HARDWARE & SECURITY
Flying High for 30th Anniversary
» STRAND HARDWARE IS CELEBRATING its 30th anniversary as one of the UK ’ s leading suppliers of door and window hardware including finger protectors , emergency exit and panic hardware , window control systems and glass fittings .
The family-run business , based in Walsall , West Midlands , is marking the occasion by sending a gift to customers and suppliers as a thank-you for their continued support .
The company was established by the late Jonathan Franks , who previously ran Hope Works , a well-known iron foundry manufacturing traditional black antique
ironmongery . Jonathan ’ s daughter , Catherine joined him in the business in 2000 , initially as Company Secretary and took on the Managing Director ’ s role upon her father ’ s retirement in 2006 .
Over the years , Strand Hardware has grown – extending its operations , workforce and premises – while managing to maintain the family ethos on which it was based . Many of its employees have worked for the company for more than 20 years – a loyalty matched by a commitment to staff development and welfare .
Strand Hardware is now the sole UK distributor for leading European manufacturers including Athmer ( finger protection ) and Antipanic ( panic hardware ). It also manufacturers its own range , Duoflex - adjustable folding openers for timber , aluminium , steel and PVCu windows . Earlier this year , a sister company , Strand Technologies was launched , offering technology-based solutions for safety , security and control of electro-mechanical devices , including ( but not exclusively ) windows and entrances . The COVID pandemic propelled demand including failsafe diagnostics for automatic door systems and occupancy management systems .
Its expertise in ‘ niche ’ but highly technical products means that it has extensive reach . Walk through the doors of many of the UK ’ s popular fast-food outlets and it ’ s likely that you will pass by products it supplies to developers , fabricators and installers through its network of trusted distributors . Likewise , buildings within health and education which require entrances with durable fittings to meet safety and accessibility requirement – are also likely candidates .
www . strandhardware . co . uk
GAI to Debut at FIT Show 2022
» THE GUILD OF ARCHITECTURAL Ironmongers ( GAI ) is set to debut at FIT Show 2022 when the UK ’ s premiere glass and glazing trade event returns to the NEC ( May 10-12 ).
GAI is the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry ; architectural ironmongers , wholesalers and manufacturers .
As well as having a physical presence at FIT Show , with a dedicated meeting space for its 700 plus members , the GAI ’ s will also contribute to FIT Show ’ s CPD learning programme . Its experts will deliver seminars and participate in panel debates covering legislation , regulations and standards governing the use of architectural ironmongery and related hardware .
Speaking about its FIT Show debut , GAI chief executive Simon Forrester said : “ The GAI ’ s reputation is centred around the three core areas of education , technical support and community - FIT Show is an ideal platform for us to support our members and the wider industry across these areas .
“ For our corporate members , we see FIT Show as an invaluable platform for them to exhibit , showcase their products and engage with the wider market . There is a huge amount of synergy between FIT Show and the GAI .
“ For our individual members , FIT Show presents an opportunity for them to see the latest products and innovations side-by-side , network and benefit from a comprehensive learning programme which will include CPD content delivered by GAI experts .”
Event director Nickie West said : “ Over half of our visitor audience is made up of companies who have expressed an interest in sourcing doors , locks and hardware at FIT - it ’ s an ideal platform for the GAI and its members to connect with the wider market . Our May event will come at a crucial time for the industry ahead of the next phase of the new Building Safety Bill .”
www . fitshow . co . uk
NOV / DEC 2021
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