Door Industry Journal - Summer 2017

50 THE door industry journal summer 2017 domestic garage doors Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk SOMMER Innovation - with the German seal of approval SOMMER (The door operator specialists) are happy to announce that in the last few months they have been awarded with the “Innovation through research” seal of quality. It was awarded by the Donors’ Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany. This seal of quality is awarded to companies who stand out due to special achievements in research and development (R&D). Studies carried out by the association determined only one percent of 3.5 million German companies carry out their own research and development. The “innovation by research” seal of quality awarded every two years proves that SOMMER Antriebs-und Funktechnik exists as one of the leaders of innovation in Germany. The seal is awarded in the framework of a survey of “research and development of the German economy” that the association conducts every two years on the behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The German government also uses this data when creating policy regarding the economy, innovation and technology. This information is also used by companies, trade associations and research institutes as a foundation for decision-making. Dieter Walddoerfer, Managing Director of Technology at SOMMER, feels this award vindicates his strategy. According to Walddoerfer, around 5% of company turnover goes towards research and development, this is above the GDP used in Germany towards R&D based on figures released in 2014 which was 2.87%. In-house testing centre To complement our R&D department SOMMER also has its own test centre with over 34 different testing benches, a climate chamber as well as state-of-the art testing equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, aluminium level measuring devices, magnetic field testers and many more. “We invest an above average amount in R&D because for us, innovation is the key to remaining at the forefront in a competitive market with German production.” Explains Dieter Walddoerfer. SOMMER also places a great deal of emphasis on responsible production and sustainability with the certificates to demonstrate it. All this investment and these achievements results in SOMMER consistently producing top quality automation equipment for both domestic and industrial applications. If you would like to join SOMMER as a customer, whether it’s for garage door, gate or industrial door automation please get in touch via email at sales@sommeruk.com or by phone 01904 608 787. You can also find a great deal of useful information on the SOMMER website www.sommer.eu Make sure you call today and don’t forget to take a look at the summer offers in the garage door section of this magazine.