Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 24 THE door industry journal summer 2023 dhf Pays Tribute Following the Death of its Former Chairman, David Whitworth Door & Hardware Federation (dhf) is extremely sad to announce the death of one of its directors and former chairman, David Whitworth, who recently died at the age of 91. David started his lifelong career in architectural ironmongery when, in 1955, he joined his family’s business, Laidlaw & Thomson. Very soon afterwards, in 1958, he became the Managing Director. There followed a period of expansion which saw the business becoming one of the leading architectural ironmongers in the UK. Laidlaw & Thomson was a founder member of GAI (the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) in 1961 and David sat on the Executive Committee right from its formation. He was chairman of the GAI between 1968-1970 and, again, in 1978-1979, as well as being the president of ARGE, an association representing lock and hardware manufacturers throughout Europe. David was a member of the ABHM (Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers) Management Committee and was elected ABHM chairman in 2001. In 2004, he was a key player in ABHM’s merger with DSMA (the Door & Shutter Manufacturers’ Association) to form the new, larger, and stronger association, dhf. In 2007, he became chairman of dhf and, for several years, also chaired the newly formed dhf Building Hardware Group. Even after David stepped away from his chairmanship role at dhf, he continued to be a member of the dhf Board and take a keen interest, both in the growth, development, and ongoing success of the federation and in the industry as a whole. Bob Perry, dhf CEO, commented: “David’s knowledge and expertise of architectural ironmongery and building hardware were absolutely unparalleled. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to him for his extraordinary and outstanding commitment and contribution to dhf and the wider building hardware industry. We all join in expressing our condolences to David’s family and friends at this very sad time.” Ellard’s Innovative Approach to Product Development with 3D Printing Technology Ellard is dedicated to the constant innovation and growth of their products and business. They strive to provide simplicity without having to compromise power and performance. To aid in the development of products the company has invested in a new 3D printer and software, complete with a computer system and 3D printing process. The 2 nozzle print head makes light work, saving time whilst printing and in any colours required. With a large bed size of 300mm x 300mm, the printer is more than capable to handle a large portion of exciting upcoming projects. What’s Next? Whilst still in the early development of this new path for Ellard, they are continuing to expand. Recent uses have been the development of the limit drive mechanism for our new flange mount motor, which is currently undergoing rigorous testing. Other continuing developments using 3D printing are components and cases for future new control units. This new concept will give an innovative path for the design, development, and modification of new or existing products or use to produce prototype ideas. The team is excited to see what the future holds for the product development of Ellard. www.ellard.co.uk Industry News
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg2Nzk=