The Door Industry Journal

Friday, 28 March 2025

ZEROplus Launch School Safety Campaign — Supporting Schools this Spring

UK schools must consider many factors when implementing health and safety measures to keep staff and students safe.

Addressing potential safety issues like finger-trapping incidents and stale air can help ensure the safest, healthiest environment.

To support staff and improve school safety for everyone, ZEROplus are offering expert guidance on how innovative door hardware products can enhance an educational building's safety, security, and compliance.

Iain Banks, Operations Director, commented:

“Our goal with this campaign is to support UK schools by bringing to their attention the innovative safety door hardware products currently available.

“From practical safety tips and highlighting safety risks around doors to helping school staff select the best and correct door hardware to keep users safe, we aim to make it easier for schools to specify safety products that make a real difference.”

Tips for Safer, Better-Performing Doors in Schools

Schools are urged to consider the following door-related safety risks in their buildings:
Hinge-side finger trapping

Without finger protection guards, fingers have the potential to become trapped in the hinge side of a door.

Handle-side accidents

Doors that slam shut can potentially trap fingers, hands, and more. An anti-slam device eradicates this risk.

The correct installation & maintenance of fire-door hardware

The hardware used on your fire doors should always be fire-rated, appropriately installed, and regularly maintained to ensure effectiveness.

Reducing collision risk

Door closers are a legal requirement for fire doors; they ensure your doors close properly and securely and reduce the risk of collisions and tripping.

If you need your fire door to be held open for free access, an electromagnetic fire door closer can be linked to your building’s fire alarm system, ensuring that in the event a fire or power failure the closer will close your fire door.

Minimising stale air

Ventilation louvres fitted in doors and partitions promote the flow of fresh air into and around a building, helping to remove excess CO2, VOCs, and air containing virus particles.

In addition to their safety advice and door hardware expertise, ZEROplus is giving away 50 branded stainless steel water bottles to UK school staff.

Iain continues:

“As a thank you to staff who work hard in our schools every day, we're giving away 50 stainless steel water bottles to help teachers and school staff stay hydrated during the warmer months.”

To learn more about ZEROplus' School Safety Campaign, access tips or discover the latest in door hardware, visit zeroplus.co.uk/pages/schoolsafety.

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Thursday, 27 March 2025

Wet weather toughness guaranteed with new Stronghold® Solid Stainless Steel range from Squire

Leading lock maker Squire has launched a range of premium marine grade padlocks, manufactured from solid stainless steel and designed to offer unbeatable performance in extreme wet weather conditions.

Designed for use in high-security environments, the Stronghold® Solid Stainless Steel range of locks have been salt spray tested to 480 hours and meets the European corrosion resistance standard (EN 1670 – Grade 5), providing unparalleled durability for a host of applications.

Ideal for marine, critical infrastructure, container units or anywhere that is exposed to the elements, the Stronghold® Stainless Steel range offers heavy-duty protection through their solid stainless steel bodies and shackles, which provide a highly weather resistant and rust-proof finish.

The locks build upon the security and durability of the standard Stronghold® range, with the addition of enhanced weather resistance.

The ST75 lock offers superior security for securing containers in all weathers, while the ST65 or ST50 ranges provide a choice between closed, standard or open shackles in a 50mm or 65mm body.

An anti-drill cylinder also provides maximum security to your premises, protecting against tampering through lock drilling.

For convenience, the Stronghold® Stainless Steel padlocks are available as ‘keyed alike’, meaning one key can operate multiple padlocks.

This is a particularly useful feature for keyholders who may wish to specify multiple Stainless Steel padlocks in one facility.

John Squire, CEO of Squire, says:

“We are delighted to launch the Stronghold® Solid Stainless Steel padlocks, providing a highly durable, incredibly weatherproof solution for a variety of marine and extreme weather environments.
“At Squire, we are proud to provide the highest standards of quality and security to our customers.
“By adding these locks to our range, we are proving our commitment, testing to the highest levels of salt spray and European corrosion standards, and ensuring our customers have a selection of high-quality padlocks to choose from.”

With a host of features to bolster security, the Stronghold® Stainless Steel locks also benefit from:

A six-pin tumbler lock mechanism – double locking (ST50, ST65 only)
A replaceable cylinder
Over 260,000 key differs

The Stronghold® Solid Stainless Steel locks are available to purchase now from Squire retailers.

To find out more, please visit: https://squirelocks.co.uk/collections/stronghold-stainless-steel

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Wednesday, 26 March 2025

The Spring 2025 Door Industry Journal is available online now!

Welcome to the Spring 2025 Issue of the DIJ - Spring has sprung, and the flowers are in bloom, so what better way to celebrate than with a new edition packed full of industry news and views?

This season, I’ve selected our ‘Top Ten Blooms of Spring’ to highlight some particularly interesting reads:

Bloom 1 – SIMONSWERK is sprouting up at the FIT Show for its debut appearance (page 10)

Bloom 2 – SOMMER DOCO strengthens its roots with a new manufacturing facility in Rochdale (page 18)

Bloom 3 – Spring into safety with this egg-cellent comparison of fire curtains versus fire shutters (page 24)

Bloom 4 – Cooks Doors celebrates 60 blooming years in business. (page 32)

Bloom 5 – Hörmann UK and Skanska’s new £259m Ministry of Defence project is hatching nicely in Tewkesbury (page 70)

Bloom 6 – Everything’s bigger in Texas, including Jewers Doors’ Phoenix installation that’s blossoming across the pond (page 74)

Bloom 7 – Alliance Door Engineering’s new high-speed door is ready to spring into action soon (page 78)

Bloom 8 – Allegion UK’s finger protection systems ensure your digits stay egg-stra safe (page 94)

Bloom 9 – ARRONE is no April fool when it comes to letterplates that address security concerns (page 116)

Bloom 10 – Our basket of spring funnies – each one guaranteed to make you crack up! (page 121)

There is plenty more to keep you growing inside. Whether you’re enjoying chocolate eggs over the Easter period or simply appreciating the longer, brighter days, I hope this issue brings you fresh industry insights.

I’ll be back with you again in the summer.

Derek Hibbart

Editor, Door Industry Journal

www.dijonline.co.uk

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Tuesday, 25 March 2025

It’s March Madness – Hörmann expand Installer Rewards

Hörmann UK has announced that it has expanded its Rewards loyalty programme to include eight new redeemable rewards, which are all ‘must-haves’ in any installer’s toolkit.

Installers now have the choice of nineteen different items to redeem against their accumulated points, including power tools, vouchers and a Makita Jobsite radio, a necessity for any building site.

The Hörmann Rewards programme is hailed as the first independent loyalty programme of its kind in the market. It operates by awarding points every time one of its featured products is installed and logged—with points equalling rewards.

Logging installations is easy. It is carried out via a simple website and consists of three straightforward steps. Installers register online, and then for each installation, they submit a short form together with a photo.

Fitters can then visit their dashboard to see the points they have earned and the list of rewards against which they can be redeemed. Installations of the full range of Hörmann Truedor composite doors and RollMatic T garage doors now qualify for the scheme.

Installers are encouraged to visit the Hörmann stand at the FIT show in April (stand H20, Hall 9) to find out more about the Rewards programme, join the scheme and have the chance to win a composite door and many more prizes.

To learn more about the Rewards programme, contact your Hörmann Area Sales Manager or visit the Hörmann Rewards website.

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Monday, 24 March 2025

There’s More to a Garage Door Than Just Good Looks!

Everyone wants a stylish garage door, and thanks to advancements in materials, design, and technology, modern garage doors can be a striking feature in any home.

However, leading garage door manufacturer Garador emphasises that there’s much more to a garage door than just aesthetics.

"Modern garage doors are built on advanced technology—and not just for opening mechanisms," says Jon Watson, Managing Director of Garador.

"As a leader in garage door manufacturing, we offer the latest in automatic openers, from smart hub and smartphone control to fingerprint recognition. But technology goes even further than that."

Jon highlights Garador’s Durabelt system, introduced for its popular GaraGlide roller garage doors.

"This innovative system features a special belt made from microcellular polyurethane elastomer, designed to reduce marks and scratches on the curtain surface. It ensures smooth operation and enhances the longevity of the door. It may seem like a small detail, but it makes a significant difference," he explains.

Beyond convenience, Garador continues to focus on security, insulation, and sustainability.

"We offer some of the most secure garage doors in the British domestic market," says Jon. "We were among the first manufacturers to achieve full Secured by Design accreditation. Our Guardian range for steel up-and-over doors provides especially high security."

Energy efficiency is another priority.

"A well-insulated garage helps keep stored items warm and dry while also contributing to lower energy bills," Jon adds.

"Our premium sectional doors feature 42mm-thick double-skin steel sections, filled with 100% CFC-free PU rigid foam, delivering outstanding insulation with U-values as low as 1.30 W/m²K."

Garador’s commitment to innovation extends to environmental responsibility.

"We’ve been manufacturing garage doors in Somerset for over 70 years, but staying ahead means embracing change," Jon says.

"A few years ago, who would have thought we’d install 1,600 solar panels on our roof as part of our sustainability strategy?"

"By continuing to innovate, I have no doubt that Garador will remain a leader in garage door manufacturing for many years to come."

Find out more about Garador’s wide range of garage doors by speaking to one of their friendly advisers at 01935 443 700 or visiting www.garador.co.uk.

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Sunday, 23 March 2025

Rock royalty’s Cadillac going under the hammer

A 1971 Cadillac first owned by the late John Entwistle, fabled bassist with rock group The Who, is up for auction.

Estimated at £15,000 - £25,000 it will go under the hammer with H&H Classics on Wednesday 9th April in its auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

The 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five Limousine, one of just 848 examples made, is reputedly the inspiration for his 1973 song ‘Big Black Cadillac’.

The car was imported by John Entwistle from America during The Who’s heyday and became part of the legendary bass player’s entourage, with period photos showing it parked outside John Entwistle’s house and also in the grounds of bandmate Keith Moon’s estate.

The rare model is finished in black with black leather upholstery and appears to be substantially original. It is now offered for sale from a private collection.

John Markey, motorcar specialist at H&H Classics, said:

“This American classic has lived a fascinating life and if only cars could talk then I’m sure it will have plenty of tales to tell.

“Of course, with such a close connection to one of the UK’s greatest ever rock bands, I’m sure it will attract much interest from fans and car enthusiasts wanting to own an important piece of classic car culture.”

All lots will be available to view in person at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford from midday on Tuesday 8th and from 9am on Wednesday 9th April, while the sale then commences at midday.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid.

For more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading specialist automotive auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the classic and collector vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an easy and enjoyable experience.

Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.

To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk

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Saturday, 22 March 2025

Strand Hardware Boss Marks Quarter Century of Leadership

Strand Hardware is celebrating a remarkable career milestone as Company Chair Catherine Franks marks 25 years with the company.

Since joining the business in 1999, Catherine has been instrumental in its growth and development, solidifying Strand Hardware’s position as a leading supplier of high-quality door and window hardware solutions.

Strand Hardware was founded in 1991 by Jonathan Franks. His daughter, Catherine, stepped into the business in 1999, later taking over as Managing Director in 2006. In 2022, she transitioned into the role of Company Chair, continuing to provide strategic direction and leadership.

Under her direction, the company has expanded its portfolio, strengthened relationships with European manufacturers and enhanced its reputation for technical expertise and customer service.

Reflecting on her 25-year journey, Catherine said:

“It has been an incredible experience to grow with the company and see how the industry has evolved over the years. Our focus has always been on delivering high-quality products and exceptional service and I’m proud to be part of a team that shares these values. Moving into the role of Company Chair has allowed me to focus on the long-term strategy of the business while supporting the fantastic team we have in place.”

Sales Director Craig Fox added:

“Catherine’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in the success of Strand Hardware. Her deep industry knowledge, commitment to excellence, and dedication to customer service have made a lasting impact. We are excited to continue building on her legacy as we drive the company forward.”

Strand Hardware is well known for its customer-centric approach, offering bespoke solutions and expert guidance to its customers. The company remains the exclusive UK distributor for several European brands, reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation.

Beyond her role at Strand Hardware, Catherine has been actively involved in the industry, serving on the judging panel for the GAI/RIBA Specification awards and more recently, she co-founding Strand Technologies, to enable expansion into technology-driven solutions for safety, security, and control.

For more information about Strand Hardware’s extensive range of products visit: www.strandhardware.co.uk or call 01922 639111

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Friday, 21 March 2025

Openings Studio™ free trial now available for trade customers

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is offering new and existing trade customers a free 6-month trial of its Openings Studio™ BIM software solution.

Openings Studio™ can be used to aid with doorset specification and installation, as well as helping to defend against unwarranted counter charges or unacceptable excuses from customers to stall payments that are due.

Openings StudioTM is a unique software platform designed specifically for the door and hardware industry. Managing door assets from specification, through manufacturing, installation and product in service, this unrivalled program genuinely delivers the full expectations of the Golden Thread.

Whilst many other applications claim to facilitate the Golden Thread by maintaining after-sales records, Openings StudioTM connects this activity right back to design intent, providing real time evidence of design development, change management and product history and therein giving all stakeholders additional peace of mind.

Information stored within the Openings StudioTM cloud environment enables buildings to be safely and effectively designed, constructed and operated, providing a genuine seamless link between design intent during the specification process onto the product in service.

Every door logged in Openings StudioTM is automatically assigned a unique digital asset tag, which ASSA ABLOY affix to the door as an RFID Tag. The asset tag functionality enables the registered user direct access through the Mobile App to the individual door details; including product specification, hardware schedules, product data sheets, photographic evidence of factory inspections, but most importantly, gives our Trade Partners the opportunity to add digital records of onsite installation and ongoing service history.

Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Openings StudioTM, said:

“We are always looking at ways we can support our trade customers, and one of their pain points is unwarranted counter charges often incurred from projects, or unreasonable excuses from their customers for delaying much needed payments. With limited or disputable evidence to respond to these claims, they often find themselves out of pocket.

“However, Openings StudioTM provides the crucial golden thread of information to demonstrate any work that has been carried out both in the factory and on site. For example, data capture such as inspection reports and photos or videos saved via the RFID asset tagging functionality can be used as evidence to support dialogue and defend against any counter charges or delayed payments. The application also provides real time reporting demonstrating project completion progress, outstanding works and final inspection reporting.

“Through the Mobile App, an after-sales custom reporting tool can be used to complete compliance checks on the installed product in service, such as fire door inspections or operational maintenance checks and keep record of any updates, changes or replacements.

“ASSA ABLOY is committed to supporting valued customers by ensuring fair trade throughout the supply chain, but also maintaining record of their involvement in, and commitment to the golden thread, and providing their customers with extra peace of mind.

“We encourage our trade customers to take advantage of this free trial to see the benefits of the solution for themselves.”

To take advantage of this free trial, go to www.assaabloy.com

To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions and the range of products and services it provides, go to www.assaabloy.com/uk/en.

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Thursday, 20 March 2025

Squire to showcase Bluetooth innovation at The Security Event 2025

Squire will be presenting its inigma smart wireless access control system at The Security Event, showcasing the brand’s latest innovation into smart security technology on stand 5/B119.

inigma allows users to control access to compatible locks through Bluetooth, using a smart key programmed through the dedicated app to offer a smarter, more convenient way for users to take control of their security. The smart key can operate multiple locks, even in remote locations, and keyholders can grant and remove access as required.

At the three day event, attendees will be able to witness the technology in action alongside Squire’s range of inigma-compatible padlocks and cylinders.

Having recently achieved a level 3 BSI Kitemark™ for Secure Digital Applications, the highest grade possible achieved by no other system or product, inigma is ideal for facility managers who often carry several key sets. Adopting inigma eliminates the need for multiple keys or costly replacements should they be mislaid.

Offering end-to-end encryption, inigma builds upon Squire’s reputation for creating highly secure, highly accredited security solutions. inigma integrates with a range of Squire padlocks, including the world’s strongest padlock, the SS100cs, as well as a selection of door lock cylinders.

Visitors to the Squire stand will also be able to see the inigma Integrator for the first time, which adds an extra layer of security for businesses by instantly recognising an approved smartphone with the inigma app downloaded. This allows the connected padlock to open immediately, offering enhanced convenience to users.

Attendees of the show will also have the chance to view a new Bluetooth padlock from Squire, which allows users with the correct permissions to unlock the padlock from their smartphone.

Andy Hudson, inigma Product Manager at Squire, explains:

“In more recent years we have seen a huge shift in the market. Customers are looking for additional convenience in the form of smart security, and we’re proud to provide that with inigma.

“We’re looking forward to introducing visitors to The Security Event to inigma, showcasing the power of the technology and how it can seamlessly integrate into their existing Squire security solutions.

“inigma creates a connected network of security, from padlocks to door hardware, offering increased accessibility to key holders. We’d love to speak to anyone attending the event about how inigma can help to provide peace of mind, security and functionality for a range of business uses.”

Visit Squire at stand 5/B119 across the three days of The Security Event 2025 to speak to the experts about how this technology can benefit your business and find out more about inigma.

For more information on Squire, please visit: https://squirelocks.co.uk/

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Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Hörmann RollMatic Roller Doors Awarded Secured by Design Accreditation

Following the success of their Door Secure Team video and social media campaigns highlighting that not all roller garage doors are the same, and the fact some are not fit for purpose, Hörmann have announced that their RollMatic T and RollMatic 2 roller garage doors can now be supplied with Secured by Design (SBD) as standard.

Established in 1989, SBD is the flagship security accreditation that has instant industry recognition.

Created by the UK Police Force to support the designing out of crime, the accreditation means that the Hörmann doors have undergone stringent security and safety tests to ensure they have been manufactured and designed with the customer's security in mind.

This has been verified through independent testing, which involved a prolonged brute force attack, demonstrating the strength and robust nature of the doors.

SBD accreditation is an optional extra that is simply selected when ordering a RollMatic door and is at no additional cost.

For the accreditation to be valid, doors should be installed behind the brickwork and not include any glazing options or external releases.

SBD roller doors can be supplied in a range of sizes - widths between 1601mm and 3000mm and heights of 2000mm to 3100mm maximum.

Registration of the door will take place automatically when an order is placed.

David O’Mara, Marketing Manager at Hörmann UK, said:

“Our slightly controversial yet fun approach to highlighting the inferior performance of some roller garage doors on the market has certainly been noticed and achieved results.

“We have seen an impressive 40% increase in sales of our RollMatic doors when compared with last year, with our Door Secure Team helping to educate the market that low-cost garage doors are just not the answer.

“We have now further added to our market-leading credentials for supplying high quality and secure roller doors with the recent SBD accreditation for both RollMatic T and RollMatic 2.

“Dealers can now be assured a Hörmann roller garage door will provide them with an easy-to-fit, high-performance door - that they can ‘fit and forget,’ whilst end consumers have the added peace of mind that their roller door is one of the most secure on the market.”

To see the Door Secure Team in action, scan the QR code provided or click THE DOOR SECURE TEAM | HÖRMANN ROLLMATIC T

For further information on Hörmann UK’s RollMatic T Roller garage door, visit Hörmann Roller Garage Doors or call 01530 516868

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