Door Industry Journal - Spring 2021

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Automated Gates & Barriers Large scale disruption at ports would have hit business hard but, as Darren Weatherill, Operations Director at Alucorb Ltd, explains, there have been no problems with getting gates to installers: “We were a little concerned in the run up to the UK leaving the EU,” he explains, “but our deliveries have continued and there has been little or no disruption for our “Portaliers” as a result of the new Brexit legislation. In fact, we have had large deliveries coming through the ports on time every week.” This is good news for a business that has seen an increasing number of installers signing up to become “Portaliers” - gate installation companies throughout the UK, who install HorizAL products in their own regional area. Each regional UK ‘Portalier’ is trained by Alucorb in all sales and technical aspects of HorizAL swinging, sliding or cantilevered aluminium gates, as well as all other associated products - such as matching pedestrian gates and fencing. Every ‘Portalier’ gets their own homepage on the horizal.co.uk website, featuring personalised content, as well as full colour brochures, business cards, a price list, technical brochures, colour catalogues and a range of demonstration materials and samples, including two gates – normally one powder-coated and one woodgrain finish. “Portaliers” also benefit from a 3D configurator with augmented reality, which installers can use to create a 3D recreation of any site to demonstrate to their own customers, which is a big boost to sales. And each ‘Portalier’ is entitled to unlimited sales, marketing and installation training. Each gate is made from ‘Qualimarine’ grade aluminium and then finished using ‘Qualicoat-2’ powder-coating process, both of which are officially of the highest European standard. Before leaving HorizAL, all gates are rigorously factory-tested and CE marked, with a full ten year guarantee protecting not only product-build, but also any UV discolouration and all adverse weather effects. When the gates make it onto these shores, they go through a full QC inspection on arrival at Stockport for any signs of transportation damage. Following this, every ‘Portalier’ receives their orders on a dedicated vehicle as and when requested on a timed delivery. The ‘Portalier’ concept is proving so popular – and demand for products is so high – that Alucorb is actively seeking additional warehousing and office space to help facilitate the increasing rate of growth. “All in all, despite everything we have all had to face, we’ve had a good 2020 and are surging ahead in 2021,” comments Darren. “There is obviously the continued presence of COVID-19 to contend with, but we are managing to remain fully staffed and are working incredibly hard to offer the best customer service, which ensures we retain customer loyalty. So, it’s no surprise that the ‘Portalier’ network continues to grow and thrive. But there are still opportunities available across the country, so anybody who is interested in becoming a ‘Portalier’, should stop thinking and pick up the phone! A chat costs you nothing, but if you leave it too late you could lose the opportunity.” Don’t miss out – call 0161 4065910 today to discover more about becoming a ‘Portalier’. Or visit Alucorb’s website: www.horizal.co.uk 93 THE door industry journal spring 2021