Hardware & Security

ADD VALUE TO THE SALE

WITH CARL F GROUPCO’S SMARTSECURE RANGE

With nearly 60% of homes now having some sort of smart home device, there has never been a better time for fabricators and installers to embrace the added value benefits of smart technology.

This is the view of John Crittenden, Managing Director of independently-owned hardware distributor Carl F Groupco who says. “Research shows that people value smart technology such as smart speakers, video doorbells and remotely-operated heating systems because they make life easier. That’s exactly what smart door technology offers, and here at Carl F Groupco, we have the products to help installers tap into consumer interest and add value to their sale.”

CARL F GROUPCO CELEBRATES 60-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH FUHR

Leading independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco is celebrating 60 years as a long-standing supply partner of FUHR, the renowned manufacturer of high-quality multipoint locking systems. John Crittenden, Managing Director of Carl F Groupco, said: “Carl F Groupco’s objective has always been to partner with major hardware brands to deliver the quality and reliability that our customers demand. This milestone anniversary demonstrates the strength of our partnership and the quality of the products FUHR provides. The synergy between the two businesses has allowed us to cement our reputation for high-quality hardware supply and we look forward to further developing this long-standing relationship in the future.”

Reflecting the value both companies place on long term supply partnerships, Andreas Fuhr, Managing Director of FUHR, commented: “As a family-owned business, we value the partnerships we have with all our customers and we are proud to have worked with Carl F Groupco for six decades. We have developed a mutual understanding of each other’s businesses to ensure we have remained a committed, long term partner for the ultimate benefit of their customers.”

Carl F Groupco carries the biggest FUHR range of products in the UK and is the company’s largest customer worldwide. Popular FUHR products include the bestselling Multisafe range of multipoint door locks including the 856 lever operated type three door lock which is PAS24:2016 and Secured by Design accredited. FUHR’s electromechanical door lock solutions are at the heart of Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure range. And the popular ‘slam shut’ locks, stable door, emergency and panic exit locks and tilt and turn hardware completes an impressive offer. John said: “We continually evaluate our hardware ranges to make sure they deliver what our customers need. FUHR is renowned for its quality, something that aligns with our core values and a reason the company has continued to be as strong supply partner for many years.” FUHR was founded in 1859 and has its headquarters in Heiligenhaus, Germany. The company consistently sets new standards for innovation and is one of the market leaders in the industry. Carl F Groupco operates across the UK, including to the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands, from distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld. Its experienced team is always on hand to offer advice on the most appropriate hardware solution for any project. The company provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware components. It prides itself on the long-standing relationships it has with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers but perhaps few will know just how longstanding those relationships are. As the 60-year anniversary of the partnership with FUHR shows, Carl F Groupco is a strong, stable and reliable partner committed to building long term relationships. It’s a commitment that delivers value to supply partners and customers alike. Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk “Smart technology is an exciting development for the industry and the latest technology has been designed to deliver safety, convenience, connectivity and peace of mind to homeowners. It is also an added value sale for the fabricator and installer and allows them to differentiate their offer from the competition.”

The comprehensive SmartSecure range of electronic door locking systems offers a suite of modular technology solutions that are perfect for both new and retro-fit projects in all sectors. The FUHR multitronic 881 Door Lock Kit is a complete electronic, motorised multipoint locking system with integrated panic function suitable for aluminium, timber, composite or PVC-U main entrance doors in residential and non-residential buildings. The intelligent SmartConnect easy access control system allows users to open doors with a smart phone or tablet. And the SmartTouch comfort is a transponder that allows users to unlock the door by moving towards it and gently touching a sensor. The popular Gilgen Electromechanical Door Opener range is fully compatible with the multitronic 881 to provide a complete electronic door solution.

With the Yale Conexis L1 Keyless Locking System, the homeowner’s Bluetooth enabled smartphone is now their door key and represents a new era in secure, smart home technology. John commented: “We know from feedback from our customers that young professionals, busy families and people with caring responsibilities are just some of the people who are particularly interested in this technology. In commercial settings, they offer valuable hygiene benefits too. Fewer touchpoints mean fewer opportunities for germ transmission, a benefit that has come into sharp focus postCovid 19.”

As with all products from Carl F Groupco, the SmartSecure range offers tried and tested solutions from world-renowned suppliers, so they combine the valuable combination of cutting-edge and reassuring reliability. John concludes: “Smart technology is an exciting development for the industry and the latest technology has been designed to deliver safety, convenience, connectivity and peace of mind to homeowners. It is also an added value sale for the fabricator and installer and allows them to differentiate their offer from the competition.” Tel: 01733 393 330 www.carlfgroupco.co.uk www.smartsecure.co.uk www.carlfdirect.co.uk

PARTNERING UP FOR A SMART FLUSH

KÖMMERLING, Kubu and CWG Choices have all worked together to develop the industry’s first ‘smart’ flush sash window using a new Avantis multi-point lock developed specifically for the project, that also includes an innovative concealed mullion option.

With the flush sash window market continuing to grow at a pace, this new development from three industry heavyweight’s points towards the fact that the market will enjoy accelerated adoption of this new window type, but also with smartsensor technology. The KÖMMERLING flush sash has also been designed to be a technically better product utilising a 6-chamber design with a 7th pseudo chamber and added material at the bottom leg to aid window production with TimberWeld, MechWeld and seamless welding technologies. The new range of Avantis multi-point locks ‘Works WithÆ’ Kubu as a sister brand of the mechanical engineering side of the business, while Kubu Smart is now a standalone business, firmly focused on developing the next generation of smartsensors for windows and doors of all materials.

CWG Choices has a long history with KÖMMERLING as a manufacturing and development partner, while their experience of the flush sash window market also goes back several years too. The partnership is one that has flourished over what has been a speedy development programme with sales from the midlands-based manufacturer expected to be strong over the course of the next few months and beyond. Kevin Warner, sales and marketing director of KÖMMERLING commented: ‘It’s been pleasing to experience a product development programme with all participants eager for success. Our flush sash window is a market leader by design and quality, whilst the Avantis hardware is very highly regarded too. The clever bit is when the windows are activated with the Kubu smart-sensor, something that will be showcased at the FIT Show in May.’ For information on Kubu visit kubu-home.com and for CWG it’s cwgchoices.com. For further information on KÖMMERLING please visit www.kommerling.co.uk, e-mail enquiries@profine-uk. com, phone 01623 579200 or visit stand D21 at the FIT Show.

You can also follow them on social media platforms including Twitter @ profineuk and @kommerling_uk.

LEADING UK HARDWARE PROTECTION MANUFACTURER ACQUIRES ‘INDUSTRY FIRST’ 3RD PARTY ACCREDITATION

Vanquish Hardware Protection has acquired a new 3rd party accreditation scheme – a move that has been described as a ‘game changer’ for intumescent hardware protection by the company’s Business Development Manager Mike Sutcliffe.

The leading UK manufacturer of precision Intumescent kits for rebated hardware in timber fire door assemblies has secured IFC (International Fire Consultants ltd) certification for both of its hardware protection products – FlexiFire® graphitebased and Fire Protectors phosphate-based intumescent.

The graphite-based FlexiFire® and the phosphate-based Fire Protectors expand upon exposure to heat, preventing heat transfer on rebated hardware, including hinges, locks and latches, flush bolts, door controls and letter plates, and sealing voids created during the rebating process. Vanquish will be the only UK hardware protection manufacturer with 3rd party certification and, explaining its importance, Mike said: “Hardware protection products are not CE or UKCA marked; the problem is intumescent materials are not made consistently across manufacturers, and can behave very differently from one another, so there is no minimum requirement for graphite content in graphite-based intumescent, for example, and no maximum activation temperature. “IFC 3rd party certification covers initial testing, includes audits to assess the consistency of production, and certified products are printed to ensure traceability throughout production. It really is a game changer for both us and hardware protection.” Vanquish boasts 30 years combined expertise and is expanding rapidly, with a second UK premises recently opened. “As the first standalone company dedicated to intumescent hardware protection, we have always led the way and the 3rd party accreditation scheme shows our continued commitment to keep doing that,” added Mike. “All hardware installed on fire doors must be fitted without compromising the integrity of the assembly and this is absolutely critical where hardware is rebated into the doorset. Now we can provide our customers with even more peace of mind and ensure our hardware protection products will perform as intended, ensuring life and property are kept safe at all times.” To find out more, visit https://www.vanquish-hp.co.uk/ or call 01725 578020.

PARTNERING UP FOR A SMART FLUSH

Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has just launched its latest product catalogue. Marketing Manager Clare White said: “This is our first major printed hardware publication since the pandemic began. It’s part of a huge investment in marketing during 2021 and 2022 and will help to take our brand presence to the next level.”

The catalogue features the most up to date hardware innovations from Carl F Groupco’s manufacturer partners including, Cotswold, FUHR, Glazpart, Greenwood, Hoppe, Kenrick, MACO, Roto, RW Simon, Siegenia, Strand and Yale. Clare commented: “Our catalogue is a comprehensive reference source for all the stocked products that Carl F Groupco offers.”

The new catalogue is now A4 in size in response to customer feedback. Clare said: “It’s important to give our customers what they need. They told us that A4 size was best for them and we listened. The extra space on every page has allowed us to clearly and concisely display product information, so it’s very easy to use.” The catalogue is the latest in a series of strategic marketing investments for Carl F Groupco. In Autumn 2021 the hardware distributor overhauled its digital presence when it relaunched the Carl F Groupco, SmartSecure and Carl F direct websites. Clare said: “Our marketing investments are all designed to create a seamless narrative for Carl F Groupco brands and help our customers with the information they need to deliver an exceptional experience. We will also be launching our new bespoke customer portal, My CFG, which is coming on stream later this year and will further strengthen the customer experience.” Carl F Groupco provides an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware components and has longstanding relationships with Europe’s most innovative manufacturers. It operates nationally, including to the Scottish Highlands and offshore islands, from distribution centres in Peterborough and Cumbernauld. The company was established in the 1950s and has a strong track record of providing the support their customers need to succeed, as its impressive new catalogue demonstrates. To request a free copy of the catalogue, visit the Carl F Groupco website or call the sales office on 01733 393330.

UAP OPENS THE DOOR TO SOCIAL HOUSING SAFETY IN BIRMINGHAM

The Decent Homes standard is designed to ensure that the homes of social housing tenants are well maintained and safe. Social housing landlords not only have this duty of care, but also need to manage their assets over an extended service life, maximising the availability of homes that are in high demand.

For Birmingham City Council, this manifests as a continuous capital works programme for more than 60,000 properties, which are maintained and refurbished on a regular basis. Construction company, Wates, is responsible for capital and property improvement works and responsive repairs for more than half of these properties, along with refurbishments of void homes in the east and west quadrants of the city. The £430m contract is the largest housing maintenance contract in Europe, and Wates works with door manufacturer, Shelforce, and UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware for doors and windows, to provide safe and secure doors across the portfolio of 31,000 homes.

SAFER & MORE SECURE

Birmingham City Council properties range from bungalows to tower blocks, where fire doors are required to slow the spread of fire and smoke from common areas into individual homes and vice versa. All door replacements involve FD30-rated fire doors, featuring fire-rated TS008 Soterian letterplates, Duo stainless steel door handles and spyholes from UAP. The latest tranche of door installations involves 2,000 Fireshel doors from Shelforce, fitted with a full set of UAP hardware.

The performance of the door hardware is critical to the safety and security performance of the whole door, so it is vital that UAP and Shelforce work collaboratively on specification and testing of the completed doorset. Approved Document Q: Security, Dwellings in 2015, requires doors to achieve PAS 24 certification; a rigorous testing process which ensures the factory assembled, fully pre-hung door and frame, including all hardware and locks, can withstand attempts to gain access. Composite fire doors, such as those installed at the homes in Birmingham, must also be tested as part of a complete door configuration, including all hardware, so UAP provides technical assistance throughout the specification and testing process to ensure that hardware is correctly installed, supporting first-time passing of the mandatory tests. In addition to offering excellent fire safety, aligned to the fire rating of the FD30-rated doors, the TS008 Soterian letterplates provided by UAP also provide excellent security and aesthetics. UAP has designed them with a pivoting stay mechanism, which reduces the internal flap projection to just 35mm from the door surface, giving a less intrusive feel to the door. This enables the door to open fully without the risk of any damage to the interior wall, an important factor in reducing property maintenance and delivering both safety and convenience for the tenant.

Enabling the door to open fully also plays a role in ensuring the properties comply with Equality Act regulations for disabled access. The DUO door handles supplied by UAP for installation on each door are also Equality Act compliant and have been designed with a tube-shaped handle for a comfortable grip when operating. With a 243mm long backplate, these handles provide a robust, high quality solution for entrance doors and UAP provides them with a lifetime guarantee, making them ideal for the best value approach required in social housing. Julian Roberts, technical services director at UAP commented: “In social housing environments, durability and service life are particularly important because the goal is to maximise tenant comfort, extend the service life of the property and reduce maintenance demand and costs. All the products we have been supplying to Shelforce fit those criteria.” The other key factor for the door hardware is safety. The Secured by Design certified UAP Spy Holes installed enable occupiers to check the identity of visitors before opening their door, helping them feel safer and be more secure in their homes.

SPECIFICATION SUPPORT

The door replacement programme is ongoing and so too is the collaboration between UAP and Shelforce.

Howard Trotter, business manager at Shelforce commented: “We have worked with UAP for just over a year and they have been fantastic. The team at UAP has been excellent in terms of providing information and advice when we need it.

“From a specification point of view, UAP listen to what we want and then try and match it. Specification is never a problem, and they provide clever choices that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.”

https://uapcorporate.com/