers large office space, together with a state-of-the-art training academy and parking for more than 40 cars. It has become a training ‘hub’ for the now thousands of people who have embarked upon dhf’s training courses for those working in automated gates, industrial doors, or garage doors. dhf continues to prioritise its training offering, keeping the industry informed by delivering training that enables safe |and compliant products to be put on the market. Even during Covid-19, the federation supplied an almost uninterrupted level of training – remotely – than face-to-face. “dhf continued to put training first during the pandemic with online webinars and the distance learning programme,” explains Patricia. “Following this, we resumed classroom training. It was imperative for us to continue with this service.” Managing Brexit and Covid-19 in collaboration has proved a considerable test for the federation, but dhf has emerged from both in fine form, so much so that it regarded 2021 as one of its most constructive years. And there has been no let-up in 2022 as dhf continues to support its members and the industry with guidance and advice on matters such as changes to Building Regulations, Fire Safety Regulations, conformity marking and the relevant Approved Documents. It has also grown through its ability to collaborate, for example, in joining forces with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) to create Entrance Systems Alliance (ESA), dhf can now offer a single, combined NVQ qualification to better serve the needs of the Powered Pedestrian Door, Automated Gate, Industrial & Garage Door and Fire Door industries. It continues to offer three fire door training courses in collaboration with BRE and this summer will see the launch of the Fire Roller Shutter training course. Other collaborations include the Private Security Authority (PSA), which used the original dhf TS 011 Code of Practice to form its standard PSA80, and the Awarding Body for the Built Environment (ABBE) with whom their core training courses are accredited. From gaining accreditation for its training courses - to a new training academy website - to hosting bespoke webinars about UKCA marking - to vocalising the need for third-party certified complete doorsets and compartmentation in helping minimise the spread of fire, and helping members navigate challenging legislation, dhf has proved a reliable and consistent ambassador for safety and compliance; it continues to flourish year-on-year. “We celebrate our 125th anniversary with great optimism and an eye to the future,” concludes dhf’s CEO, Bob Perry. “dhf has achieved many positive and considerable milestones that have impacted the industry, and people’s lives; these have helped underpin our reputation as a centre of excellence. We remain proud of our accomplishments and confident that with a highly skilled team in place, we will continue to inform, guide and inspire.” www.dhfonline.org.uk Publications from ABHM and DSMA of which dhf was formed: Bob Perry, dhf’s CEO, when he was Chair of the ABHM (Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers)
14 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk
OPEN DOORS 125 years and still counting …. dhf, in one form or another, has now been going for 125 years and our story is told on page 19. During that time, the world has seen many changes; some of them for the better but some of which have made our lives so much more difficult and frustrating. One change that annoys me immensely is the socalled development of customer service departments. Firstly, it is sometimes difficult to find the right telephone number but, if you do, then you are often faced with a lengthy message of ‘press 1 for accounts, 2 for sales, 3 for returns’ and so on. OK, I have now pressed 6 for customer services. Great, I am number 26 in the queue. 15 minutes later, I curse and swear and hang up with high blood pressure! Calm down I say to myself. Perhaps I exaggerate a little, but you know what I mean. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876 and, at dhf, we have a very traditional customer services system that hasn’t changed in 125 years ….. calls are answered by a real person who sorts out the query, or puts the call through to someone who can help. That’s what we call real-time customer service. Test us out. So, why do companies join a trade body like dhf? Many reasons, but the main one as far as dhf is concerned is that it enables members to go to bed knowing that their company is always going to be kept up to date with the latest information on standards, regulations and such things as CE and UKCA marking. A case in point happened this week. The Government decided to do a bit of a U-turn and relax the rules on testing for products in what is called AVCP System 3 (Assessment & Verification of Constancy of Performance). Within 24 hours of the Government announcement, we had pushed out the new information to our members, hopefully in a format that was easy to read. Read more about this on page 19. (UKCA Marking Update) Life is too complicated these days. If you are not a dhf member, think about joining us and see how we can make your life just a little bit simpler. A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk THE door industry journal summer 2022 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk dhf Resumes Training in Ireland Following a two-year ‘pause’ as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Door & Hardware Federation (dhf) has announced its plan to resume its training programme in the Republic of Ireland. In a very positive meeting held in Dublin on 28th April with Ireland-based members, dhf’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, General Manager & Secretary, Michael Skelding, and Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill, outlined the federation’s intention to recommence one and two-day training courses. In July 2019, dhf held a one-day public Level 2 Award in Automated Gate and Traffic Barrier Safety in Ireland, and such was its success, a second public training day for installers and maintenance operatives of automated gates took place in February 2020, a course that was open to all, whether a member of dhf or not. At the time, Patricia described the expansion of training into Ireland as a ‘leap of faith’: “We were delighted by the uptake of training courses in Ireland in 2019, and again in February 2020 and had planned regular events to build on this success,” she explains. “However, following the onset of ‘lockdown’ in March 2020, these had to be put on hold. We are very pleased to be able to kickstart our training in Ireland once again, and following our meeting with members last month, it is evident there is a genuine enthusiasm for this.” dhf’s offering will comprise two-day courses (which will remain as members’ private courses), and one-day courses, both of which will complement any future auditing requirements. The one-day course will once again comprise five learning modules with a short examination following each and presents examples of past failures and prosecutions, as well as giving the learner the ability to accurately conduct and document a risk assessment. For further information on dhf training courses, please visit: www.dhfonline.org.uk Bob Perry, dhf CEO Senior Training and Compliance Officer, Steve Hill, will resume training in Ireland for dhf:
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 22 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News SWS UK Capitalises on StellaGroup Synergies When SWS UK was acquired by StellaGroup in 2019, the manufacturer immediately felt the benefit of being part of one of Europe’s biggest manufacturing groups in the roller shutters, garage doors and sun protection markets. With 17 state-of-the-art manufacturing locations throughout Europe, StellaGroup brought improved buying power and investment to the UK manufacturer behind the Seceuro range of roller shutters and garage doors, and with it came an opportunity to share product knowledge and expertise to propel SWS forwards. And with the easing of travel restrictions in the past 12 months, there’s been a renewed focus on capitalising on synergies within the group, with industrialisation and production efficiencies at the forefront. SWS has been working closely with sister company La Toulousaine, a leading manufacturer of closure solutions in the French market. Based near Toulouse in southern France, the company has more than 60 years of expertise and employs more than 300 staff across four state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. As part of the ongoing collaborations, members of the SWS team recently visited the site of fellow StellaGroup company Profalux. The pioneering French company designs manufacture and sell more than 1,200 roller shutters, sun blinds and roller garage doors every day, with more than 3 million products fitted in France since they were founded more than 50 years ago. Investing in industrial automation has been critical to its success, and SWS is keen to capitalise on its significant experience in this area. SWS is also making the most of new talent from within StellaGroup. French graduate Thomas Nobileau joined the company earlier this year on a mechanical engineering internship from Profalux. Thomas is working on several key automation projects for SWS, and his background in project management, engineering and continuous improvement is proving invaluable. SWS UK Managing Director Kevin Lindeque said “For 37 years we’ve taken pride in our heritage as a UK manufacturer, but we’re also a stronger company because of our position within StellaGroup. While the names within the group may not be well known in the UK, in their domestic markets they are all major players. We’re reaping the rewards of their expertise and experience, and look forward to working together on new projects and developments as we move forwards together.” Visit www.stella.group/en/ to find out more about StellaGroup.
Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 24 THE door industry journal summer 2022 Industry News Stop Press: UKCA Marking Update Since the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December 2020, the rules for UK conformity assessment and marking have changed. In late 2020 it was announced that CE marking in GB would be replaced by UKCA marking by the end of 2021. This was later deferred to the end of 2022 to give manufacturers more time to make the necessary adjustments. The shift from CE to UKCA marking comes with new requirements for documentation and, in certain circumstances (explained below), conformity testing and certification. Products covered by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, such as powered doors, gates and barriers, will need their Declaration of Conformity to be altered to refer to the appropriate UK Regulations rather than the EU Directives when manufacturers make the change from CE to UKCA. UKCA marked products covered by the Construction Products Regulations such as industrial doors, garage doors, external pedestrian doorsets, and some building hardware products are required to have their AVCP system 3 characteristics tested by a UK-approved test body and certification of their AVCP system 1 characteristic to be provided by a UK approved certification body. As many products that circulate on the GB market have their origins in the EU, currently many are relying on testing and/or certification from EU notified bodies, which presents a need for re-testing and re-certification. Throughout 2021 and 2022 it has become obvious that there would not be time or capacity within UK-approved assessment bodies to facilitate the required re-testing. dhf and many other construction-related trade bodies have been lobbying UK Government, both via the UK Construction Products Association (CPA) and independently, to provide a solution for the approaching logjam. One dhf member even instigated a parliamentary question by their local MP, and dhf wrote to the appropriate Government ministers in the search for a solution. Thankfully, the UK government has now (20th June 2022) announced that it will put in place additional measures to assist GB market operators, and the situation relating to construction products is now as follows: 1. Existing AVCP system 3 type-test reports from an EU-notified test body that are dated up to 31st December 2022 will be permitted to support UKCA marking. This change will affect industrial doors, garage doors, and external pedestrian doorsets. It is not yet clear whether there will be a time limit after which EU test evidence will cease to be acceptable for AVCP system 3 products. 2. UK-approved test bodies are permitted to subcontract testing work to other providers in the UK, EU or elsewhere, but they must be approved by UKAS for the testing work they sub-contract and any test report that is issued must be from the UK assessment body concerned, not the sub-contractor. 3. For certification under AVCP system 1, the certificate of constancy of performance must be issued by a UK-approved certification body which is free to subcontract the testing to both UK and non-UK bodies, on the basis that the UK certification body remains fully responsible for the work done. This affects the fire and smoke resistance characteristics of industrial doors and external pedestrian doorsets; also affected are relevant building hardware products and emergency exit doorsets. This situation has not changed as a result of the latest government announcements. 4. CE marked products that are already in stock with GB distributors at the end of 2022 are regarded as having been placed on the GB market before the deadline and can continue to circulate on the market after this date. Records should be kept to demonstrate that the product was placed on the GB market before the end of 2022. Some EU certification bodies have set up UK subsidiaries to facilitate the transfer of EU certification to a UK body for UKCA marking. The Declaration of Performance for a UKCA marked construction product must include the following text: “This Declaration of Performance is issued, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 as it has effect in the United Kingdom, under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer identified.” In Northern Ireland, recognition of CE marking continues under the Northern Ireland Protocol; UKCA marking is not recognised in NI. If the CE marking is dependent upon mandatory third-party conformity assessment, and this is provided by a UK body, then the CE marking must be accompanied by the UKNI marking. Note that the CE plus UKNI marking is not recognised outside NI (except where “unfettered access” applies - see below) and that the UKNI marking is never used separately from the CE marking. Under the ‘unfettered access’ provisions granted by the UK government, businesses in NI are permitted to place qualifying products on the GB market bearing any marking which is valid in NI (CE, or CE plus UKNI); it will not be necessary to apply the UKCA marking for this purpose. dhf will continue to monitor developments and keep the industry informed via our Technical Standards and training. www.dhfonline.org.uk
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