Door Industry Journal - Spring 2015

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk entrance doors 78 THE door industry journal spring 2015 DURAPASS SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR RANGE GROWS AND ADDS INSULATION. Launched in November 2014, Garage Door Systems’ DuraPass side entrance door has just entered its second development phase, namely the addition of more styles and the introduction of an insulated panel version. Made-to-Measure sizes with standard lead times are the hallmark of the programme. DuraPass, which won an innovation award on launch, uses state-of-the-art production techniques to create a fully finished door, matching integral frame and threshold with a door face that removes corrosion risk by being free from any welding, fixings or rivets. “We’ve a long-term plan for the product range and the first enhancement was to broaden the range of styles - flush, medium and wide rib are just some of the additions. The new designs are styled to link them to the most popular garage door designs, making add-on sales for garage door specialists a much easier prospect.” Said Sales Director Paul McAdoo. He continued, “At the same time as the new styles, we’re introducing an insulated panel version - identical from the outside to the single skin version but with a sandwich construction of twin steel skins and insulating core. They close with a lovely solid clunk and we know they will be a popular choice.” DuraPass now has eight designs, each in insulated or single skin configuration and all featuring four-point ERATM lock/latches as standard. A range of handle finish options completes the new line up. Garage Door Systems’ £1m investment in the technology and machinery to build the DuraPass is proving a wise one, with over 2,300 doors already produced. “It’s been a great new venture for us and we’re confident that future development plans for the range will see even wider application of this outstanding product”, concluded Paul. For full details of the new DuraPass range, email Garage Door Systems at info@gdsdoors.eu GLASSTASTIC SERVICE FROM APEER Orders for Apeer’s bespoke glass artwork service are booming, thanks largely to an improving economy, along with growing awareness of the service have resulted in the recent surge of orders. Apeer is also one of the very few UK-based door manufacturers - if not the only one which has its own in-house glass studio that employs a team of 13 decorative glass technicians who hand craft its standard glazing designs to order, in addition to offering a completely bespoke glass design service. Already ahead of the field in terms of an almost unlimited colour offer and leading edge construction, Apeer’s reputation for decorative glass panels provides retailers with yet another point of difference for their customers. Says Lisa McClean, head of the in-house studio for Apeer: “Our bespoke work is becoming increasingly popular with people who really want to give their homes an individual look. They do that in all sorts of ways - from pictures of their pets or a favourite landmark to one we did recently with the couple’s names on it. “We’re even fairly flexible about small changes to our standard designs - something we are able to do because each one is made to order. “It means homeowners can create their own truly unique entrance system - something we are not aware that anyone else offers. “Obviously every piece of work we do is very time consuming and bespoke designs can add extra time onto the process, so we cost these according to the complexity of the design.” Reinforcing its position as a luxury end producer, Apeer’s glass studio is part of the company’s start-to-finish manufacturing facility at Ballymena in Northern Ireland. Bespoke designs for glass panels, sidelights and windows are individually drawn up in consultation with the homeowner but its standard glass designs are all featured on the company’s ‘Doorbuilder’ software system which is available to all Apeer stockists. For more information about Apeer visit www.apeer.co.uk