COMMERCIAL SECTOR
PRODUCTIVITY & PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENTS
» WINKHAUS UK LAUNCHED TWO KEY additions to the aluPilot modular aluminium window fitting system at this year’ s FIT Show, and hosting daily live fabrication demonstrations, where aluminium system houses, fabricators and their installers can witness aluPilot’ s productivity benefits for themselves.
aluPilot Enhancements
Alastair Wheeler- Aluminium Systems Manager at Winkhaus commented:“ aluPilot’ s modular system approach already provides system designers a variety of options to meet the requirements of Approved Document M( ADM) Lifetime Homes, now further expanded with the introduction of these additions to the range.
“ The first, aluPilot Comfort OBALK, allows variable handle positioning, including for users who need a lower operating position that meets the design requirements of Part M of building regulations.
“ The second launch is Child Safety OBALKS, a new 100mm safety restriction solution incorporating two turn modes and tested to EN 13126-5, ideal for multiple applications across our customers projects, including apartment balconies.”
Demonstrating Productivity and Optimisation
aluPilot fabrication demonstrations were held daily, with the team available to answer any questions customers may have on the aluPilot modular fitting system, bespoke solutions, compliance and of course the new additions to the product range.
Alastair advises:“ Starting with bespoke packaging solutions, tailored for each window design, with all the components in one box. This streamlines both the order and inventory process, and the organisation of assembly stations. Speed of fabrication and the potential to save up to 20 minutes per window is delivered
through the quick fitting components, simply clicked into place, eliminating the need for machining the sash profile and screwing the fitting system into place. Drive rods provide further savings, with no cutting or punching of connecting rods, or profile grooves required, leading to no waste from offcuts, again all clicked into place without the need for screws.”
www. winkhaus. co. uk
DHF TO SPONSOR AWARD AT THE AFI UK FENCING AWARDS
» THE AFI AWARDS FEATURE NINE award categories that are open to contractors, distributors, and manufacturers with installer networks, covering areas within the industry that range from Agricultural and Equine, to Highways and Railways, and Gates and Barriers.
The Gate & Barrier Contractor of the Year award is a category for contractors to demonstrate the quality of their work across all sectors; this includes standards of precision, attention to detail, innovation, creativity and flair. Entries for this category must also include a Risk Assessment Method Statement( RAMS), a Compliance & Residual Risk Assessment, and a Declaration of Conformity, all of which are essential to demonstrate the safety, regulatory compliance, and professional integrity of the completed installation.
“ These requirements align closely with DHF’ s own commitment to promoting best practice and safe working standards across the industry,” explains DHF’ s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill.“ Given the strong synergy between DHF and AFI, we are proud to support this initiative and continue playing an active role in championing excellence across the sector. The awards present a fantastic opportunity for DHF members to gain recognition for their work and showcase their commitment to excellence in gate and barrier installation.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 13th November at Mercedes- Benz World, and as a sponsor, DHF’ s Steve Hill will be a representative on the judging panel, playing an integral role in evaluating entries and selecting both finalists and the overall category winner.
DHF has been involved in the automated gate industry since 2011 when it formed the Automated Gate Group.
The Group now has 348 members and has played a major role in raising the industry’ s understanding about the safety elements involved in a compliant and safe gate installation. It offers a number of gate safety training courses which can be taken online or at its training academy based near Tamworth.
www. afiorg. uk www. dhfonline. org. uk
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MAY 2025
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