24 Industry News Also online at www.dijonline.co.uk Door Industry Journal Summer 2026 ADSA-Sponsored Innovation Award Goes to Gretsch-Unitas Underfloor Operator A GROUNDBREAKING approach to underfloor door automation has secured top honours at the AI Specification Awards 2026, with Gretsch-Unitas Ltd winning the Product Design & Innovation - Electronic Award sponsored by the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA). The award, presented at a ceremony held at IET London: Savoy Place, recognises outstanding innovation in electronic access control and automation, celebrating products that enhance performance, safety, security and usability within modern building design. The winning entry – which beat ASSA ABLOY and Finfort Ltd to the top spot - impressed judges with its ability to ‘combine high-performance door automation with a discreet architectural solution’. Fully concealed beneath the floor, the GU DTN 80 UFO enables specifiers and designers to deliver automatic door functionality while maintaining clean architectural lines and unobstructed aesthetics. Designed for demanding applications including fire doors, escape routes and accessible entrances, the operator is capable of automating doors weighing up to 600 kilograms while delivering smooth, quiet and reliable performance. Darren Hyde, ADSA’s Head of Technical at ADSA, said: “The GU DTN 80 UFO is an excellent example of how innovation can address both technical and architectural requirements without compromise. Modern buildings increasingly demand solutions that combine accessibility, safety, performance and aesthetics, and this product demonstrates how those objectives can be successfully achieved within a single system.” The Product Design & Innovation – Electronic Award recognises cutting-edge developments in electronic access control and automation, highlighting technologies that advance building performance while supporting the evolving needs of architects, specifiers and building users. The awards are organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and celebrate excellence in the specification and design of architectural ironmongery throughout the construction industry. www.adsa.org.uk (L to R) Philip Goldberg - Em-B Solutions Ltd (GAI Vice President), Robert Rossall - Gretsch Unitas Limited, Craig Lakin - Gretsch Unitas Limited, Darren Hyde - ADSA Ellard and MDS Showcase the Strength of Partnership at The Fire Safety Event 2026 THE FIRE Safety Event 2026 provided the perfect platform for Ellard to showcase not only its latest fire safety motors & controls, but also the strength of its long-standing relationship with MDS Industries. Exhibiting together at the NEC Birmingham, the two companies welcomed visitors from across the fire safety sector to discuss the technologies, products and partnerships helping to shape the future of fire door and fire shutter systems. As one of the industry’s leading exhibitions, The Fire Safety Event brings together manufacturers, installers, specifiers and fire safety professionals to explore the latest developments in compliance, life safety and fire protection. For Ellard, the event offered an opportunity to demonstrate how strong partnerships play a vital role in delivering dependable solutions to the market. The collaboration between Ellard and MDS Industries continues to be built on a shared commitment to quality, technical expertise and customer support. By working closely together, both businesses are able to provide customers with solutions that combine reliable automation, fire safety compliance and quality industrial fire shutters. Throughout the event, the joint stand attracted visitors looking to discuss current projects, emerging industry challenges and future opportunities. Conversations highlighted the growing importance of collaboration across the supply chain, particularly as regulations evolve and customers seek increasingly integrated fire safety solutions. For Ellard, exhibiting alongside MDS Industries was a reflection of a partnership that extends far beyond a single event. It demonstrated the value of combining complementary expertise to better support customers and help deliver safe, reliable fire door and shutter systems across the industry. www.ellard.co.uk
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