Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 9 THE door industry journal winter 2024 Industry News Celebrating 40 Years of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association: A Legacy of Safety, Standards & Success In 2025, the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, acknowledging the key milestone in its journey from aspirational beginnings to becoming the leading authority in the automatic door industry in the UK. With four decades of unwavering dedication to safety, standards, and professional excellence, ADSA has shaped the industry in the UK and beyond. As the association heads into commemorating this momentous occasion, we reflect on its origins, achievements, and its role in advancing innovation and safety in the automatic door sector. The Birth of ADSA: 1985 1985: Margaret Thatcher was PM, the coal miners’ strike began, Torvill and Dean won gold at the Winter Olympics, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Wham! and Duran Duran were topping the charts. Meanwhile, representatives from four forward-thinking automatic door manufacturers - Besam, W Langley & Co, Stanley Magic Door and Dor-O-Matic - gathered in London for ADSA’s inaugural meeting. They were driven by a clear vision: to establish a collective body for developing industry-wide standards, safety promotion, and collaboration. A constitution was established, Michael Haddon-Grant was elected as ADSA’s first chair, and secretarial and administrative support was acquired through a strategic partnership with the National Association of Shopfitters—aligned by automatic door requirements for retail outlets. These founding fathers created a Defined Code of Practice (DCOP)—a framework for industry regulation. ADSA’s early efforts were crucial in bringing structure to an industry that was increasing in size due to legislative requirements for greater building accessibility. Defining Safety: The BS7036 Standard (1988) and DDA (1992) Three years later, ADSA made a landmark contribution by influencing the creation of the BS7036 Safety Standard, derived from its DCOP. This pivotal moment established guidelines for the safe use and installation of automatic doors, ensuring better user protection across various built environments. ADSA’s role in spearheading inclusivity is also significant. In 1992, the association actively prepared for the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), ensuring all automatic door sets and installations met requirements and helping key buildings to become accessible to all. Advancements and Innovations: 1996-2000 During the mid-90s there were continued efforts to revise and refine industry standards. In 1996, the BS7036 Safety Standard underwent revision, taking into account new technology and safety requirements. ADSA also launched its first certificated qualification for technicians, cementing its role in professional development. A pivotal moment came in 1997 when ADSA was incorporated as a limited company, establishing itself as the ‘voice of the industry’ It moved its operations from London and the South East to the Midlands, establishing a registered office in Lichfield and later moving to Tamworth. Around this time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Safety Notice (SN(02)) became another key driver, further emphasising the importance of safety in the operation and maintenance of automatic doors. As the new millennium beckoned, ADSA focused on regulatory compliance, particularly in emergency escape scenarios. In 2000, ADSA successfully lobbied for Scottish regulations on emergency escape systems, ensuring that automatic doors were not only safe but also effective in emergencies. Two members were key to this achievement: John Robb, who now works for Record UK, was a member of ADSA’s technical committee and remains so today, and Paul Watson, of RTR, a current member of the ADSA executive team. This period also marked the association’s involvement in CEN standard development, reinforcing its role as an international player in the automatic door sector.
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