Door Industry Journal - Spring 2013

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk THE door industry journal spring 2013 The Door Industry Journal is pleased to announce a regular comment column from Steve Ross, Managing Director at Mul-T-Lock UK. Here, in the first of many to come, Mul-T-Lock looks at the increase in presence of electromechanical systems and argues the case not to forget mechanical innovation. New product and service development are essential to add value to any company. Mul-T-Lock is no different, and even as a global brand, we are never complacent. Mul-T-Lock is always looking for ways to add something our customers may not have been expecting, to enhance or even exceed their expectations, whilst at the same time staying abreast of latest industry standards to ensure our network of dealers is up to date. And so, whilst some have seen the continuingly difficult economic climate as time to close down the hatches and protect their assets, Mul-T-Lock believes this is the perfect opportunity to help determine the next chapter in the life of our core business, in mechanical product development. Mechanical v Electronic/Electromechanical There is no question that the industry has seen a shift towards electronic and electromechanical security solutions for homes and businesses in recent times - for example, we have seen year on year growth in demand for these door solutions, which offer technology and convenience without compromising on quality and often retaining high levels of security. But, we also know, the technological solutions can only work with a good mechanical locking system in place, to provide the physical connection between the door and its frame. For this reason alone mechanical security remains to be an important sector in the UK, which has an ever-changing landscape that requires constant innovation and product development. Good security will always depend on the locking mechanism, especially the quality of the cylinder. We can provide the most sophisticated, internet enabled, biometric scanning system in the world but if the locks are of poor design and poor quality, then security will be breached swiftly. It is really our responsibility as an industry to remind those responsible for security, whether of a home or business, of this back to basics approach. Upgrading Security There is another reason to be aware of upgrading security opportunities. The requirement for effective mechanical locking solutions is also set to increase dramatically as a result of product lifecycles, which will see a significant majority of locks requiring replacement. The life of a lock can be 10, 20 or 30 years and longer, so technology moves on in this period and there is no question that upgrading the lock cylinder on any door that is over 10 years old will deliver a significant improvement in protection from very little financial outlay. This is also particularly pertinent in public sector work programmes, especially in schools and healthcare, where Government funding is now ring fenced to refurbish many sites where security measures have often been in situ since the developments were built. Finally, the new CE regulations being enforced in July are significant. These changes will affect everyone that deals with fire and / or smoke doors and emergency exits. It is the responsibility of any contractor (such as a locksmith) to ensure at all times that the product they are installing is ‘fit for purpose’ and meets the requirements of the door and building. The real key to success is understanding the different market conditions and new opportunities, and being actively prepared to innovate and diversify, without affecting the core principles on which a company is built. For Mul-T-Lock, our foundation was built on trusted mechanical systems and we are committed to evolving our ranges to ensure the latest innovative products are available, not only to offer the highest level of patented protection but also to enable a one stop solution where electronic and electromechanical security requirements are specified. For more information, please visit www.mul-t-lock.co.uk mechanical innovation Steve Ross Managing Director Mul-T-Lock UK LORIENT EXPANDS ITS RANGE OF PRODUCTS WITH INTEGRAL ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION Lorient, leading door seal manufacturer recently launched integral antimicrobial protection into its range of popular door seals for sound, smoke, fire and thermal containment as standard, these include - Finesse™, DS, Batwing® and plain fire seals. In addition to this, Lorient is now introducing integral antimicrobial protection into a number of other products within its fire resistant glazing systems, and fire and smoke resistant dampers/ air transfer grilles ranges. Bacteria is usually transmitted by direct skin to skin contact, but it can live on common surfaces such as doors; and its ironmongery including door seals, air transfer grilles, and glazing systems etc. Hygiene is of paramount importance in public buildings such as hospitals and care homes; which are constantly under threat from bacterial cross-infection, from superbugs such as MRSA and E.coli. In these vulnerable environments, every precautionary measure counts. Products that now incorporate antimicrobial protection include Lorient’s vision intumescent style air transfer grilles LVV40 and LVC40, which can be used to provide up to 60 minutes fire resistance for fire and hot smoke; as well as Lorient’s new versatile 60 minute fire resistant glazing system - RF1®. Lorient incorporates antimicrobial technology during manufacture for maximum effectiveness; tested and proven to be up to 99% effective at killing a wide range of bacteria including MRSA and E.coli in independent laboratory tests. The active ingredient works by preventing the bacteria’s access to nutrients so that they starve and die - levels of bacteria on surfaces are significantly reduced over a 24 hour period. The technology, which is non-toxic, remains active on the surface of the seal for many years, due to its low water solubility. Many more products from the Lorient range will be available with integral protection in the future. For further details please visit www.lorientuk.com or call our Technical Services team on 01626 834252.