Instead of glued-on overlays, Classica patterns are pressed into the steel, without the use of overlays that could fade or detach over time.

“Due to its affordability, we believe this will truly change the look of subdivisions across the nation,” says CEO Richard Brenner. The Classica Collection was to be introduced to select markets in February. Full distribution should be available by August 2004.

The Classica Collection, with patents pending, offers a standard 7'- or 8'-tall door with only three sections. The 28" and 32" sections are made of 24-gauge steel and can be insulated.

The doors are available in 32 design combinations (two closed, six glazed), using a closed square top, a closed arch top, and six decorative windows. Carrying a “lifetime warranty,” the doors are pre-painted in white and are available with decorative strap hinges and handles.

Clopay Offers Aluminum Residential Door

In January, Clopay announced its new residential Full View Aluminum Door, borrowed from Clopay’s commercial line.

“Just as homeowners have modernized their kitchens with stainless steel appliances, they are now looking for ways to add these contemporary designs to the overall appearance of their homes,” says Pat Lohse, director of residential marketing.

Full View Doors feature a 2"-thick, rust-free aluminum frame. The aluminum can be custom painted or anodized in a clear, bronze, or black finish. Window options include clear, frosted, tinted, mirrored, insulated, acrylic, wire, or laminated.

The door can also be used as an indoor partition, a patio door, or the outside wall of a solarium.

HySecurity Debuts Cable-Drive Slide Gate Operator

In February, HySecurity announced SlideWinder, a new slide gate operator with chainless operation and an AC/DC uninterruptible power supply system.

SlideWinder residential and commercial operators offer low-maintenance, stainless steel, cable-drive operation. Instead of jerky operation, SlideWinder smoothly accelerates and decelerates to a precise predetermined opened and closed position.

With few moving parts and an LCD user interface, the operator can be used in a master-slave application with gate edges, vehicle detectors, optical devices, or access controls. SlideWinder’s hybrid drive system uses a low-maintenance, 3-phase, variable-speed motor.

Its power backup overcomes the drawbacks of a traditional DC backup system. After AC is lost, its AC/DC system keeps running up to 30,000 feet of gate travel with heavy-duty batteries.

Martin Track Gets Safer

Martin Door has added a rolled edge to both sides of its vertical track and added a double-hemmed edge on its horizontal track.

Besides adding safety, the new double hems also make the vertical and horizontal tracks stronger, according to Ken Martin, president. “We’ve gone further than anyone in the industry in promoting safety.” He says the new features raise the number to 16 major safety advances on every Martin garage door.

The new extended hems continue a safety effort on tracks that was initiated by Martin in 1998. Martin Door then introduced the hem on the leading edge of its vertical track but was unable to continue the hem to the curve of the horizontal track.

“The principle of a hemmed leading edge on a vertical track is absolutely necessary on our garage doors with roller shields,” adds Martin. “Deburring, scaring, etc., do not protect hands and fingers from cuts. Double hemming the track edge is a more costly process but makes both edges much safer.”

New Steel Carriage House Doors at Clopay

In January, Clopay launched the Coachman Collection, a steel carriage house style garage door. By applying PVC overlays to the door, customers can create several design options.

Coachman doors are steel sandwich doors with woodgrain flush steel skins in white, almond, or sandtone. The 1-3/8"-thick insulation with thermal break provides a 6.5 R-value. A 5/8" white woodgrain composite overlay offers the appearance of a classic carriage house door.

“We found that homeowners were looking for a way to achieve the look of carriage house style wood doors, but still get the benefits of a low-maintenance, insulated steel door,” says Pat Lohse, director of residential marketing.

To provide builders with choices, the collection offers three series.

• Series 1 matches mission, Shaker, country, and prairie-style homes.
• Series 2 is a traditional carriage-house style with full or half-cross buck panels.
• Series 3 is designed to work with country French and Victorian style homes.

All Coachman doors can be accented by decorative black iron hardware for the appearance of a swing-out door.

Raynor Introduces Wind Loaded Innovations Series

In February, Raynor introduced Raynor Innovations Series residential doors with the Removable Hurricane Post System.

The company says its Innovations Series models include insulation with R-values up to 18. Homeowners can choose from 13 door designs by mixing different sized panels in the same section. With six color options and 27 window patterns, customers can choose from thousands of possible combinations.

No tools are required with the Removable Hurricane Post System. The system includes several design improvements, including safer operation, no more floor hazards, and quick installation.

Windsor Offers Steel Carriage House Door

In February, Windsor Door began offering the Model 765 Steel Carriage Door in four carriage house exterior designs.

The Model 765 is an insulated steel garage door with 2"-thick sections and tongue-and-groove joint construction. All models have optional exterior accent hinges and handles.

New Raynor Openers for International Market

In February, Raynor announced its new Orion 800, Orion 600, and Gemini 800 for its international line of residential garage door openers.

The deluxe-level Orion 800 is available with a chain-drive or belt-drive DC motor, rated at 800 newtons. The Orion 800 features an automatic close function and a soft start/stop. With four-year motor and two-year parts warranties, the Orion 800 comes with a multifunction control panel and 3-channel mini remote control.

The standard-level Orion 600 offers similar features and is available with a chain-drive or belt-drive DC motor, rated at 600 newtons. With three-year motor and two-year parts warranties, the Orion 600 comes with an illuminated single wall button and 3-channel mini remote control.

The economy-level Gemini 800 features a two-speed chain drive system with an AC motor, rated at 800 newtons. With two-year motor and parts warranties, the Gemini 800 comes with an illuminated single wall station and single-channel remote.

Jeld-Wen Announces Composite Carriage House Door

Jeld-Wen recently launched a new Carriage House Series of composite garage doors. The new door gives homeowners a choice of 27 new maintenance-free garage door styles, including a flush panel door and a traditional carriage house look with unique trim details.

“In the past, the less attention and focus on the garage, the better,” says Dave Hill, garage door product manager. “Not any more. Garages are getting bigger and dominating more of the home’s exterior, so they really need to enhance a home’s architectural style.”

This composite door is made from the same material throughout and offers “no cracking, sagging, separating, or shrinking, even in extreme temperatures.” Most of the door styles are available with or without windows and in 8-, 9-, 10-, 16- and 18' widths and 7- and 8' heights.

Based in Klamath Falls, Ore., Jeld-Wen (www.jeld-wen.com) also makes windows and entry doors.

Helton Adds Arched Heritage Pattern

In January, Helton Industries announced the addition of Arched Heritage designs to their line of UV-stable window inserts.

“The Arched Heritage designs give homeowners a new option to upgrade to the popular carriage house look,” says Mike Rauch, general manager.

The designs are available for a variety of steel sections in short and long panels. The new inserts may also be combined with Stockton inserts. Helton’s window products are weather resistant and do not require painting.

Wayne-Dalton Previews New Door at IBS

Wayne-Dalton offered a preview of its new Designer Series Doors at the International Builders Show (IBS) in January. The doors offer the carriage house look, yet are made of steel. Wayne-Dalton plans to launch the product later in 2004.

Wayne-Dalton was also featured on two radio shows, “On the House” with Jim and Morris Carey, and “Homefront” with Don Zeman. The company also sponsored the Show Village home in front of the Convention Center, displaying two Designer Series doors, an idrive opener for TorqueMaster, and an idrive opener for torsion springs.

Clopay Adds Window Options

At January’s International Builders Show, Clopay introduced two new window designs, Palladian and Studio.

Palladian windows include an arch, described as “a first in garage door windows.” It is available in long and short panels, and with and without grilles.

Studio Series windows were designed by an architect and “inspired by the arts and crafts movement.” The windows are made of acrylic with a deep beveled look and platinum caming. Its Art Deco designs can be mixed and matched for a custom look.

Modified Garage Door Opener Invented

An inventor from Long Beach, Calif., has designed a garage door remote control that would provide an alternative to battery-operated models.

The proposed Sun Visor/Front Windshield Garage Door Opener would eliminate the need to purchase batteries and the inconvenience of controls that won’t work because of dead batteries. The invention could also be produced in a version for security gates.

The design is available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, visit Invention Submission Corp. at www.isc-online.com.

C.H.I. Introduces Steel Carriage House Doors

In January, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced the unveiling of the new 5200 Series Carriage House Doors.

The 5240 has an all-steel exterior that will initially be offered as a 24-gauge pan door, with or without insulation, in white, almond, or sandstone. Multiple window options will be available, including Cascade and Stockton inserts and standard and obscure glass.

Black hardware will be standard with all models, and optional hardware upgrades will be available.

Amarr Offers Insulated Olympus Door

In January, Amarr Garage Doors announced its new Olympus residential garage door.

The door’s 27-gauge interior and exterior steel skins and two inches of polyurethane insulation offer an R-value of 17.48 (U-factor of 0.06). A tongue-and-groove joint, a thermal break, and a dual rubber bottom seal help keep air and moisture out.

“This door will offer some relief from the elements, especially in the northern states and Canada,” says Teresa Lowry, director of marketing.

The Olympus is available in a short-panel design in white, almond, brown, and sandtone and in all Amarr glazing options.

Martin Expands Spring Warranty

Caption: Martin Door Vice President Larry Martin poses in front of the spring assembly area.

The spring warranty for most Martin residential garage doors has been expanded to a lifetime warranty.

The expanded warranty applies to five residential models of Martin doors for single-family residences and will include the complete door, springs, sections, and all parts. The warranty covers all uses except neglect, abuse, or use in a high-corrosion area.

Ken Martin, president, says Martin Door torsion springs have a life span nearly four times greater than most competitors. Martin introduced its Zinc-Tempered Torsion Springs in 1985.

Allstar Granted Patent for Secure-Safe System

In February, Allstar Corporation announced that it had been granted a patent for its Secure-Safe System for gate operators.

The Secure-Safe System allows emergency operation of a gate operator using one or more pushbutton controls while it is in alarm mode. During normal operation, these pushbutton controls are inactive. The system provides a means of quickly alleviating an entrapment situation without compromising the security of the automated gate.

Allstar incorporates the Secure-Safe System in its GS1000, GS4000, and Leader Plus gate operators.

A-tech Accents EverDoor Accessories

A-tech now offers vinyl weatherstop that matches the EverDoor colors of Adobe Cream, Monterey Sand, Cape Cod Gray, and Glacier White.

The new colors are available in a variety of profiles and lengths to enhance the full line of EverDoor vinyl garage doors supplied by A-tech.

Linear Offers Interchangeable Heads

In December, Linear announced new garage door operator models with two styles of interchangeable operator heads. The new feature allows dealers to offer customers six different belt- or chain-drive models just by switching rail styles.

The Model LSO (premium) includes a 1/2-HP head unit with noise-reduction technology and a lifetime motor warranty. The LSO can be belt or chain driven.

The Model LDO is available in 1/2-HP (deluxe) or 1/3-HP (standard), both with belt or chain drive. The 1/2-HP model carries a lifetime motor warranty; the 1/3-HP carries a 10-year motor warranty.

Interchangeability is made possible by two different rail designs (HBT belt drive and HCT chain drive) that feature one-piece, rolled-steel construction.

Martin Introduces Two New Openers

Martin Door has introduced the DC3700e and DC2500e openers, each offering several new features.

Both openers include a stronger chassis, new light lenses, and a new housing with the Martin name molded. Both also feature a new four-light LED programming system instead of the former eight-light system, because pressure settings are now automatic.

Circuit resistance has been improved on both units. Both are HomeLink compatible, and their wall control units fit within a standard electric box.

The belt-driven DC3700e includes new mini two- and four-button transmitters. Its DC motor delivers the equivalent of more than 1/2 horsepower. The chain-driven DC2500e opener, carrying a 10-year warranty, comes with a two-button transmitter with one larger button for the primary door.

GTO/Pro Adds Two New Models

In January, GTO (Gates That Open) began shipping the GTO/Pro 3000 and 4000 post-mount swing-gate operators. The new operators offer more power, more technology, a stronger housing, and solar capability.

“These new products give the professional market more options,” says Joe Kelley, president and CEO.

The GTO/Pro 3000 model is designed for pull- or push-to-open swing gates up to 650 lbs. and 16 feet in length per leaf. It includes a 12V battery that provides backup during power outage and an optional activation alarm. A “true” soft start/stop system reduces mechanical stress on the operator and gate.

The GTO/Pro 4000 includes the same feature as the 3000 series, but can handle gates up to 1,000 lbs. and 20 feet in length per leaf. The all-black operator, housing, and hardware blend with many decorative and ornamental gates. Both models are UL325 certified and listed.

C.H.I. Releases Shutters

In February, C.H.I. announced the release of specifications and pricing for its new line of counter shutters and counter fire shutters.

The C.H.I. counter shutters are offered in painted steel, extruded aluminum, and stainless steel and may be operated manually, by awning crank, or motor. U.L.-labeled fire shutters are available in painted steel and stainless steel.

Click2Enter Upgrades Features

In February, Click2Enter (C2E), a manufacturer of emergency access control systems, announced its latest system upgrades along with a five percent reduction in pricing.

The Click2Enter system, when linked to automatic gates and parking arms, roll-up doors, and other doors, allows authorized public safety personnel to gain quick access using only their unmodified portable or mobile radios. The local authority programs approved FCC-controlled radio frequencies into the C2E unit. The C2E responds only to approved frequencies and keeps a computer log showing date and time of access and frequency used.

Pete Sutsos, president and CEO, says the system allows users to add frequencies for all agencies involved in mutual aid operations. Up to 50 different agencies can be authorized from one C2E unit. Approved frequencies can be easily added or removed.

Click2Enter is at www.click2enter.net.

Martin Introduces Maintenance-Free Roller

Martin Door is introducing “the first standard maintenance-free ball-bearing roller in the garage door industry.”

The new roller includes a front and back bearing seal that eliminates the need for maintenance. “Our industry is sure to follow,” says Dave Haslam, director of marketing and sales.

The new seal over the bearing keeps out dust, water, sand, and other material. CEO David Martin calls it a “lifetime greased ball-bearing roller.” The bearings on Martin Door rollers are packed in synthetic grease that adapts to climate change with no change in consistency.

TOOLS

Makita Introduces Two New Batteries

Makita USA has released two batteries with LED lights to join its eLuminate Series. The new batteries are said to be “among the most powerful and longest lasting on the market.”

The batteries light the work area while requiring almost no power. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are 3-5 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, they carry a 10,000+-hour life span, and their components are virtually indestructible.

These new lighted batteries turn any Makita 12V, 14.4V, or 18V pod-style tool into a job light. The batteries have an on/off switch and a retractable 4-position angle setting.

New Impact Wrenches From Makita

In November 2003, Makita USA added two new corded 1/2" impact wrenches, models TW0200 and TW0350, and 14.4V 3/8" and 1/2" cordless impact wrenches, models 6933FDWDE and 6934FDWDE.

The new corded models feature a compact and lightweight design (4.6 and 6.4 lbs.) with the best power-to-weight ratio in their class, making them ideal for installers, framers, automotive mechanics, and others.

An impact-resistant aluminum gear case with rubber boot protects the all-metal gears. The TW0200 comes with variable speed control for controlled driving applications and a belt hook for quick access to the tool.

The new 14.4V cordless impacts feature high torque (1,240 in.lbs.) in a compact and lightweight design (3.8 lbs.) with increased control and feedback.

PEOPLE

Dennis Renner Succumbs to Cancer

Caption: Delden display, 1975. Dennis Renner is at left, Gene Renner (Dennis’s father) is at center, and Elmer Renner (Gene’s father) is at right.

Dennis Renner, president of Delden Manufacturing of Iowa, died of cancer on Nov. 7, 2003, at the age of 51. He had served for 22 years as president of the Des Moines-based facility.

Renner started working in the garage door business at Delden when he was in high school. He later attended Kansas State University. In the door business, he gained experience as an installer and later as a territory salesman for Delden in Kansas City, Mo.

Denise Dahms, Renner’s sister and Delden president, says, “His opening up the company in Des Moines expanded Delden’s distribution to a far greater area.”

Renner was the son of Freida and Gene Renner, Delden’s founder. Surviving Dennis are two daughters and three grandchildren. Door & Access Systems extends sympathy to the Renner family.

Overhead Hires New VP of Marketing

In December, Overhead Door announced that James Fanning has joined the company as vice president of marketing for the Access Systems Division.

Fanning comes from Whirlpool Corporation, where he worked for 14 years. Having held positions in production, engineering, purchasing, and marketing, Fanning’s most recent role was as director of global planning and strategy.

Fanning holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and a master of business administration, both from the University of Illinois.

Chamberlain Adds Marketing Manager

Chamberlain hired Randy Planck in 2003 as marketing manager, telephone entry and access controls. He is responsible for planning the strategic growth and development of the telephone entry and access division and marketing and sales efforts into the institutional and government services sectors.

Prior to joining Chamberlain, Planck worked as a national and international business consultant for Anchimeric Associates. He also held the post of director of business development for the Nukem Corporation in Germany.

Amarr Names New VP and Quality Engineer

In February, Amarr Garage Doors announced that Matt Hukill had been hired as vice president and controller. With more than 20 years in accounting, Hukill comes to Amarr after working with Oakwood Homes, the country’s largest manufactured housing company, and Insilco Corporation. Hukill holds an accounting degree from the University of Connecticut.

Amarr has also hired Arno Pinnow as the quality engineer for the Lawrence, Kan., plant. In this newly created position, Pinnow will develop quality assurance standards, processes, and controls and establish methods for inspection, testing, and training.

Pinnow previously worked for Harley-Davidson, where he worked on the Porsche engine for the V-Rod line.

Key Positions Filled at Wayne-Dalton

In January, Wayne-Dalton announced new management additions and promotions.

As vice president of manufacturing, Mike Kridel is responsible for all manufacturing locations, procurement, product engineering, and transportation. He brings 15 years of operations management experience with General Electric. Kridel received his M.B.A. from Xavier University in Cincinnati and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer systems, from the University of Toledo.

Ed Johnston has been promoted to senior engineering manager, overseeing product engineering and wood engineering. Johnston has been with Wayne-Dalton for 25 years in engineering and product development.

Michael Merle is now builder sales manager for the western United States. Merle has extensive experience in the garage door industry, most recently as residential sales manager for Cressy Door in Seattle. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University.

COMPANIES

Wayne-Dalton Acquires Premium Garage Door

In February, Wayne-Dalton acquired Premium Garage Door from Associated Materials Incorporated, headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Premium Garage Door makes vinyl garage doors.

“This … purchase will allow us to gain additional technology in the use and integration of high performance resins into garage doors,” says Bert Bennett, president.

Premium Garage Door will continue to operate as an independent division distributing to its U.S. customers. The manufacturing facilities for the division will be relocated in mid-2004 to Wayne-Dalton’s Plastics Plant in Conneaut, Ohio, after completion of a building expansion slated for June.

Sanwa Acquires Novoferm Group

Caption: Sanwa’s acquisition of Novoferm made the cover of Tür+Tor-Report (“Door and Gate Report”), a trade magazine in Germany. (Image courtesy of Tür+Tor-Report. Used by permission.)

On Oct. 7, 2003, Sanwa Shutter, the parent company of Overhead Door, purchased the Novoferm Group, a leading European manufacturer of steel doors, garage doors, and operators.

The two combined companies are expected to generate USD $2.6 billion in annual sales with 9,000 employees worldwide. The acquisition places the Sanwa Shutter Group in leading market positions for shutters, doors, garage doors, and operators in Japan, the U.S., and now Europe.

Established in 1956 as a shutter manufacturer, Sanwa is considered the leading manufacturer of construction products in Japan. Sanwa’s products include shutters, overhead doors, partitions, retail storefronts and awnings, entrance doors, storm windows, and a variety of other related items.

Novoferm is considered the second-largest manufacturer of garage doors and operators in Europe, with annual sales of about USD $400 million. Sanwa believes, “It is a significant step forward for the Sanwa Shutter Group as a global player to have a significant presence in Europe by the acquisition of Novoferm.”

Overhead Door acquired the Genie Company in 1994. Sanwa Shutter acquired Overhead Door/Genie in 1996.

Amarr Purchases Fimbel Door

Amarr has acquired Fimbel Door of Whitehouse, N.J. Amarr took over Fimbel manufacturing operations in November 2003 and retained all of the Fimbel workforce.

“We believe that the quality of Fimbel products is just as good as Amarr and should increase sales for our dealers, especially in cold weather markets,” says Jeff Mick, president.

Two Fimbel products are now being sold under the Amarr name: the Model 2700, a 2"-thick commercial door, and the Olympus, a residential door. Both models feature triple-layer construction with polyurethane insulation for an R-value of 17.48. Other Fimbel products may also be offered to Amarr dealers.

Hank Craig has been hired as the general manager of the Fimbel manufacturing facility. Craig has manufacturing experience with Windsor Door and Regal Ware.

“Amarr has made a commitment to invest in this facility and improve the manufacturing capabilities, and that builds value for the customers,” says Craig. Amarr says it is one of the top four garage door manufacturers in the country.

Linear Acquires Osco

In December, Linear added to its entry systems capability by acquiring Operator Specialty Company (OSCO) of Casnovia, Mich. OSCO makes residential and commercial gate and door opener systems for swing, barrier, and slide gates and industrial slide/swing doors.

“This acquisition rounds out our access equipment offering in a very logical way for our current customer base, and also provides immediate opportunities for expanding that base,” says CEO Grant Rummell. Linear makes remote controls, keypads, controllers, and telephone entry systems.

OSCO founder Jerry Trupiano has retired; former chief operating officer Bill Hildebrand has been appointed OSCO’s new president. The OSCO line will be represented by Linear’s existing entry systems sales network.

Weirton Steel to Sell Assets to ISG

In February, Weirton Steel announced that it agreed to sell substantially all of its assets to Cleveland-based International Steel Group (ISG) for approximately $255 million in cash and the assumption of liabilities.

The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court approval and other conditions. The sale should be completed in the second quarter of this year.

“We will continue normal operations throughout this process. The sale is good news for Weirton Steel, our customers, and the local communities,” says D. Leonard Wise, chief executive officer.

Weirton Steel says it is the fifth-largest U.S. integrated steel company and the nation’s second-largest producer of tin mill products. Weirton Steel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2003

Amarr Adds 120,000 Square Feet

Caption: The dotted lines indicate the areas of planned expansion.

In January, Amarr Garage Doors announced a planned expansion of its Lawrence, Kan., plant, bringing the total size of the facility to 360,000 square feet.

The extra space will be used for the production of the new Classica Collection (see page 4), for staging finished products, and for storage space.

“This expansion will make us more efficient,” says Delbert Phlipot, vice president of manufacturing. “To provide our dealers with their orders as quickly as possible, this expansion is a necessity.”

The three-year expansion project is expected to cost in excess of $10 million and to require the hiring of 80 workers.

Windsor Joins Builder’s Loyalty Program

Windsor Door is the exclusive sponsor of the garage door segment of the Builder’s Circle, the residential building industry’s only multi-manufacturer loyalty program. The national membership rewards program was launched in January at the 2004 International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

The Builder’s Circle rewards repeat buying and brand loyalty to sponsoring manufacturers like Windsor and rewards points–like frequent flier miles–to remodelers and builders for purchases. Points can be redeemed immediately for more than 1,000 travel, sports package, and brand name merchandise options.

Besides Windsor Door, other manufacturer brands include Alcoa, Armstrong, Atrium Windows and Doors, and Heil. More information is found at www.BuildersCircle.com.

Martin Shortens Delivery Time

Starting Jan. 1, 2004, Martin Garage Doors initiated a new program to take delay out of special orders.

The new program is being phased in and is expected to cover all models and sizes by June 2004. Under the program, all special orders will be processed and shipped within 48 hours.

Due to a new enterprise software system, orders now reach the factory floor within seconds from the time of order placement. The software also enables a streamlined production method that Martin calls “Max-Flo.” Martin says it has compiled a 100 percent on-time delivery record over the past 11 years.

Garaga Is Certified ISO 9001

In February, Garaga announced a successful transition to the new ISO 9001 standards.

“Garaga has just achieved another step in its pursuit of excellence, showing its continued commitment to improve its quality system as well as its products and services,” says the company.

To upgrade to the new ISO 9001 standard, companies certified under the ISO 9002 standard had to meet a more stringent set of requirements, including measuring customer satisfaction levels. The requirements are also more difficult regarding the improvement of the quality system.

Cornell Receives ISO Registration

In February, Cornell Iron Works announced that it has earned ISO 9001:2000 Registration from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

By earning this registration, Cornell says it demonstrates its commitment to increasing company efficiency and to continuous process improvement from product design through manufacturing.

More than 90 countries accept ISO registration as a quality assurance benchmark. “ISO certification is not a requirement in our industry, but we believe it is an effective tool for improving quality,” says Andrew Cornell, president.

Clopay Announces Spring Dealer Promotion

Clopay’s “See Green This Spring Promotion” will focus on Clopay’s top of the line garage doors, combining a manufacturer’s rebate along with dealer advertising support to drive spring sales.

The promotion runs in March and April and offers homeowners $100 savings on any double Reserve Collection or Premium Series door, or $50 savings on any single Reserve Collection or Premium Series door.

The promotion is supported with a variety of marketing materials, including postcards, fliers, rebate coupons, radio and TV spots, and ad slicks.

Cornell Manual Honored by CSI

Cornell Iron Works’ Rolling Door Resource Manual received top honors in the CSI 2004 Specifications Competition. The Honor Award for outstanding achievement will be presented at the Annual CSI Show and Convention in Chicago in April.

John Polchin, marketing manager, says the Specifications Competition Committee described the manual as “complete, well written with complete specifications” and “provides more information than most to assist in product selection, including budgeting information.”

This is the second year in a row for Cornell to be recognized by the Construction Specifications Institute.

Martin Door Gets Innovation Award

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of Utah recently honored Martin Door with its Value Added Innovation award. MEP is an extension of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

MEP is a non-profit organization that seeks to raise the level of competitiveness, performance, and profitability of Utah’s manufacturers. Martin was one of 11 companies honored statewide.

Clopay Announces Before & After Winners

Caption: This entry, from Frederick Rica of Westfield, N.J., won the grand prize of a $10,000 gift cheque.

Clopay’s 2003 Before & After contest again rewarded the most dramatic garage door renovations on homes from entries across the U.S.

“The contest generated sales for dealers, excitement for homeowners, and national awareness of the Clopay brand,” says Pat Lohse, director of residential marketing.

Homeowners submitted photos of their garages before and after new Clopay door installation. Installations were rated for overall appearance, impact of the door, dramatic difference, architectural fit, and creativity.

The contest was promoted in Better Homes & Gardens, Country Home, and other magazines, reaching more than 22 million readers. Winning entries will be featured in Renovation Style magazine this summer.

By participating, dealers could win a $5,000 American Express Gift Cheque. This year’s winner was Hunter Door Service of Maple Shade, N.J.

INTERNET

Service Spring Offers Online Ordering

Service Spring customers can now place orders for torsion springs, extension springs, and related door hardware from anywhere in the world with Internet access. Complete product pricing, order confirmation, and UPS tracking information is provided via the new system.

The site is at www.sscorp.com.

Garaga Site Speaks Spanish

Noting that Latin Americans have the highest demographic growth rate in the U.S., Garaga has opened the Spanish version of its Web site at www.garaga.com/es. The firm says it intends to step up its efforts to enter Central and South America.

Garaga distributes its products in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Garaga employs more than 135 persons and says it is the largest garage door manufacturer in Canada.

Wayne-Dalton Launches New Web Site

In February, Wayne-Dalton announced a new corporate Web site. The site includes upgraded graphics and several user-friendly advantages while retaining its Dealer Locator and Design Center.

Roll-over menus are now used to highlight product features, and product information has been expanded. Other new features include a press area and added product manuals.

Ideal Door Launches Web Site

Ideal Door’s new Web site (www.idealdoors.com) simplifies the garage door purchasing process with a garage door design gallery and safety checklists.

The Gallery of Doors features quick-loading images and a comparison of options for Ideal’s Gold, Silver, and Bronze series doors. An educational section provides safety data, a glossary, and FAQs. The commercial section offers downloadable specifications and a technical library with design tips, manuals, and safety information.

Raynor Adds Specs and Drawings

In February, Raynor announced new commercial specifications and drawings at www.raynor.com.

Specifications can be downloaded in Raynor Quick Spec and Masterspec versions in Word and PDF formats. Raynor Quick Specs offer a product overview, while the Masterspec version features specifications in CSI’s three-part format. Drawings are downloadable in DWG and PDF formats.

INDUSTRY

Chamberlain Wins Ad of the Year

Caption: DASMA President Richard Brenner (left) presents the Ad of the Year trophy to Dan Nixa (center), Chamberlain’s residential marketing manager, and Ken Roehl, vice president of marketing.

The Chamberlain Group is the winner of the fourth annual Door & Access Systems Advertisement of the Year award. Richard Brenner, outgoing DASMA president, presented the annual award at the DASMA Annual Meeting in February.

The Winning Ad

Chamberlain’s entry, “Designer Remotes,” was a series of three 1/3-page ads that first appeared in the winter 2003 issue of Door & Access Systems. The ad series earned the highest score in all five judging categories.

One of the judges, a design expert, said, “The ads are beautifully executed, very attractive, and would also be a standout in any consumer shelter magazine.”

Judging Criteria

The judging panel was composed of nine independent judges (six design experts and three industry observers) who are not employed by any DASMA member company. The panel assessed each ad on the basis of creativity, attractive design, helpful copy, integrity/professionalism, and overall effectiveness. All ads that appeared in Door & Access Systems magazine in 2003 were considered as entries.

Top Five Finalists

Four other ads were awarded certificates as Top Five Finalists: Amarr’s half-page “Perfect World” ad, Genie’s “Old Faithful” ad, HySecurity’s “Unchain Yourself” ad, and LiftMaster’s “Not Just Any Opener” ad.

IDEA Nears Milestone, Produces TV Spot

During Expo 2004, the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) will surpass 20,000 hours of industry education and training provided since 1998, according to Todd Thomas, IDEA managing director.

By 2004, IDEA education events had reached 11,218 attendees and 18,639 hours. Thomas says this indicates an increased demand for education by door companies.

“This has been a trend for the past five years,” he adds. Attendance at education events at Expo and at International Door Association (IDA) regional conferences tripled during the period.

In 1998, IDEA education events averaged 18 attendees per session. In 2003, educational activities jumped to an average of 61 attendees per session.

IDEA on TV

Accredited door companies will soon have a television commercial to promote themselves as industry professionals. IDEA produced the 30-second TV spot and says it will provide it at no charge to accredited dealers.

The commercial explains the advantage of selecting an accredited door company and looking for the IDEA emblem when shopping for a garage door. The commercial can be personalized for each dealer.

In other IDEA news, Mark Daus of Wayne-Dalton has been appointed to the IDEA board as a DASMA representative. He joins Barbara Kelkhoff of Chamberlain, Inez Van Meter of Murphy Industries, and Bill Blackburn of Amarr Garage Doors. The IDEA board also includes representatives from the IDA and the American Rolling Door Institute (ARDI).

DASMA to Sponsor Five Expo Seminars

The 2004 International Garage Door Expo will feature several presentations by DASMA. Expo 2004 enters Las Vegas on May 12-15.

Garage Door Thermal Performance (Wed., 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.) has become a hot topic. This technical presentation will cover R-values, U-factors, air infiltration, and common misconceptions about thermal performance.

Mock Trial – Automated Vehicular Gate Incident (Thurs., 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.). Watch the proceedings of a simulated courtroom battle about an automated gate accident where the prosecution alleges that a product was improperly installed.

How to Combat Unethical Business Practices (Thurs. 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.). Is a competitor destroying the reputation of professional door dealers in your area? This seminar offers a helpful list of legal and effective strategies to fight back.

Vehicular Access Door Wind Loading (Thurs. 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.). Wind loading is affecting more dealers throughout the country. Presenter Joe Hetzel will keep quality-minded dealers at the forefront of industry change in this important field.

Rolling Door Technical Information Online (Sat. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.) will address rolling steel fire door technical issues, including wind resistance, installation, testing, and maintenance. Special note will be given to Web resources.

New Leadership in DASMA

New directors, division chairs, and committee chairs were elected at the DASMA Annual Meeting, Feb. 4-6, 2004, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Joining the DASMA board are new directors Karl Adrian, president of the Access Systems Division of Overhead Door Corporation, and John Jellá, president of 1st United Door Technologies.

Gene Colleran of Clopay is now the chairperson of the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division, and Mark Tone of Chamberlain is chairperson of the Product Liability & Safety Committee.

New Online Training at GDU

In January, Garage Door University (GDU) of Richmond, Va., announced the completion of the garage door industry’s first online training center.

Online courses are offered monthly in sales, technical, customer service, management, and finance. Students are connected toll free.

More than 25 courses are offered, including topics such as “Architects - Their Role and How to Sell to Them,” “Sales Pros vs. Order Takers,” “Zero Callbacks,” “How to Keep Your Installers From Going to Work for Your Competition for $1 More Per Hour,” “Sell More Stuff to the Same Folks,” “Five Things You Can Change Overnight to Boost Profits Now,” and others.

More information is at www.garagedooru.com.

Nine Companies Join DASMA

Nine companies recently joined DASMA. Their acceptance was announced at or since the DASMA Annual Meeting in February.

Designer Doors is a new member of the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division. American Test Lab is now a Professional Member of the Rolling Door Division.

B.E.A., Inc., Byan Systems, and Sommer Antriebs- & Funktechnik GmbH have joined the Operator & Electronics Division. CFM Companies, Samco Machinery, Specialty Coatings, and Taylor Building Products have joined the Associates Division.

TECHNICAL

DASMA Technical Committees Elect Officers

At the DASMA Annual Meeting in February, members elected the following slate of technical committee officers.

• Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee: Al Mitchell, Wayne-Dalton Corporation, chair; Tony East, Amarr Garage Doors, vice-chair.
• Rolling Door Technical Committee: Joel Bonnell, Raynor, chair; Don Mills, Janus International, vice-chair.
• Door Operator Committee: Barbara Kelkhoff, The Chamberlain Group, chair.
• Gate Operator Committee: Mark Schram, Napoleon-Lynx, chair.
• Accessible Communications Systems Committee: Rick Sedivy, DoorKing, chair.

John Ahlstrom of Chamberlain was recognized for chairing the Accessible Communication Systems Committee since its inception in 1999. During Ahlstrom’s tenure, DASMA developed the accessible communication systems standard DASMA 303. The committee also established positive working relationships with various government and code authorities regarding those systems.

Garage Door Inspection Checklist Published

Home inspectors and consumers now have access to a DASMA-approved checklist for proper installation and operation of garage doors. The checklist, available on the DASMA web site as Technical Data Sheet (TDS) #167, includes steps to check both manual and electric operation of garage doors.

Work on the document followed a joint DASMA/IDA presentation to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) at their 2002 conference. IDA cooperated with DASMA to complete the document.

“The checklist is intended to be a simple, brief means of checking the door,” says LeRoy Krupke of Overhead Door. Krupke serves on the DASMA Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee.

Florida to Change to IBC

Florida is converting its model building code basis from the old Standard Building Code to the International Building Code (IBC). The change is expected to be completed before the Jan. 1, 2005, publication of the next version of the Florida Building Code (FBC).

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says that no technical changes will be made to the most recent (June 2003) version of the FBC. He adds that all DASMA-initiated code changes that were included in the FBC will be carried over into the updated code.

Hetzel says that DASMA will continue monitoring Florida code activities and working for future changes. He adds that Florida is also developing a residential code to be based on the International Residential Code.

ICC-ES Releases Document on Doors

In October 2003, the new International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) approved and released a document affecting garage doors and rolling doors. As a result, garage door and rolling door manufacturers may now obtain ICC-ES evaluation reports that will show how to document product performance according to the international family of codes.

The document (AC222) is entitled “Acceptance Criteria for Upward Acting, Exterior Garage Doors with Specified Allowable Wind Pressures.” DASMA members reviewed the document, provided input to ICC-ES, and it was then incorporated into the document.

“ICC-ES was very cooperative and highly receptive to industry input,” says DASMA’s Joe Hetzel. “Manufacturers now have another means to pursue code acceptance of their products.”

Hetzel urges dealers to stay in contact with their door suppliers as to how product performance is documented. He says several documenting methods are used and accepted throughout the country.

North Carolina Recognizes DASMA Wind Load Guide

In March, the North Carolina Building Code Council was expected to formally recognize the DASMA Wind Load Guide as an “alternative means of determining wind pressures.”

The DASMA guide, published on the DASMA Web site as Technical Data Sheet #155k, is based on ASCE 7-98. DASMA’s Joe Hetzel, says DASMA’s Wind Load Guide is the best means of determining wind loads for garage doors.

“Building departments may need to be educated on the use of the Wind Load Guide,” says Hetzel. He is particularly concerned about the differences between “exposure categories” (e.g., exposure B as a typical subdivision, and exposure C as an open field).

The Code Council action is a likely prelude to North Carolina’s converting its base model code from the Standard Building Code to the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC includes the wind load provisions of ASCE 7-98. Work on the conversion to IBC was also expected to begin in March.