© 2004 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Fall 2004
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-29

NEWSLINES

PRODUCT

New Steel Designer Door Series From Wayne-Dalton

In August, Wayne-Dalton announced its new Designer Series of steel garage doors with the look of carriage-house wood doors.

The 9700 series doors have a wood-grain finish and come in six styles, with and without windows. Decorative hardware and trim with a pebble-textured finish are available.

The new Designer Series doors incorporate a pinch-resistant design and tamper-resistant hardware. www.wayne-dalton.com

Windsor Republic Announces Steel Carriage-Style Door

The Model 755 embossed steel carriage-style door is Windsor Republic’s newest residential garage door.

Announced in August, the Model 755 features a wood-grain texture, a choice of four colors (polar white, almond, sandstone, or brown), 2"-thick steel section construction, and a variety of decorative window inserts and hardware.

The Model 755 features hemmed stiles and rails, Tog-L-Loc attachments, and carries a lifetime warranty. www.windsordoor.com

First United Debuts All-Steel Carriage-House Door

In July, First United Door Technologies introduced an all-steel version of its Original Steel Carriage House Door.

This insulated door can be customized in seven carriage-house designs with more than 80 configurations. Custom choices include window designs, arched top sections, and decorative hardware. The doors come standard with PVC insulation and commercial hardware.

The door uses 4"-wide, 26-gauge, steel C-channels to replace the wood composite boards originally used on the face of the door. The new wood-grained C-Channels are 9/16" high, 3/16" higher than the previous board, to better replicate a wood carriage-house design. www.firstudt.com

Hörmann Offers Hurricane-Resistant System

In June, Hörmann announced a new reinforcement system for garage doors. Designed to withstand hurricane-strength winds up to 150 miles per hour, the system is available on Hörmann’s sectional garage doors in widths up to 18'.

“With our permanently installed reinforcement struts, this system gives homeowners peace of mind,” says Norbert Fritz, president of Hörmann. “They don’t have to worry like their neighbors who have systems that require last-minute adjustments to their garage doors.”

Fritz says the reinforcement system was developed to meet code requirements on the U.S. East Coast, particularly in Florida. He adds that, even without the reinforcement struts, a 9'-wide Hörmann door withstands winds up to 135 miles per hour. www.hoermann.com

Raynor Introduces ControlHoist Openers

In August, Raynor announced ControlHoist, a line of solid-state commercial-duty openers.

ControlHoist is available in four levels: Optima, a gear-reduced model for larger doors and high-cycle applications; Standard, a belt-driven model for medium to higher-cycle applications; Basic, for limited cycles and smaller doors; and Select, a high-torque model for sectional doors up to 14' high. The former PowerHoist Select model has been re-branded as ControlHoist Select.

“We launched our Solid State Basic version in the PowerHoist brand two years ago,” says Tim McNinch, commercial product manager. “The quick success and increased demand of this reliable unit led the way to adding more solid state models for larger doors.”

The Optima and Standard models feature a Maintenance Alert System that allows an installer to set an internal cycle-count monitoring system to advise the owner when the units should be serviced. The Optima, Standard, and Basic models feature on-board reversing contactor circuits. www.raynor.com

Chamberlain Introduces Surge Protector

In July, Chamberlain announced its new LiftMaster garage door opener surge protector designed to protect the entire garage door opener system.

The model 990LM is easy to install, has a protection rating of 761 joules, and protects the AC power line, control panel, and the safety sensors from surges of up to 16,000 amps.

The surge protector carries a five-year warranty and is compatible with all LiftMaster garage door openers manufactured since 1994. www.liftmaster.com

Delden Announces Two New Doors
Captions: “DTR-1748” and “Classica”

In August, Delden announced two new residential steel garage doors, the DTR-1748 and the Classica Collection.

The DTR-1748, with a polyurethane core (R-value 17.48), is available in a 2"-thick profile with sizes ranging from 8' to 18' wide and heights up to 8' tall. Colors available are white, brown, almond, and sandstone.

The Classica Collection, a line of steel carriage-house doors, is available in a 2"-thick 24-gauge section with polystyrene insulation. Offering four basic designs and eight different top sections, 32 different designs are possible. 800-821-3708

New Challenger Openers Offer Advanced Features

In July, Allstar announced its new E Series Challenger residential garage door openers with the latest microprocessor control technology and an improved HomeLink-compatible radio control system.

The E Series receiver can be programmed to receive eight radio codes from an unlimited number of transmitters and accommodate two unique keypad codes. It also features diagnostic LEDs to simplify troubleshooting. www.allstarcorp.com

Raynor Launches DesignForm Commercial Doors

In August, Raynor announced the launch of its DesignForm commercial sectional doors, available with expanded mounting options and heavy-duty hardware. DesignForm doors are the counterpart to the Raynor Innovations Series residential garage doors.

“Residential doors are no longer limited to 8' high and below,” says Tim McNinch, commercial product manager. “New, upscale construction in certain regional markets is demanding on-site residential applications for recreational vehicle storage, from cars to small boats and travel trailers, in heights up to 14'.”

DesignForm also features the Raynor Finger Protection System. The Optima and Standard models include polyurethane insulation for R-values up to 18, while the Basic model features optional expanded polystyrene and an R-value of 5. www.raynor.com

Classica Goes Nationwide

On August 1, Amarr completed the national rollout of the new Classica Collection. The steel carriage-house door is now available through all of Amarr’s 56 distribution centers in the U.S.

Lyle Symons, vice president of sales and operations, says the product is now being produced with standard lead times. He says production capabilities of the Classica Collection will continue to improve in the next year. www.amarr.com

Skylink Broadens Home Alert Product Line

In July, the Skylink Group announced five new product lines designed for better home security.

The new garage door monitor notifies the homeowner when the garage door is left open. The Door/Window Alert notifies the homeowner when a window or door is open.

The Water Alert notifies the homeowner when there is an unexpected leak or flood in the basement, bathroom, or under the sink. The Motion Alert acts as an indoor/outdoor movement detector system. The Household Alert system alerts homeowners when the garage door is left open or when motion is detected surrounding the home and/or business.

Skylink’s new systems are wireless, cover a range of up to 300', and alert the homeowner when a battery change is required. The complete alert product line is CE approved and suitable for the European market. www.skylinkhome.com

LiftMaster Controls Available in New Patriotic Designs

In July, Chamberlain added three new mini remote controls in patriotic flag designs to its LiftMaster 3-button controls. The new designs include a red, white, and blue American flag; a red, white, and green Mexican flag; and a red and white Canadian flag.

“Customers today want to show their spirit and personality in a variety of ways,” says Ken Roehl, vice president of marketing.

The LiftMaster designer remote controls feature Chamberlain’s Security+ anti-burglary technology that changes codes with every use. The 3-button designer remote controls and mini remotes offer enhanced range that allows you to open and close the garage from greater distances. www.liftmaster.com

New Swing Gate Openers From Linear/OSCO

Linear/OSCO’s new SW series of swing gate openers come in a polyethylene cover and in the colors of beige, black, or granite.

Three SW models are available: the SWC for commercial applications, in 1/2 or 3/4 HP and 110V or 220V; the SWR for residential applications, in 1/2 HP and 110V or 220V; and the SWD for commercial or residential applications with a full-time 1/2 HP DC motor. The SWD is a DC battery backup model featuring selectable fail-safe or fail-secure modes and optional solar power.

All SW models feature UL 325-compliant solid-state control boards and an external reset button. www.operatorspecialty.com

New Wind Load Products From Amarr

In July, Amarr announced that, by September, its new Classica Collection doors would be available with wind load packages approved for up to 140-mph gusts.

Amarr’s wooden carriage-house lines (Biltmore Estate for Your Home, Bob Timberlake, and Amarr By Design) are also approved for wind code areas.

Amarr’s own testing facility allows the company to easily test for wind load requirements. Doors are tested and approved by an independent company. www.amarr.com

Trac-Rite Adds Bright White

In June, Trac-Rite announced that Bright White was added to the color options for all Trac-Rite roll-up doors.

Mark Hensel, sales manager, says the color was added “in response to many customer requests for a brighter shade of white for interior and exterior doors.”

Trac-Rite doors are now available in ten pre-finished colors. The paint finish is multi-coated and comes with a 30-year paint warranty, which includes chalking, fading, and rusting. www.tracrite.com

Hörmann Upgrades Keypad

A lighted, waterproof garage door keypad was recently introduced by Hörmann, Europe’s leading garage door and opener manufacturer.

The FCT10 keypad is programmable to operate up to 10 garage door openers and offers more than four billion security code options. No key or transmitter is necessary.

Other accessory options include a covered keypad, several wall control configurations, four different hand transmitters, a keyswitch, and relay radio receivers to control additional external lighting or a gate opener. These accessories all work with Hörmann’s SupraMatic A opener. www.hoermann.com

First United Adds Laredo Steel Door

The new Laredo all-steel garage door from First United Door Technologies debuted in August.

The door’s sandwich construction features a 25-gauge steel face skin and 26-gauge steel backing. Laredo also provides increased insulation properties, with an R-value of 9+. www.firstudt.com

C.H.I. Adds Colors

In July, C.H.I. added brown, evergreen, and bronze colors for the thermally broken models 2216, 2217, and 4216. In addition to white, almond, and sandstone, C.H.I. now offers six colors for these models.

The 2216 features a short panel design, the 4216 has a long panel design, and the 2217 is flush. www.chiohd.com

Skylink Offers New Remotes

The Skylink Group has introduced its 100, 200, and 300 series of universal remote controls that work with most brands of garage door openers. These remotes have an operating range of more than 100'.

The Model 100 and 100A work with most Stanley, Multi-Code, Moore-O-Matic, and Linear opener manufactured between 1976 and 1997. Model 100P works with most Pulsar, Allister, and Allstar openers made from 1985 to the present.

The Model 200 works with most Lift-Master, Sears, Wayne-Dalton, Master Mechanic, and Chamberlain openers made from 1983 to 1997. Model 300 works with most 1983-1997 Genie and MasterCraft openers. www.skylinkhome.com

New High Power Generators From Makita

Makita USA has introduced a new line of high-powered generators.

Models G2800L (2,800 watts) and G4300L (4,300 watts) feature EX Series engines, the first in the industrial air-cooled engine market with chain-driven overhead cam technology. The G2800L holds up to 3.7 gallons of fuel, while the G4300L holds 4.2 gallons.

Makita’s new G1100 2.5 HP generator weighs 55 lbs. and has an overhead valve engine with 1,100-watt maximum output. The G1100 has a 1.1 gallon fuel tank with a 4.2 hour runtime. www.makitatools.com

PEOPLE

Brenner Wins Entrepreneur Award

In June, Amarr announced that its CEO, Richard Brenner, had received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 Award. Brenner’s award was for the Retail and Consumer Products Division for the Carolinas Region.

“Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award recipients embrace the entrepreneurial spirit and determination necessary to achieve success,” says Rick Wimmer of Ernst & Young.

Brenner became president of the family-owned business in 1993. Under his leadership, Amarr says the company “has risen into the top four manufacturers and has influenced the entire garage door industry with its innovative products.”

Brenner increased distribution by opening Door Centers, expanded Amarr’s manufacturing facility in Kansas, opened a facility in Mexico, invested in an all pinch-resistant steel door line, and produced the first stamped steel carriage-house garage door.

Brenner is now eligible for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 national award, to be announced in November.

New Plant Manager at Windsor Republic

In June, Windsor Republic Doors announced that Bruce Bates has become the plant manager for its Little Rock, Ark., manufacturing facility.

Bates has spent his entire career in the garage door industry, most recently as plant manager for another garage door manufacturer. Prior to that, he was with Windsor for more than 25 years serving in manufacturing engineering, R&D, and as commercial product manager.

“We are thrilled to have Bruce back as a member of our team. Bruce’s product knowledge and commitment to customer service fit perfectly into our plans for the future of our new company,” says Al Siemer, owner.

Marantec Adds Latin American Sales Manager

In August, Marantec America announced the appointment of Mauricio Torres as a sales manager for Latin America.

Torres is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, where he earned a B.S. in business administration and a master’s degree in marketing. He has worked in many Latin countries and has 10 years of experience developing international distribution centers.

Based in Marantec’s growing Miami office, Torres will serve current Latin American customers and expand business in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Lelièvre Promoted to COO at Manaras

In July, Manaras announced the promotion of Daniel Lelièvre to the position of chief operations officer (COO). General Manager Jean-Louis Bened says Lelièvre has been a key factor in the company’s engineering and product development success.

Lelièvre has been with Manaras for five years. He has served as vice president of operations, overseeing engineering, production, procurement, and the Canadian sales team.

Chamberlain Announces Scholarship Winners

In June, Chamberlain announced the 2004 winners of the annual Duchossois Industries College Scholarship Awards. The scholarships honor outstanding academic achievement by granting four-year $4,000 scholarships and one-year $1,000 scholarships to children of employees.

Chamberlain’s 2004 scholarship recipients are Mark Radoulovitch, son of Ronkonkoma applications engineer Garry Radoulovitch; Laura Forst, daughter of chief pilot Ed Forst; Robert Matuszak, son of trade show coordinator Debbie Matuszak; and Thomas Cavanaugh, son of Scranton production manager Jeff Cavanaugh.

Amarr Recognizes Managers

In August, Amarr announced awards to several company managers. The awards were presented at a recent management conference in Kansas City.

Dewey Ruth (Houston) and Bill Malloy (Clifton, N.J.) were named General Managers of the Year. Chris Codner (Northeast) was honored as the Sales Manager of the Year, Hosea Thibodeaux (Southeast) is the District Service Manager of the Year, and Dave Shaffer (Eastern) was named Regional Sales Manager of the Year.

At the conference, managers attended numerous seminars on sales and operations, participated in team-building exercises, and competed in recreational activities. More than 120 managers attended from around the world.

New Regional Sales Managers at Marantec

In August, Marantec America announced the appointment of two new sales managers.

Doug Peterson will manage the North Central Region. He brings to Marantec 25 years of experience in the garage door industry, most recently serving as vice president of sales at Mahon Door. A Navy veteran, Peterson holds a B.S. in marketing from Northern Illinois University.

Matt Ryan is the new South Central Region sales manager, bringing 13 years of sales experience in the building products industry. Ryan was a territory manager for Raynor, and he holds a B.S. in business administration from Regis University in Denver.

New Technical Training Manager at Raynor

In August, Raynor announced that Randy Diehl has been promoted to technical training manager, overseeing all technical training and installation courses in the Raynor Academy.

In 1987, Diehl came to Raynor working in the rolling steel door department. He has since worked as a lab technician in product engineering, a quality assurance technician, and as a technical trainer in the Raynor Academy.

Skylink Hires Sales and Marketing Director

The Skylink Group has announced the appointment of Leung Kwok-Yuen as sales and marketing director. Skylink says the appointment coincides with the firm’s strategy to expand into the wireless security area.

Kwok-Yuen has been in senior management of a multi-national company for 18 years. He is now responsible for setting up the distribution network in the U.S. and worldwide.

COMPANIES

C.H.I.: The Official Door for Petty Enterprises

In July, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced a collaboration with NASCAR legend Richard Petty for C.H.I. to become “the official door for Petty Enterprises.”

“With the continued growth in popularity of NASCAR, having Richard Petty aligned with C.H.I. will generate significant marketing value,” says Tim Miller, sales and marketing manager. Miller says the opportunity came through a C.H.I. distributor who had worked with Petty on past projects.

“King Richard,” as he is known, has won more races than anyone in NASCAR history. With 200 career NASCAR wins and seven Winston Cup Championships, Petty’s name is one of the most recognized in racing motorsports.

Wayne-Dalton Recognized by Magazine

For the second consecutive year, Home Improvement Executive (HIE) magazine awarded first place to Wayne-Dalton in two categories of HIE’s annual Innovation Awards issue.

Wayne-Dalton receive the top awards for garage doors and garage door openers. Judges made their decisions based on the design of products such as Wayne-Dalton’s pinch-resistant doors, the enclosed TorqueMaster spring system, and the new idrive opener.

“Now our company is poised to begin a dramatic turnaround with the aesthetic features of the garage door itself,” says Bert Bennett, president of Wayne-Dalton.

“Our new 9700 Series will offer unprecedented design options to builders and homeowners alike as we strive to revamp the way people interact with their garages. The 2004 Innovation Award from HIE gives us further incentive to continue to raise the bar for the entire garage door and opener industry.”

Clopay Honors Top Dealers

In May, Clopay more than 170 of its top dealers for sales and service excellence during the annual Clopay Authorized Dealer Conference in San Diego.

Held at the famous Hotel Del Coronado, the conference theme was “Above and Beyond.” Activities included business seminars, previews of new Clopay products and programs, and trips to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and a private party in the officer’s club on the U.S. Marine base at Miramar.

Clopay’s 2005 Conference will be held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club from May 9 – 12. Master Authorized and Authorized Clopay dealers are required to achieve specific sales goals in order to qualify to attend.

Samco Expands

Samco Machinery has begun their second addition in two years. The expansion, started in August, will add 20,000 sq. ft., increasing the plant to 80,000 sq. ft. The project is expected to be completed by early October 2004.

Samco is also in a hiring mode that will bring them to 100 employees. Located in Toronto, Samco has been designing and manufacturing automated rapid change rollforming systems for 30 years.

Chamberlain Earns Industry Member Award

In May, Chamberlain received the International Door Association’s (IDA) Industry Member Recognition Award during Expo 2004 in Las Vegas.

The award acknowledges Chamberlain’s excellence in manufacturing, significant contribution to the IDA, and for overall industry and product innovations.

“We are thrilled to receive this high honor from IDA,” says David Rolls, CEO. “The industry member recognition award speaks volumes about Chamberlain’s employees and their determined commitment to providing excellence.”

American Spring Adds Production

In July, American Spring of Los Angeles announced three new production processes and a stress-relieving process that will shorten turnaround time.

The stress-relief process integrates into the firm’s new ThermaDep coating system. The firm says this feature helps keep installers’ hands clean and provides for longer spring life and better appearance. ThermaDep coating is featured on all extension springs and will be offered as an option on all oil-tempered torsion springs.

The firm is also introducing a new system that marks the wire size and length on all torsion springs. With the system, springs can be personalized with the dealer’s company name.

Department of Commerce Recognizes Wayne-Dalton

In August, Wayne-Dalton announced that it has received the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Achievement Certificate. The honor recognizes businesses that have benefited from the U.S. Commercial Service export service.

Wayne-Dalton expanded its export business in 1992, using the Cleveland Export Assistance Center. Wayne-Dalton now exports sectional and rolling doors to countries such as China, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe.

The U.S. Commercial Service helps small and midsize U.S. businesses sell their products and services globally.

Clopay Doors Enhance “Curb Appeal”

A Clopay door featuring windows from the new Studio Series was on a recent episode of Curb Appeal, one of Home and Garden Television’s (HGTV) makeover programs.

The show demonstrates how to make the most of a home’s appearance from the street. In this particular episode, homeowners updated the exterior of their outdated, 70s-style home with a front-facing garage.

The Clopay Model 4301 flush steel door with Mission-style windows played a role in the makeover. Vacaville-based Clopay dealer Ramirez Custom Overhead Door installed the product. Pat Lohse, Clopay’s residential marketing director, was interviewed on camera during the program.

“Programs like ‘Curb Appeal’ are a powerful marketing tool for us because they demonstrate the impact a new garage door can make by showing the house before and after,” says Lohse.

Raynor Doors on HGTV

On a recent episode of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal,” two Raynor Centura residential garage doors were featured on a remodeled California home.

Raynor donated the door, and Raynor distributor Jim Jones of Jones Garage Door Company of Petaluma, Calif., performed the installation.

Jones gave “Curb Appeal” and the homeowner an overview of colonial and ranch panel styles, while stressing the importance of pinch resistance with the Raynor Finger Protection System.

Helton Adds Third Dura-Hem Rollformer

In July, Helton completed work on a third Dura-Hem rollforming line. The new line will produce horizontal track only and will increase Helton’s track manufacturing capacity by 30 percent.

“We need the additional capacity to satisfy growing Dura-Hem demand,” says Mike Rauch, vice president.

The Dura-Hem production line folds the track edges over, eliminating the long, sharp exposed edge. Helton now has 13 rollforming lines producing everything from perforated angle to track.

Skylink Reaches Sales Milestone

In August, the Skylink Group announced that it has now sold more than five million remote controls worldwide.

Skylink says it is “the pioneer of the universal garage door transmitter,” and “the first to manufacture the universal transmitter and sell it in the American market.” The Skylink universal transmitter is compatible with a majority of garage door openers.

“This is a great milestone for Skylink,” says Philip Tsui, CEO. “I think it clearly shows that Skylink is a trusted name in the garage door transmitter industry.”

Established in 1990, the Skylink Group has offices in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, Ontario City, Calif., and Hong Kong.

Clopay Doors in Dream Home

Clopay Reserve Collection doors were one of the unique architectural details specified by architects for the garage of an 8,000-sq.-ft. show home in southern California.

The Montecito, Calif., home was spotlighted in a feature story in the May issue of Traditional Home. Consolidated Overhead Doors in Santa Barbara installed the doors.

“The Montecito home … strikes a balance between the technology benefits of new construction and the timelessness of early 20th century craftsmanship,” says Pat Lohse, Clopay director of residential marketing. “Custom-designed Reserve Collection doors were the perfect choice for this project.”

Clopay garage doors will also be featured later this year in Home, Midwest Living, and Country Home magazines.

Chamberlain Dealers Win Prizes

In May, two California dealers won audio/video jukeboxes at Chamberlain’s annual customer hospitality party at Expo 2004 in Las Vegas.

Kathy Opie of McClure Door in Fresno, Calif., and Tom Poole of R&S Automation in San Leandro, Calif., were the raffle winners. The raffle was open to the more than 1,000 dealers who attended the customer appreciation event.

The annual hospitality party is given as an official thank-you to Chamberlain Professional Products dealers.

Encon Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Encon Electronics of Hayward, Calif., a wholesale distributor for the access control industry, has announced its 20th anniversary.

Since 1984, Encon Electronics has been supplying installing dealers with access control products and systems. The firm offers thousands of products from more than 50 manufacturers and supports a nationwide dealer network.

INTERNET

DASMA.com Adds Google Search

In late August, every page of www.dasma.com became equipped with a Google search bar. The function allows visitors to perform a Google-type search of the entire DASMA Web site.

“An advanced search function is a major upgrade to the site and a real asset to anyone researching industry topics,” says Sherry Booles, chair of the DASMA Marketing/Magazine Committee. “We have the largest repository of educational, technical, and safety resources anywhere on the Web, and the site is growing every month.”

The site now includes more than 250 magazine articles and dozens of industry approved Technical Data Sheets. All new magazine articles in Door & Access Systems are regularly added to the site, including the entire text of Newslines.

Google searches of the DASMA site are generally accomplished in less than one second. The new function also searches through the text of the dozens of Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format) files on the site.

Raynor Adds Online Engineering Tools

In August, Raynor announced that comprehensive information about Raynor Windloaded Systems and Engineering Tools had been added to www.raynor.com.

Complete windload details are now available, including sizes, designs, configurations, and downloadable literature for Raynor Innovations Series, Raynor Traditions Series, and American Rivers Collection doors.

The Engineering Tools section features engineering information accessible only by authorized Raynor dealers. Dealers can review and download various documents, including installation instructions and wiring diagrams.

INDUSTRY

Bernacki Elected New IDEA President

On July 1, Dan Bernacki, owner of Dan’s Overhead Doors and More in North Liberty, Iowa, became president of the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA). He succeeds Barbara Kelkhoff, regulatory affairs manager for The Chamberlain Group.

Bernacki has served on the IDEA board since his appointment by the International Door Association (IDA) in 1998. He takes the helm at a time when IDEA is moving new programs into the industry, managing a tour of the U.S. and Canada, and other activities that have the Institute in its busiest mode since its founding in 1996.

“The pump has been primed,” he told the IDEA board of directors. “Now it’s time to keep things going and give professional door dealers the tools they need and the recognition they deserve.”

IDEA is directed by a 12-person board, appointed by IDA, DASMA, and ARDI. Presidents serve a two-year term.

Dates Set for 2006 European Door Show

The 2006 R+T show, the international trade fair for roller shutters, garage doors, doors/gates, and sun protection, has been set for Feb. 7-11, 2006, in Stuttgart, Germany.

The event occurs once every three years. The 2003 show attracted 55,000 visitors from 84 countries and 537 exhibitors from 35 countries.

In September 2004, construction began on a new trade fair center in Stuttgart, closer to the airport. The new complex will have a total area of more than 1,000,000 square feet. The center is scheduled for completion in spring 2007, after the 2006 R+T show.

Caption: The proposed new Stuttgart trade fair center.

IDEA Tour Advances From Coast to Coast

The 60-city IDEA Raising the Door Tour will sport a fresh look in 2005 when the campaign enters its second phase, according to Todd Thomas, IDEA managing director.

Thomas says the initial 2004 tour events attracted modest audiences but were received well. He notes that the Tour has added more IDEA-sanctioned trainers and certified technicians.

In 2005, he says the events will shift to a focus on industry training. IDA officials promise “an exciting announcement by the end of this year that will generate widespread buzz.”

“We will see an energized door dealer community in 2005,” says Thomas. “Door companies offer a quality career choice for self-motivated, mechanically skilled individuals, and we think we have the approach to attract them, train them, and keep them.”

New Overtime Rules Now in Effect

On August 23, the new rules governing overtime eligibility for white-collar workers took effect. Under the new rules, workers paid less than $23,660 or $455 per week are now automatically guaranteed overtime regardless of their titles or duties.

The newly updated Overtime Security Rule strengthens and protects overtime pay for 6.7 million American workers. The new rules clarify and update confusing overtime regulations that were first created in 1939 and have not been substantially updated since 1949.

“Under the new rules, workers will know their overtime rights, employers will know their responsibilities, and the department can more vigorously enforce these protections,” says U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao.

The new rules expand the number of workers eligible for overtime by nearly tripling the salary threshold. Under the previous regulations, only workers earning less than $8,060 annually or $155 per week were guaranteed overtime. Now, workers paid less than $23,660 will receive overtime pay.

A number of salaried workers earning more than $23,660 will also gain the right to overtime under the new rules. Businesses will have to pay an additional $375 million and workers will gain that amount in additional earnings every year. www.dol.gov/fairpay

DASMA Restructures Rolling Door Division

In June, the DASMA Rolling Door Division officially combined its technical and division activities and expanded its Steering Committee. The move is expected to streamline the division’s approach to technical and administrative tasks.

Division Chair Dave Monsour of Wayne-Dalton will retain his duties. Joel Bonnell of Raynor, formerly the chair of the Rolling Door Technical Committee, is now the division’s vice chair. Lang Greiner of Cornell Iron Works is the division treasurer.

These three officers will also be part of the newly constituted Steering Committee that includes at-large members Chuck Blume of Overhead Door and Don Mills of Janus International.

With the restructured division, Monsour says, “DASMA has positioned itself to improve an already effective handling of rolling door industry-related matters, for now and for the future.”

Gate Systems Installer Certification Program Coming

A certification program for installers of automated vehicular gate systems may become reality sooner than planned.

As a result of new licensing requirements in Texas, the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) has stepped up its efforts to develop a training/certification program for gate opener installers. Early in 2004, Texas passed a law that required licensing of certain “access systems” installers by September 2004.

Technical aspects of the program are being developed by an ad hoc committee with representatives of DASMA, the American Fence Association (AFA), and the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA).

“This is one of the broadest industry efforts we’ve seen in a long while,” says Todd Thomas, IDEA managing director. He says the program will position the industry to efficiently respond to future licensing requirements in other states.

IDEA program materials to be developed include a curriculum, a study guide, and an exam. Materials will be based on key requirements for gate opener systems in UL 325 and ASTM F 2200.

Hetzel Appointed Chair of Thermal Performance Group

DASMA Technical Director Joe Hetzel has been appointed the chair of a new task group addressing the U-factor thermal energy performance of garage doors and rolling doors.

“It’s good for our industry to have DASMA representation on the task group,” says LeRoy Krupke of Overhead Door. “But it’s even better to have a DASMA person as chair. This ensures that our industry’s interests are represented and heard.”

The task group, a part of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), held its first meeting on June 22 in Salt Lake City. The committee includes representatives of testing laboratories, government entities, other building product-related interests, and some DASMA members.

Hetzel says the group’s mission is “to develop and recommend the most suitable and repeatable U-factor testing and simulation provisions for garage doors and rolling doors.”

Sanctioned Trainer Network Expanding

IDEA’s network of skilled industry trainers is nearing the 200 mark. The 2004-2005 Raising the Door Tour is helping to increase that number.

IDEA sanctions trainers under its installer and technician certification programs through the full-day Train-the-Trainer class. The course is offered at all Raising the Door Tour events, regional conferences, and the International Garage Door Exposition.

Sanctioned trainers are then authorized by IDEA to attest that the initial fundamental training has been met by other installers or technicians seeking certification.

IDEA created the program in 2001 to provide experienced installers with training responsibilities and the fundamental skills practiced by professional trainers.