© 2006 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2006
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 4-40

NEWSLINES

PRODUCT

Clopay Revives the Classic Wood Door

For homeowners who prefer a wood garage door in a traditional panel design, Clopay is now offering its line of raised-panel and flush wood doors in hemlock, cedar, or redwood.

The doors are available in single and double widths up to 18', in short or long raised panels, and optional windows handcrafted from carved wood.

Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing, says the versatility in wood species and panel designs makes this line suitable for traditional, Old World, contemporary, and even rustic log homes. www.clopaydoor.com

Designer Doors Launches Dealer Program

In February, Designer Doors announced the Sawmill Creek product line, a new line of economy-priced garage and walk-through doors through an exclusive dealer network.

“Sawmill Creek allows dealers to offer a quality wood product to a large portion of the market that wants curb appeal, but at an affordable price,” says Bob Orthey, director of national accounts. As of early February, more than 70 door dealers had signed up for the program.

Four standard models include a sliding look, swing look, tri-fold, and quad styles, with many window patterns and trim options. Also available are matching walk-through doors.

Sawmill Creek doors use western red cedar as a surface material, in 4" V-groove, beaded, or smooth paintable finish. Options include cast aluminum decorative hardware and factory-applied first coat of stain or primer. www.sawmillcreekdoors.com

Overhead Door Announces Residential Aluminum Door

At January’s International Builders’ Show, Overhead Door announced its new Residential Aluminum door. The door is available with a clear anodized finish, can be powder-coated in 196 colors, or can be color-matched to homeowners’ specifications.

The Residential Aluminum door offers commercial-grade construction and several window configurations. Glass options include insulated or non-insulated glass and tempered obscure glass.

The company says the door is ideal for a contemporary or retro-style home and may also be used to create “moveable walls” for indoor/outdoor living spaces. www.overheaddoor.com

Hörmann Expands Golden Oak Offering

In December, Hörmann added the new Decograin Golden Oak finish to its traditional-panel DSP sectional door. In 2005, Hörmann introduced this finish on its ribbed sectional steel door and has received “a record number of orders.”

“The high-quality woodgrain design provides homeowners with an authentic natural woodgrain finish at a fraction of the price of real wood,” says Norbert Fritz, president of Hörmann.

He says the new DSP Golden Oak doors are ready for immediate delivery. All Hörmann residential doors include safety features such as pinch protection, an anti-drop device, and side hand guards and are also available as wind-load models. www.hoermann.com

Skylink Group Unveils Swing Door Opener

In January, Skylink announced the launch of the Otodor Swing Door Opener (SDO), which opens and closes an interior door without a push, pull, or turn of a knob. The system, for home or office use, can be installed in less than 20 minutes with a single screwdriver.

The Otodor System can be mounted to any interior door that is up to 36" wide and 90 lbs. Philip Tsui, CEO, says the product is offered at a competitive price point and is ideal for the physically challenged.

The Model DM-100 package includes a door operator, a four-button remote control, an electromagnetic lock, mounting accessories, and an AC adapter. The opener can also be purchased with and activated by a motion sensor detector. www.skylinkhome.com

DoorKing Offers Speed Control Option

In February, DoorKing added a speed control option on its 9210 series of industrial slide-gate operators. The solid-state speed controller allows users to set the gate speed to meet their needs.

The gate speed can be set from 1/2'/sec. up to 2'/sec. by rotating the speed control knob. The speed controller also provides the operator with a slow-start/slow-stop operating mode.

A warn-before-operate feature has also been added to the 9210 series that will sound an alarm 2-3 seconds prior to gate movement. www.doorking.com

Linear/OSCO Teams With Invisa Smart Gate

In December, Linear/OSCO announced an agreement to provide its barrier gate product line with the Invisa Smart Gate PBG-3 safety sensor system pre-installed. Linear/OSCO models BGU, BGU-D, BGUS, and SG operators, with 10' to 25' arm lengths, can now be ordered with the Smart Gate system pre-installed at the factory.

The Smart Gate PBG-3 system is a non-contact safety sensor that creates an invisible field that moves with and precedes the closing gate arm. If an object is detected in the gate path, the Smart Gate unit will communicate a signal to the gate controller, reversing arm travel. www.linearcorp.com

HomeLink Launches QuickTrain Software

In January, Johnson Controls announced that Chamberlain, Genie/Overhead Door, and Wayne-Dalton have exclusively implemented the Homelink Wireless Control System with QuickTrain technology into their access control systems.

With the QuickTrain feature, training the HomeLink module is easier and quicker. QuickTrain technology will be in production on numerous 2007 model-year vehicles.

The company’s long-term agreements with the access control industry deliver a compatibility rate in excess of 98 percent, ensuring that consumers experience consistent and outstanding performance. The HomeLink system, integrated into millions of vehicles, can be used to remotely operate garage doors, gates, rear and front locks, home security and lighting systems, and other convenience and safety devices. www.johnsoncontrols.com

Clopay Introduces Wrought Iron Windows

At the 2006 International Builders’ Show, Clopay announced its new wrought iron window designs. The new design complements other exterior elements such as wrought iron handrails, light fixtures, fences, and gates.

These windows look like handcrafted forged iron over beaded glass, but are actually constructed of acrylic. The Tuscany and the Orleans designs are available on Clopay’s raised-panel line. Arched, long, and short designs are available on the Gallery Collection of steel carriage-house doors. www.clopaydoor.com

Designer Doors Adds Metal-Clad Wood Doors

In January, at the 2006 International Builders’ Show, Designer Doors announced its new line of metal-clad wood doors in Reynobond copper, zinc, and stainless steel.

The special metal cladding offers the flexibility to incorporate curves, angles, and other design elements not possible with heavy plate and sheet metal.

“Now Designer Doors offers the highest-quality garage door in either a traditional or contemporary style,” says Kent Forsland, owner of Designer Doors. “The durability and beauty of these metal claddings make them ideal for our product line.” www.designerdoors.com

Clopay Enters Sliding Door Market

In February, Clopay introduced a sliding door system for use on commercial metal and pole buildings, making it the first manufacturer in the garage door industry to offer a sliding door product in addition to its sheet roll-up and garage doors.

The Clopay Sliding Door System is available in two models with a maximum size of 52' x 19'. Model 835 is for use on doors weighing up to 400 lbs. (800 lbs. for bi-parting), and Model 837 holds doors weighing up to 950 lbs. (1,800 lbs. for bi-parting). The two models differ only in the configuration of their tracks and carriages.

The complete frame system arrives pre-cut in standard or custom sizes with all the materials necessary for installation, including the frame, track, roller carriages, and pre-engineered hardware. Only header bolts, cladding, and track flashing are not provided.

Clopay offers 10-day delivery nationwide from the date of order through its dealer network and a 10-year warranty on the entire sliding door system. www.clopaydoor.com

Raynor Introduces RiverPointe

In February, Raynor announced its new RiverPointe wood carriage-house doors, an affordable alternative to its American Rivers Collection custom wood doors.

RiverPointe doors include four models that appear to swing, fold, or slide open. The doors, available with a standard square top or optional curved top, feature a western red cedar surface material in either 4" V-groove or bead-board or in a smooth surface for painting.

Decorative bucks may be added. Glass options include clear double-strength glass and insulated glass. www.raynor.com

Wayne-Dalton Redesigns Model 9100 for Wind-Load Market

In February, Wayne-Dalton announced that its top-selling garage door is now available in a wind-rated design that meets Florida Building Code, International Code Council, Texas Department of Insurance, and Dade County requirements.

The Model 9100 wind-rated door is designed with a top-section roller brace to resist inward and outward force. Its design includes high-grade carbon steel hinges, commercial-grade U-bars, and heavy-duty jamb brackets. www.wayne-dalton.com

Designer Doors Conceals Its Struts

In February, Designer Doors introduced a patent-pending innovation that integrates struts into the door, rather than onto it. This creates an unobstructed interior surface with nearly unlimited wood species and millwork designs to complement the garage interior architecture and decor.

“Our concealed strut allows highly customizable garage door interiors that enhance beauty without sacrificing utility,” says Kent Forsland of Designer Doors.

The concealed, built-in struts reduce installation time and facilitate section alignment. Available as an upgrade, these doors are also available in 10' widths and almost limitless heights. www.designerdoors.com

Amarr Insulates Classica

In January at the Builders’ Show, Amarr introduced its Classica Collection of steel carriage-house doors with 2" polyurethane insulation and an interior steel skin.

The new model features a 25-gauge exterior steel skin, a 27-gauge interior, and polyurethane insulation, for an R-value of 13.35. Introduced in 2004, the Classica was the first pinch-resistant steel door with carriage-house design embossments.

The Classica Collection is available in 33 design combinations, using a square top, an arch top, and seven decorative windows. www.amarr.com

Hörmann Adds Spring Safety Cap

In January, Hörmann a torsion spring safety cap as standard to its line of residential garage doors.

The easy-to-fit safety cap requires no additional installation time and follows DASMA’s recommendation to put an additional indicator of dangerous spring tension. www.hoermann.com

Automatic Spring Winder Introduced

In February, PCI Tools introduced the Torsion Master Spring Winder, a new labor-saving tool that winds torsion springs quickly and safely.

“This could revolutionize the garage door industry, in safety and installation time,” says Pete Cusumano, inventor of the Torsion Master.

Cusumano says his new patent-pending tool eliminates the need for winding bars and vice grips. To wind the spring, the Torsion Master is attached to the torsion bar, not the winding cone. Torsion Master can wind one or two residential springs simultaneously in 15 seconds.

He says the device saves time and virtually eliminates the chance of being injured by the spring or winding bars. www.pcitool.com

New Operator Bracket Announced

In February, the DJS operator bracket, offering an attractive appearance and quick installation, became available at Denco, Re-Source, and Napoleon-Lynx.

Dale Schulze, its inventor, says the patent-pending bracket reduces operator installation time for doors without center hinges. Engineered as a single piece, the bracket can be installed within 45 seconds and allows the operator to be mounted at the preferred center location on doors from any manufacturer, Schulze says.

The bracket, designed to replace standard mounting hardware, comes in a powder-coat finish and is available in residential and commercial sizes. Since it only requires three inches of vertical mounting surface, the bracket also accommodates top-section windows. www.dencodoorstuff.com

SteelWorks Now Manufactures Struts

In January, the SteelWorks Corporation added struts to its product line.

“We have worked closely with our customers to develop a strut product mix that is complete, competitively priced, and manufactured to the same high-quality standard as our perforated angle,” says Mark McCullough, director of marketing.

SteelWorks generally offers lead times of one to two days for all strut orders. Struts are available in five and 60-piece bundles, in 2" and 3" heights, 8' to 30' lengths, and in 20 and 22 gauge. www.steelworks.net

Syracuse Stamping Introduces Quick Turn Brackets

Syracuse Stamping has added 13- and 14-gauge Quick Turn Brackets to its line of garage door hardware products.

The brackets enable door systems to operate in minimal headroom conditions. All Syracuse Stamping products are manufactured in Syracuse, N.Y.

Wayne-Dalton Offers New Decorative Options

In February, Wayne-Dalton announced new decorative angles for Model 9700 doors. The angles can be used on garages with coped corners to match the contour of the garage opening.

The decorative angles come in four different kits. Two kits are available for solid doors with either square or arched tops; the corner is attached by a magnetized backing. An additional two kits are available for doors that have windows and either square or arched tops; the corner is attached with an adhesive backing. www.wayne-dalton.com

GADCO Adds New Steel Carriage-House Door

In December, General American Door Company (GADCO) added the Heartland Series 7450 steel carriage-house garage door.

The 7450 features a shiplap design, insulated center stiles, decorative black iron hinges and handles, and six optional window designs. www.gadco.com

Designer Doors’ Wood Doors Meet Miami-Dade Code

In January, Designer Doors announced that its “myriad of models will meet just about any U.S. code—including the tough standards in Miami-Dade county.”

The company says its top product line in its original format withstands wind speeds in excess of 100 mph. By upgrading to the hurricane frame and hardware, this door is now impact rated in Miami-Dade county—including models with decorative glass. www.designerdoors.com

FlexBarrier Launches ResiScreen

In February, FlexBarrier Products added ResiScreen, a new motorized bug screen product for the residential market. ResiScreen can be used in porches, patios, garage door openings, balconies, verandas, porches, lanais, and terraces.

Operable by remote control, ResiScreen keeps out bugs, provides shade from the sun, and reduces glare. It can be installed with existing garage doors, allowing the garage to become a pest-free area for work or recreation.

No-fade fiberglass or polyester screen comes in a choice of colors and weaves. Extruded aluminum sidetracks come in white, bronze, and ivory. www.flexbarrier.com

Strobeswitch Allows Emergency Access

The Tomar Strobeswitch allows fire emergency vehicles access to gated communities and departmental facilities with the use of their existing strobe lights.

Digital frequency discrimination rejects unwanted signals such as flashlights, emergency vehicle lighting systems, and flashing signs. The device is available from Encon Electronics. www.enconelectronics.com

PowerMaster Offers New Solid-State Controls

In December, John Greene announced a solid-state control option for its commercial garage door openers.

The new solid-state control board features onboard Open/Close/Stop buttons, adjustable timer-to-close with a timer defeat option, numerous field-selectable functions, and diagnostic LEDs. An economical, plug-in, three-channel radio is available with an FC antenna that can be relocated to optimize performance.

The board also provides “plug n’ play” control interfaces to speed installation of safety devices such as the Access Alliance Quik-Protect Photobeam System and the Fraba Safety Edge. The control board automatically monitors these safety systems for correct operation. www.power-master.net

Gavazzi Adds Inductive Loop Detectors

In February, Carlo Gavazzi announced a new inductive loop detector designed to provide an inexpensive and reliable way to detect vehicles.

The detector is intended for door and gate control, access control, operating barriers, parking management, vehicle counting, and card dispenser applications.

A single loop and dual loop version is available. Both versions feature simple setup via push button and dip switches, automatic calibration, ON-delay to avoid false detection of small or fast-moving objects, and multiple selectable loop frequencies to prevent crosstalk among adjacent loops. www.gavazzionline.com

PEOPLE

Arrow Tru-Line Announces Promotions

In February, Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) announced several key sales promotions.

Jason Anderson is now vice president of sales and marketing; he formerly served as vice president of international procurement. Anderson has extensive international business experience and was an international business manager for Microsoft.

Jerry Hennen is now vice president of strategic business development. He will develop new business with current key ATL customers and obtain new strategic accounts. Hennen has 20 years of garage door industry experience and has been with ATL for 13 years, previously as national sales and marketing manager.

Hennen serves on the DASMA board of directors and is chair of the Associates Division. He holds a B.S. in marketing from West Virginia University.

John McLaughlin has been promoted to director of regional door manufacturer and dealer sales. He will address ATL’s regional door manufacturer and door dealer market and manage ATL’s four regional sales managers, customer service, and inside sales staff in Columbus and Archbold, Ohio, and Las Vegas.

McLaughlin has 17 years of garage door industry experience, including 11 years of sales experience with Wayne-Dalton, Premium Door, and most recently with OMI Industries.

Sizer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Gerry Sizer, founder and president of Industrial Door Company and Industrial Spring Company was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Small Business Association (SBA) in Minnesota.

During his 30 years of business, Sizer has used SBA resources or financing on seven expansion projects. “Without the help of the SBA, we would not have been able to grow the company like we have,” he says.

Mike Mulrooney, executive director of the Central Minnesota Development Company (the Certified Development Company for the SBA), says, “Industrial Door/Spring is really the poster child for the SBA programs and what they can do for small business development.”

The SBA is helping to provide job skills training and some financing for Industrial Spring’s current expansion project scheduled for completion in June 2006.

Asta Promotes National Sales Manager

In December, Asta Door announced the promotion of Steve Jamell to national sales manager. He previously served as a regional sales manager in the Southeast.

Jamell holds a B.S. from the University of Central Arkansas and has received awards for outstanding sales and profit growth. He has 20 years of experience in the door industry.

Amarr Names Residential Garage Door Product Manager

In January, Amarr Garage Doors hired its first residential garage door product manager. Vickie Lents started duties in November.

Lents holds a B.S. in industrial engineering from Stanford and a M.B.A. from Northwestern University. She has 15 years of experience in marketing and consulting, mostly with the Sara Lee Corporation.

Lents will focus on improving existing products, keeping up with the latest trends, and streamlining product lines when necessary.

A-tech Honors Top Sales Producers

In late January, A-tech named Jerry Spence as its top salesman of the year at the company’s National Overhead Door Product Sales and Marketing Meeting in Highland Beach, Fla.

Spence, whose territory is Oklahoma and Texas, has more than 15 years of garage door experience. The award acknowledges his service to customers and adding new clients. Other award winners included Charlie Heid, Jon Turley, John Elmgren, Jimmy Morgan, and Dale Turley.

BEA Hires New President

In December, BEA announced that Bryan Gregory had joined the company as its new president. BEA is a global provider of automatic door sensing technology for pedestrian and industrial doors.

Gregory has experience in the sensing, optoelectronics, and optics fields in a range of roles including product development, strategic planning, domestic and international sales, and product marketing. He has held management and business development positions at Emcore Corporation, Molex Fiber Optics, Mitsubishi Electric, and Hitachi America.

Gregory holds several patents related to optoelectronics and fiber optics, an M.B.A. in international business, and a B.A. in electrical engineering.

Amarr Prepares for IT Upgrade

In January, Amarr Garage Doors hired two information technology (IT) professionals in preparation for a major upgrade to its technical systems for its Corporate Support Center.

Andy Pryce is the new director of IS operations, managing a department of seven team members who are responsible for the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. He holds a B.S. in statistics from Appalachian State University and has 20 years of IT support experience.

Don Keefer is the new director of technical services, managing a department of six team members who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Amarr’s networks and e-mail systems. His previous positions include network manager, business systems analyst, technology specialist, and senior applications analyst. His most recent position was client services manager for PeopleSoft Enterprise Solutions.

DBCi Names Regional Sales Manager

In February, Nelson Hendrix joined DBCi (Door & Building Components) as eastern region sales manager, responsible for sales in a 24-state region in the eastern United States.

Hendrix manages the company’s self-storage and commercial door sales in that region. He comes to DBCi with experience in sales, sales management, business development, and account retention. Most recently, he was eastern regional manager for Overhead Door.

He attended Hyles-Anderson College and served as a paratrooper and communications specialist in the U.S. Army.

COMPANIES

Hörmann Buys Gadco

On Feb. 22, General American Door Company (Gadco) became part of the Hörmann organization.

“This new partnership means that Gadco customers will have access to the best technology available in the world,” says Christoph Hörmann, one of the principals of Hörmann.

Hörmann is the largest manufacturer of garage doors outside the United States and is known as a worldwide leader in garage door safety and technology. With more than 5,000 employees worldwide, Hörmann has operations in more than 30 countries.

Gadco, based in Montgomery, Ill., is a regional garage door manufacturer with 11 distribution centers serving the eastern half of the United States. The company has been making garage doors since 1965.

Christoph Hörmann has appointed Frank Weber as the new president of Gadco. Joe Kee and Ron Brazener will continue with Gadco as vice president of sales and marketing and vice president of finance and administration, respectively. Weber has been with Hörmann in Germany since 1988, with expertise in management, engineering, manufacturing, and sales.

Linear Acquires GTO

In December, Linear announced that it had purchased GTO of Tallahassee, Fla., a manufacturer of automatic gate openers.

“GTO is an excellent fit for our Entry Systems business,” says Grant Rummell, Linear chairman. “It expands our current gate operator offerings from Linear/OSCO and complements related products we make, including garage door operators, access control systems, and radio controls.”

Joe Kelley, GTO’s president, says, “We couldn’t ask for a better way to grow our business. And GTO will help Linear further consolidate its position as one of the leaders in the gate and garage industry.”

GTO, founded in 1987, will remain independently managed. Linear, a subsidiary of Nortek, is a worldwide source for access control systems, radio controls, garage door and gate openers, wireless security systems, and more.

Amarr Builds Research and Educational Facility

In January, Amarr announced the beginning of construction of the E3 (Education, Exercise, Explore) Institute. The new facility, built next to Amarr’s corporate support center in Winston-Salem, N.C., will provide space for product testing and development and training of employees and dealers.

“Development of our people and development of our products are imperative to our continued growth,” says Richard Brenner, Amarr’s CEO.

The building will include an exact replica of an Amarr Door Center, an exercise room for employees and guests, and testing stations for residential, commercial, and wind-load applications. The Amarr network now includes more than 1,000 employees, more than 3,000 dealers, three plants, and more than 60 Door Centers in North America and Hungary.

Carriage House Door Adds Eastern Plant

In March, Carriage House Door of Sacramento, Calif., opened a new manufacturing plant on the East Coast. Gary Singley, president, says his firm invested $1.5 million to purchase and renovate a 60,000-sq.-ft. plant near Asheville, N.C., eventually providing jobs for more than 100 people. The plant will produce both wood and steel garage doors.

“The demand for our product is nationwide,” says Singley. “We have some large accounts in the Southeast and on the East Coast, and this new plant will help us serve these customers better.”

Singley says the North Carolina location was attractive because of its convenience for shipping to Eastern and Midwestern locations and because of the available labor force in the area. The move marks the expansion of Carriage House Door from a regional West Coast manufacturer to a national supplier of custom-built wood and steel garage doors.

Singley has been in the garage door business since 1974. He founded Carriage House Door in 1997.

Chamberlain Opens Training Academy

In December, Chamberlain announced the opening of the Chamberlain Training Academy in Tucson, Ariz. The new academy offers comprehensive training for beginners and advanced technicians on all of Chamberlain’s LiftMaster, Elite, and Sentex product lines.

The academy seeks to increase product knowledge, simplify and speed up installations, reduce callbacks, and provide quick troubleshooting techniques for Chamberlain’s residential and commercial door and gate openers.

Three experienced instructors with more than 30 years of industry experience teach the classes. Class sizes are limited to 12 students to ensure personalized, hands-on instruction.

Installers can attend full training sessions or choose specific classes. The academy is currently offering four-day telephone entry systems training courses, three-day gate operator training courses, and two-day software training courses.

Overhead Door Relocates Headquarters

On Jan. 30, Overhead Door completed the relocation of its headquarters from Farmers Branch, Texas, to Lewisville, Texas.

Overhead Door’s new location, formerly the home of Texas Instruments, is newly renovated and provides room for expansion, with 50 percent more space than the Farmers Branch facility. The move also allows the company to consolidate services into one building and host large meetings, previously held off-site.

The new location, at 2501 South State Highway 121, is 10 minutes from DFW International Airport.

Fraba Hosts Tour of R+T Show

In February, Fraba hosted a tour of the R+T Show in Stuttgart, Germany, for several representatives of U.S. door and operator manufacturers.

The trip included two days at the fair and tours of two European door manufacturers. Eric Lavin of Fraba says everyone felt the trip was an excellent experience and a great opportunity to view similar products in a parallel market.

Chamberlain Purchases Australian Firm

In February, The Chamberlain Group acquired Grifco Precision Products, the largest manufacturer of industrial door operators in Australia and New Zealand. Grifco has been family owned since 1914.

Chamberlain’s CEO J. David Rolls says the acquisition of Grifco broadens Chamberlain’s global position in industrial products and markets. “With Chamberlain’s worldwide resources and distribution, we see opportunities to grow Grifco’s export business while helping to improve its business in Australia as well.”

SteelWorks Sells Assets, Changes Its Name

In February, the SteelWorks Corporation announced that the company had sold the SteelWorks brand name and certain assets to The Hillman Group, a Cincinnati-based hardware supplier.

The SteelWorks Corporation is continuing to manufacture perforated angle, but under the name of GarageWorks Steel, a division of the Acme Manufacturing Company. The company will continue offering prompt delivery to the garage door industry.

Fraba and Allstar Announce Relationship

In February, Fraba announced that Allstar Corporation has agreed to become Fraba’s first Advanced Sales Partner in the United States. The agreement will enable Allstar to sell, distribute, and support the Vitector line of Fraba products. These products include the OSE (Optical Sensing Edge), FlashEntry, and Airwave switches.

Allstar manufactures door and gate openers, radio controls, and accessories. Fraba Vitector is the market leader for sensing edges in the European door industry. Fraba plans to establish only a few Advanced Sales Partners for their Vitector products in the United States.

Ankmar Restructures Service Systems, Products

Since February 2005, when Denver-based Gallagher Industries purchased Ankmar Door, the company has restructured its inventory, streamlined its customer service and delivery processes, and reinvigorated its signature line of CladPanel door products. William Smith, Ankmar president and CEO, says the company listened to its customers to determine needed changes.

Now, new delivery processes have resulted in 98.55 percent of complete orders being shipped on time. Ankmar’s improvements to customer service at its Kansas facility resulted in fewer errors and a new policy that every phone call must be answered by a live representative.

Market research also resulted in a reinvigorated line of Ankmar’s CladPanel doors. Tom Sojak, senior vice president, says the door’s aesthetics, affordability, and the building industry’s trend toward “green” products have made CladPanel a viable and practical upgrade from steel doors.

Chamberlain Earns “Best In Show”

In February, for the third consecutive year, Chamberlain received the “Best In Show” Award for their trade show booth at the 2006 Fencetech Trade Show.

Fencetech ’06, held Feb. 1-3 in Las Vegas, attracted 8,540 registered attendees and more than 425 exhibitors from the U.S. and Canada displaying gate operators, security systems, gate and fencing materials, and related equipment.

The award is presented by the American Fence Association (AFA) to one exhibitor in two categories: small booth size and multi/large booth size. Chamberlain won the award for the multi/large booth size.

New Conveyor Oven at Industrial Spring

Industrial Spring Company (ISC) has purchased a new 35' conveyor oven for its new 45,000-sq.-ft. building addition to be completed this spring 2006.

The oven’s 10 heating zones and eight cooling zones will enable ISC to maximize a spring’s strength and cycle life through the heat-treating process. It will also streamline production efficiencies and increase capacity.

Wayne-Dalton Announces Sweepstakes Winners

In February, Wayne-Dalton announced the winners of the Wayne-Dalton 2006 NFL Pro Bowl Sweepstakes.

The sweepstakes was part of Wayne-Dalton’s advertising program on Westwood One radio that included ads aired during the NFL play-offs, Super Bowl, and Pro Bowl, all geared to build brand awareness in the builder market.

The prize package included two tickets for each winner to the 2006 Pro Bowl football game, two tickets to the NFL tailgate party and VIP reception, air travel, and a week’s stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. The sweepstakes was open to any eligible home builder, architect, or contractor who attended the 2006 International Builders’ Show.

Demand for Custom Bi-Fold Doors Increases

In February, Schweiss Bi-Fold doors announced that the demand for custom-built “designer doors” has also come to bi-fold doors.

The firm is getting requests for custom bi-fold doors for use in a variety of commercial and residential applications.

BioMetrx Launches Dealer Program

In February, BioMetrx announced a program for pre-qualified dealers to sell and install its new SmartTouch fingerprint-activated GDO remote control. Lorraine Yarde, president of SmartTouch, also announced that ProTouch will be the dealer brand for the SmartTouch product.

Scheduled to begin in March 2006, the dealer program will expect dealers to certify at least one of their installers to qualify for consideration. SmartTouch offers three membership levels and charges an annual membership fee and monthly service charges. SmartTouch offers discounts and volume rebate incentives to its authorized dealer members.

Mark Basile, CEO, says the firm has received orders for more than 23,000 units. BioMetrx plans to introduce other fingerprint-activated consumer electronics products in 2006.

Clopay Avante Wins 2005 Awards

Clopay’s Avante Collection won recognition as one of Architectural Record’s choices for outstanding building product introduction in 2005. The door was also named one of the Top 100 products of 2005 by Residential Design & Build magazine.

In addition to the editorial honors, the Avante Collection was selected for two products for the HGTV series “Curb Appeal.”

Wayne-Dalton Booth Attracts Media

Wayne-Dalton’s exhibit at January’s 2006 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Fla., attracted the attention of many national media. The booth, built on the theme of “Say Good-bye to the Plain Vanilla Garage Door,” was promoted in various ways at the convention hall.

“On The House with the Carey Brothers,” a syndicated radio show, broadcast a live interview with Bill Earnest, Wayne-Dalton’s marketing director. The radio show also made a booth appearance to promote the company’s latest products.

More than 15 media outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, Country Home, and Woman’s Day also toured the booth. In addition, Wayne-Dalton participated in a satellite media tour garnering 1.6 million viewers in more than 30 network television markets.

INTERNET

Summit Door Unveils New Look

In February, Summit Door announced a new brand identity and a new Web site. The changes follow months of input from customers, external marketing professionals, and the company’s sales staff.

“The new identity is an important step in positioning Summit Door as the industry leader in the quality design and creation of customized garage doors,” says DeAnn Rowan, marketing manager.

The updated www.summit-door.com was the first element to be introduced in January. It includes educational tools on popular wood material options, door design and construction, and finishing recommendations. Throughout the year, other features will be added, including a hardware shopping cart, dealers-only pages, and a design center.

In 2006, the transition to the new look will gradually include new letterhead and new literature.

Flexon Launches New Web Site

In January, Flexon launched its new company Web site. The site features an updated look, improved navigation, more detailed product information, and a dealers-only section where dealers can access brochures, drawings, and specifications.

Wayne-Dalton Upgrades Door Selection Center

In January, Wayne-Dalton announced the newest version of its Door Selection Center (DSC), which can now be viewed on Wayne-Dalton’s Web site or at a local participating dealer.

The DSC now features Wayne-Dalton’s Model 9700 door with more than 50 design combinations. Every variation of design, color, and window offering is included, along with accent options such as decorative garage door hardware.

Trac-Rite Redesigns Web Site

In December, Trac-Rite Door announced a redesigned Web site at www.tracrite.com. The new site incorporates flash animation on the home page, a dealer locator, a Determine-Your-Needs section, and an Order-a-Door section that lets the user price and purchase up to two doors online.

INDUSTRY

Marantec Wins Ad of the Year

Marantec America won the sixth annual Door & Access Systems Advertisement of the Year award. Randall Renne, DASMA president, presented the trophy to Neil Giarratana and Bill Wahler of Marantec at the DASMA Annual Meeting in January.

The Winning Ad

Marantec’s “Colored Rails” ad appeared in the fall 2005 issue of Door & Access Systems. The ad, selected from more than 100 entries, earned the highest scores in three of the five judging categories.

“The judges felt that the ad communicated the concept of colored rails in a clear, attractive, yet creative way,” says Tom Wadsworth, magazine editor.

Giarratana said the idea for the ad originated in a play session with one of his daughters as she was coloring with crayons. “At the time, Marantec was considering doing powder-coated rails, and we were looking for the right visual way to communicate it,” recall Giarratana. “Thus, an advertising idea was born.”

Top Five Finalists

Four other ads were awarded certificates as Top Five Finalists: First United Door Technologies’ “A Whole New Animal” ad, C.H.I. Overhead Door’s “Coast to Coast” ad, Northwest Door’s “Best of Both Worlds” ad, and Service Spring’s “Unique Service” ad.

Judging Criteria

The judging panel was composed of nine independent judges including seven design experts and two industry observers. Most of the judges have more than 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising. None of the judges were 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 2005 were automatically considered as entries.

DASMA to Present Three Seminars at Expo

At the upcoming 2006 Expo in Las Vegas, DASMA will present three seminars with new industry information. The seminars are offered May 17 and 18 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

“Getting Out of Jams by Getting Into Jambs,” (May 17, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.) will describe effective ways to connect garage door and rolling door systems to jambs.

“Introduction to the High-Performance Door Industry,” (May 18, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.) will help dealers understand this new product category and how they can solve customer problems with these high-speed/high-performance doors.

“Gate Systems Technicians: Latching Onto Certifications,” (May 18, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.) provides an overview of an upcoming new self-study program from DASMA, the American Fence Association (AFA), and the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA).

New DASMA Leaders Elected

As a result of elections at DASMA’s Annual Meeting in January, several members are now serving in new roles in the organization.

Rick Sedivy of DoorKing is now DASMA president, succeeding Randall Renne of Raynor. Sedivy will serve a two-year term. (See related story on p. 60.)

Bob Cookson of Cookson now serves as the board’s first vice president, and Karl Adrian of Overhead Door serves as the second vice president. Cookson previously served as second vice president. This is Adrian’s first election to a DASMA officer position. Ken Roehl of Chamberlain will continue as third vice president, and Bearge Miller of Miller Edge will continue as treasurer.

Jim Overholt of C.H.I. Overhead Doors was elected as a new member of the DASMA board of directors. Overholt serves as president and CEO of C.H.I., based in Arthur, Ill.

In the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division, Steve DeWitt of Northwest Door was elected as chair of the division, replacing Gene Colleran of Clopay. Colleran and DeWitt will both continue to serve on the DASMA board.

DASMA Welcomes New Members

At DASMA’s Annual Meeting in January, DASMA welcomed seven new member companies.

The Rolling Door Division welcomed two members: Lawrence Roll-Up Doors, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of steel and aluminum rolling door products, and Joseph H. Dixon Jr., P.E., a professional member affiliated with this division.

The Operator & Electronics Division welcomed Micanan Systems of Dorval, Quebec, Canada, a maker of commercial and industrial garage door and gate openers and control panels.

The Associates Division added three new members: The GarageWorks Steel Company, Macsteel Service Centers, and PPG Industries. GarageWorks Steel makes perforated angle and struts for the garage door industry. Macsteel has a network of North American locations that provides one-stop service, distribution, and processing of steel. PPG Industries provides glass and paint products to this industry.

The High Performance Door Division added Flexon, a manufacturer of high-speed roll-up doors, impact doors, screen doors, and loading dock equipment, based in Leetsdale, Pa.

TECHNICAL

UL Updates Affect Vehicular Gates, Garage Doors

In February, UL announced the publication of new UL 325 updates that affect automated vehicular gates and garage doors. The updates were the result of work by the UL 325 Standards Technical Panel, with input from DASMA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

For vehicular gates, new requirements include:
· Designing pedestrian access openings to promote pedestrian use.
· Locating a pedestrian gate so that persons will not come in contact with the vehicular gate during the entire path of travel of the vehicular gate.
· Controls intended for user activation must be located at least six feet away from any moving part of the gate.
· Locating controls where the user is prevented from reaching over, under, around, or through the gate to operate such controls.
· Locating the stop and/or reset buttons in the line-of-sight of the gate, also where activation of a reset control shall not cause the operator to start.
· Installing a minimum of two warning signs, one at each side of the gate where they are easily visible.

Sam Blaney of Byan Systems, DASMA Gate Operator Committee chair, says the clarifications are intended to improve safety and give installers better instructions.

Florida Addresses DASMA Requests

In February, the Florida Building Commission (FBC) responded to requests from DASMA regarding interpretations of the state’s product approval program. Here are some of FBC’s decisions.

· Manufacturers may use their own facilities for testing.
· Manufacturers may use a Florida-registered design professional to witness such testing.
· Test facilities must be accredited only by a Florida-approved entity.
· An entity that accredits a test facility can also witness testing.
· Supporting data need only be referenced in a manufacturer’s online product approval documentation.

In January, the FBC’s Structural Technical Advisory Committee recommended that several DASMA proposals be included in amendments to the 2004 Florida Building Code.

DASMA had urged (1) that the residential code incorporate a garage door wind-load table, (2) clarification of wind-load requirement for garage doors and rolling doors, and (3) reference to ANSI/DASMA 115, an industry test method for resistance to windborne debris.

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says the recommendations must still undergo public comment and FBC review. If approved, the DASMA proposals would become effective later in 2006.

ANSI Recognizes DASMA 303

In January, after six years of effort, DASMA obtained ANSI recognition for a new standard for performance criteria for accessible communications entry systems. The landmark standard, now called ANSI/DASMA 303, was initiated by the Access Systems Committee of DASMA’s Operator & Electronics Division.

Rick Sedivy, John Ahlstrom, and Rick Muller led the development of the groundbreaking document, soliciting input from a wide variety of manufacturers, users, and others with general interest in the product.

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, has high hopes for the use of the new standard. “This opens up possibilities to promote the industry through voluntary certification and labeling along with educational tools.” Hetzel believes that heightened innovation could also result from use of the standard.

New Wind-Load Calculator at DASMA.com

In January, DASMA posted a wind-load calculator at www.dasma.com for dealers and others who wish to estimate wind loads on garage doors and rolling doors.

Users enter basic information about the door’s size, location, and the overall structure. The calculator automatically provides the appropriate positive and negative design pressures. The calculated values are for preliminary purposes only. To find the calculator, click on Publications, then Technical Data Sheets.

DASMA Publishes New Technical Data Sheets

In early 2006, DASMA published three new Technical Data Sheets (TDS) for industry products. The documents are being posted on the DASMA Web site.

TDS 176: Adding Weight to a Door

DASMA recently published TDS 176, titled “Adding Weight to a Garage Door Assembly.” The TDS provides helpful guidance about attaching weight to an existing door, a concern that is not usually considered during the design of any component of a garage door.

The document, published by the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division, focuses on safety-related issues. Consequences include interference with proper operation, potentially dangerous failure, and/or voiding of the door warranty.

TDS 278: Balanced Fire Protection

Needed clarification about “balanced fire protection” in buildings and the role of rolling steel fire doors led DASMA to recently publish TDS 278, “Rolling Steel Fire Doors and Balanced Fire Protection.”

The document was published by the Rolling Door Division with help from Vickie Lovell, president of the Alliance for Fire and Smoke Containment and Control. The document outlines various scenarios involving rolling steel fire doors, defines a “sprinkler trade-off,” and briefly overviews applicable code provisions.

TDS 375: Electrical Service Installation

Extensive input from members of three different DASMA divisions resulted in the publishing of a new TDS on electrical service installation recommendations for motor-operated commercial sectional doors and rolling doors.

Representatives from garage door, rolling door, and door opener manufacturers collaborated to list seven common examples of installation problems and related solutions for the electrician and/or the door installer. Sample electrical coordination information for a motor-operated rolling door is included.