Door Industry Journal - Spring 2012

Also online at: www .doorindustryjournal.co.uk 42 THE door industry journal spring 2012 garage doors CE MARKING DRIVES CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GARAGE DOOR MAKERS AND INSTALLERS Co-operation continues to increase between the DHF Garage Door Manufacturers’ Group and the Garage Door Installer and Distributor Group. And one of the driving factors is the increasingly important role CE marking is playing in the development of the industry. DHF garage door manufacturing members have been CE marking their products for some considerable time. But installers have their responsibilities under CE marking legislation, too. In fact, it is against the law to install a power operated garage door in the UK without complying with the Machinery Directive. To comply, the door and the power operator used in the installation must have a declaration of incorporation from the manufacturer to enable the CE mark to be applied. At a recent joint meeting held between the DHF garage door manufacturers and installers, the importance of CE marking was emphasised. David Newcombe, of DHF manufacturer member Hörmann UK, highlighted a case where a child was crushed by a garage door, and in the ensuing law suit the manufacturer of the door, the company that installed the door, and the owner of the property where the accident happened were all jointly held legally responsible. The theme of the joint meeting was “working together”, and David made the point that close co-operation over CE marking protected the interests of both manufacturers and installers. “We all want our products, which are all CE marked, and take a lot of time and money to develop and distribute, to be fitted well by competent and responsible installers. And that’s why all leading manufacturers are endorsing this joint initiative.” He then went on to demonstrate the benefits of CE marking both to installers and their customers. “From our point of view, the best reason to CE mark and be a member of the DHF is to differentiate your offer from that of your competitor.” Where, sadly in all too many cases, the deal is done on price alone, he pointed out that commitment to CE marking and to membership of the DHF, helps add extra value to the project and gives extra credibility to members over non DHF member competitors. In a presentation given by DHF installation member Paul Bate, of Nortech Garage Doors Ltd, installers heard what they were required to do under CE mark legislation and how easy it is to comply. *The ranks of the DHF Garage Door Installer and Distributor Group are likely to be swelled following the joint meeting. Of the 74 delegates, no less than 41 of them were non -DHF members, predominantly installers. Already several have applied for membership of the Garage Door Installer and Distributor Group, and it is confidently expected more will follow. Julie Chester - Chairman of The Garage Door Installer and Distributor Group Bob Perry - Executive Chairman of The Door and Hardware Federation NEW OPPORTUNITY: DEALERS WANTED To sell and install Flatpacked Garages and Garden Sheds Ryterna Garage Doors’ Mobile Buildings department produces ready to assemble sheds and garages that provide an alternative product for garage door installation companies to offer their customers. If you are looking to extend your business into new product areas and would like to be considered to become a regional dealer/agent please contact: Narimantas Bundza, Head of Sales at Ryterna on UK mobile number 07719 710525 or email sales@ryterna.co.uk . To learn more about the products, read the full article in the Product News section on page 56 and for more about Ryterna visit: www.ryternagaragedoors.co.uk