The Locksmith Journal Jul/Aug 2020 - Issue 69 | Page 10

Industry News MANUFACTURING TO MEET MARKET RECOVERY » SINCE MID-MARCH, INDUSTRY leader Yale has continued to operate at an albeit reduced level to ensure a productive yet safe working environment for employees, and manageable progression in the supply chain. The majority of the brand’s product sales are manufactured in the UK or sourced from ASSA ABLOY factories around the world – these short supply chains are inherently strong and flexible which, in turn, has allowed Yale to adjust its operations to meet market demand and customer requirements. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director at Yale, comments: “Countries that were in lockdown ahead of the UK are now back at work with orders and deliveries in high-demand and we see this happening week by week in the UK. We hope this growth is sustained and indicative of what’s to come for the rest of 2020 and into 2021 for the UK.” Due to the strength of Yale’s operations, dedicated employees, and the preparation work it has undertaken, the brand has retained its inherent commitment to quality and continuity of supply during the COVID crisis, while providing its customers with the peace of mind that Yale is more than prepared for the vigorous market recovery we are currently experiencing. During the lockdown, Yale’s team of technical experts have been working continuously on new product development, and as such have been able to launch the brand new Yale Vertex™ range of decorative window hardware for vertical sliding windows earlier than anticipated. Additionally, the security hardware experts at Yale are also in the late stages of developing a new smart door and window product range, designed to fit into the frame with existing hardware, aimed primarily at the fabricator. During this period, Yale has been preparing its operations and functionality for a post Lockdown era, rapidly gearing up for higher volumes and returning employees from furlough. All while sales and customer services teams have continued to stay on top of order books and immediate requirements. With revised manufacturing and office layouts, new ways of operating, stringent cleaning, and hygiene routines throughout all of Yale’s sites, employee safety is the first priority. Yale has also worked closely with its suppliers and logistics partners to ensure that it has the materials to support operations and the fulfilment of growing customer requirements. www.yaledws.co.uk Yale enters partnership » YALE HAS JOINED forces with Schneider Electric, Somfy and Danfoss to provide new solutions for the modern home in an increasingly digital world. As partners in the ‘Connectivity Ecosystem’, Yale is putting its expertise and data at the service of solutions to help consumers feel safer and more comfortable; addressing specific touchpoints like door handles, access code panels and door entry systems to create a completely touch free solution. Together, each brand is focused on how to evolve antimicrobial solutions (bacteria killing materials on switches), hands-free solutions (motorised shutters, blinds and doors), smarter systems to control access (entrance solutions providing counting and realtime control of temperature) and air quality systems via automation of windows, among others. www.yaledws.co.uk 10 JUL/AUG 2020 locksmithjournal.co.uk Issue Takeover Magazine Sponsor