Manaras Launches the Opera

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2000
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-18

NEWSLINES

PRODUCTS

Manaras Launches the Opera

In November, Manaras launched the Opera, its new door system operator. The heavy-duty jackshaft operator is said to include several innovations and is designed for use on any door with a shaft as the driving element.

The company says the Opera will "revolutionize the industry." The unit is designed with rounded corners to avoid injury during handling, a hinged cover that remains in place when opened, and a liftable control box for easy access to its mechanical parts.

Opera’s Hoist-a-Matic self-engaging chain hoist allows one-step operation by simply pulling on the hand chain. Its Accu-Cam feature offers precise limit adjustment and keeps the adjustment on one cam while the opposite cam is adjusted.

General Manager Francois Goyette said, "For the past two years, our R&D department has enabled our specialized engineers to create and develop new mechanical, electrical, and electronic operational concepts, making it possible for us to innovate and offer better technologies for our operators."

Amarr Introduces Its First Polyurethane Door

In August, Amarr announced a new commercial sectional door, the Model 1750. The company’s first door insulated with polyurethane, the sections are 1-3/4-inches thick with CFC-11-free insulation.

The Model 1750 offers a 16.3 R-value, 14-gauge hinges, and 13-gauge track brackets. The door includes a one-year paint and hardware warranty and a 10-year adhesive warranty.

Martin Introduces Quieter Residential Door Opener

In October, Martin Door introduced new "ultra quiet" residential garage door openers, models DC 3700 (UL listed) and DC 3700X (European model 220-volt CE approved).

The company said that its DC 3700 passed Martin's 100-year, 100,000-cycle, 500 lb. garage door test on a 20'x8' door. The new DC 3700 features an easily programmed computer that controls limits and force adjustments. Each opener also comes with a 3-button wall control, an "ultra small" two-button transmitter, and "non-contact" safety photo-eyes with a backup timer (optional on DC 3700X).

The DC 3700 also features an exclusive 110/220 switchable power supply for Asia and other areas of the world. Both models come with a limited lifetime warranty on the motor with 5 years on parts and labor.

OSCO Adds New Operators

In October, OSCO announced two new slide gate operators, the Model RSL and Model RSL-D with battery back-up.

The new units feature OSCO’s new UL 325-compatible controls, _ HP 115 VAC motor or DC motor, gear reducer, an integral disconnect, full systems capable, power on/off switch, accessory shelf above the control box, and a durable powdercoat finish. The units sit parallel to the fence, can be post- or pad-mounted, and will handle gates up to 17 feet or 500 pounds.

New Rolling Steel Door for High Winds

In an October announcement, Wayne-Dalton introduced its newest commercial roll-up steel door, the DS-350, designed to meet the high demands of windload requirements. The DS-350 offers PE (Professional Engineer)-certified windload protection of 31 psf (pounds per square foot) with a test pressure of 46.5 psf.

To achieve the 31 psf capacity, the DS-350 roll-up door showcases a new track system, which allows for smooth operation. DS-350 features include:

  • Bolt-together, heavy-duty G-guides with wall angle, roll-formed from 13-gauge galvanized steel.
  • Field-installed, continuous polypropylene wear strips, attached to both sides of the G-guide.

The windload door guides can be installed on masonry, concrete, steel, or wood jambs with no special preparation needed. The steel slide-bolt assemblies at each bottom corner secure the closed door from the inside. The slide-bolts also accept padlocks. A sliding curtain lock is available for securing the door from the outside.

DS-350 windload roll-up steel doors are available in sizes up to 16’ x 16’, and in a variety of standard and special colors.

C.H.I. Expands Color Offerings

C.H.I. is adding two new colors to its 2285 line of sandwich residential doors. The new colors of hunter green and silver were chosen through research and request.

"Our distributors are our best gauge in helping to determine advancements in the products we offer," said Jim Overholt, general manager. "Green and gray are two colors that are continually requested from homeowners throughout our regions."

The expanded offerings, with the recent addition of golden oak, will bring C.H.I.’s total color options to seven.

EZ Lift Allows Manual Operation

The new EZ Lift grille design from Cornell makes manual operation viable for wider grilles. The company says EZ Lift extends the range for manual operation by more than 33 percent.

Besides eliminating the cost of an operator, EZ Lift is said to eliminate the need for field wiring, reduce installation time, and provide less costly solutions for long-term maintenance.

EZ Lift is available for use on Cornell’s aluminum VisionAire open-curtain grilles for sizes up to 10 feet high by 22 feet wide.

DeWalt Introduces Rapid Load Multi-Purpose Tool

Announced in November, DeWalt’s new Multi-Purpose Tool is designed to make handheld applications more efficient. The tool features the Rapid Load holder for quick and easy accessory changes, a cushioned rubber grip and ergonomic handle design for comfort, steel shaft for durability, and a torque bar that provides added power.

The unit is also available with ratcheting action, which provides speed in driving applications and a blade adapter that provides cutting capability in drywall, wood, or PVC. The tool is available with various accessories including magnetic nut drivers, socket adapters, bit tip holders, magnetic drive guides, screwdriving bits, and cutting blades (with the adapter).

GADCO Adds Two More Colors

GADCO’s Pioneer garage door now comes in the additional new colors of hunter green and crimson. The company says the new colors, announced in October, are formulated to match popular home colors. The Pioneer is now offered in seven colors; its panels are warranted for ten years.

New Drill Bits from DeWalt

DeWalt’s new Pilot Point drill bits are designed to solve problems encountered when drilling with portable drills into metal and wood: walking, spinning, and breaking.

Announced in August, the patented Pilot Point bits start holes on contact, preventing the bit from walking across the workpiece. Its recessed cutting wings drill clean, round holes and eliminate burrs that cause lock-up on breakthrough. The No-Spin shank prevents spinning bits with keyless chucks.

The Montana Door from Martin

In September, Martin Door introduced the Montana, a long-panel door that Martin calls its "most economical door yet." The Montana is available in popular sizes and bright white color, with optional insulation and designer windows. The new door includes all of Martin Door's 14 standard safety features and comes with a 12-year limited section warranty and a 4-year hardware and torsion spring warranty.

TKO Offers Dock Door

TKO Doors has announced the TKO Middleweight dock door, a door that offers reduced energy loss and damage costs.

The door utilizes TKO Heavyweight hardware and all-plastic Impact-A-Track with 2-inch-thick insulated sections. The company says the door "withstands any forklift impact without suffering damage or inflicting downtime." The Middleweight door is said to be ideal for cold storage docks and facilities with temperature extremes between the interior and exterior.

Coated Springs Incorporated at C.H.I.

C.H.I. Overhead Doors recently incorporated a coated spring that is now standard with all C.H.I. doors. The new springs have a thermal coating that acts as a rust inhibitor. In addition, the coating creates a barrier that keeps installers’ hands free from the black residue common on most door springs. The new springs were incorporated at C.H.I.’s Arthur, Illinois, facility in September.

Martin Announces New Flush Door

In August, Martin Door introduced the new Flushline Insulated garage door. Flushline Insulated doors are flush with a one-rib design and includes all of Martin Door's standard safety features. The door features a "lifetime warrantythat includes both sections and hardware, with a 30,000-cycle, 40-year torsion spring warranty. Flushline Insulated Doors offer six color options, including copper metal and stainless steel.

EMX Announces the P45

EMX Industries has added the P45 infrared photoeye to its product line of photoeyes, loop detectors, maglocks, preformed loops, timers, and probe detectors. Intended for commercial overhead doors, the company says the P45’s "futuristic European design, competitive pricing, and latest state of the art technology make the P45 ideal for commercial application."

OSCO Offers Five Battery-Back-Ups

OSCO’s full-service battery back-up features are now offered in five different slide, swing, and barrier units – RSL-D, SLG-D, CRS-D, MSG-D, and BGU-D. The RSL-D and SLG-D are slide gate operators, the CRS-D and MSG-D are swing gate operators, and the BGU-D is a barrier gate.

The units are offered in both an AC and DC version, and the DC version is solar panel compatible. The company says the operators meet all UL 325 standards and carry the ETL listing label.

OSCO’s DC version is full service and selectable by the installer; open and shut down or continue-to-run. The continue-to-run selection, upon loss of AC power, allows the full functioning of the gates and monitors the battery level, allowing the operator to continue to run until the batteries reach a low level. At that time, the operator will open and shut down. The system will also come back online automatically when AC power is restored and when the batteries have a sufficient charge.


Wayne-Dalton Offers Upgrade for Flush Wood Doors

In October, Wayne-Dalton announced its new Heritage Accents options that offer homeowners customized designs for current wood flush doors. The Heritage Accents options match traditional and contemporary-style homes and adds a design change to the door’s look.

"There is an undeniable growing demand for stylish wood flush garage doors," said David Osso, corporate marketing manager for Wayne-Dalton. "Our new Heritage Accents options let our dealers offer their customers an affordable way to make any garage door look like a classic, swinging-type carriage house door," he added.

Heritage Accents options offer hardboard facings and wood trim overlays. The section frames of the Heritage Accents options are made of solid hemlock or fir with a core of polystyrene insulation. Overlay trim is square edged pine or hemlock, attached with waterproof glue and stainless pin-nails. Each door is 1 7/8" thick, including the overlay trim.

Heritage Accents options are available in five different styles, with square and arched tops, with or without windows. The hinges, tracks, and rollers are all heavy-duty hardware.

Martin Offers Mail Slot & Vent
Martin Door is now producing two new products, the mail slot and garage door vent.
The mail slot allows people to receive mail through their garage door. Since its release in March 2000, Martin Door says the mail slot has become one of the company's most popular options.
Martin Door's new garage door vent, occasionally required by building and local fire codes, allows ventilation of noxious fumes and carbon monoxide from automobiles, paint, pesticides, gas cans, etc.

Motorola Offers Phone/Two-Way Radio

In November, Motorola announced Telario, a first-of-its-kind, on-site, digital communications system that integrates the mobility of a cordless telephone and the immediacy of a two-way radio. The Telario provides in-building communications using digital technology in the 1.9 GHz frequency band.

"Telario could change how retailers, warehouse managers, and other customer satisfaction-driven businesses operate," said Craig Chenicek, Motorola senior product manager. "This unique on-site system enables everyone at the facility to get the right answer, from the right person, right away, to address customer needs."

The system allows employees to take their phones with them and be accessible to customer phone calls as well as to colleagues through instant, push-of-a-button radio communications. Telario taps into a business’ existing phone system so there are no additional per-minute charges, only the charges normally paid for phone service.

The system consists of the Telario Control Station TS3000 and handsets. More information can be found at www.motorola.com/telario.


PEOPLE

Zwack Retires from Amarr

Industry veteran Ray Zwack, vice president of development at Amarr Garage Doors, retired on December 31, 2000.

Zwack started in the garage door industry 28 years ago, working with Overhead Doors of Houston as a salesman of fireplaces, mirrors, central vacuums, tub and shower enclosures, windows, and garage doors. He began his career with Amarr 20 years ago as the general manager of Amarr’s Navasota, Texas, wood plant.

In 1985, he relocated to Amarr’s corporate office in Winston-Salem, N.C., as vice president of operations. Zwack was instrumental in developing and opening Amarr’s first and early Door Centers. He became vice president of development in 1991, concentrating on the development and introduction of new products. Recent Amarr introductions include the new WeatherGuard with DuraSafe pinch resistant door and the new Bob Timberlake collection of carriage house doors.

Zwack also served as liaison between Amarr’s corporate office and manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Kansas, where he chaired the quality control committee. Instrumental in developing Amarr’s windload and fire-rated products, Zwack also served on the Technical Committee of the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) as a voting member for several years.

Amarr President Richard Brenner said, "Ray’s attitude of ‘We Can Do It’ is something we all admire. We will certainly miss Ray and his historical knowledge of Amarr and the industry."

Anderson Promoted at Chamberlain

In September, Chamberlain announced the promotion of Sally Schulte Anderson to vice president of marketing communications. Anderson supervises a staff of 11 and oversees all marketing communications activities including advertising, corporate and brand identity, sales promotion, e-business, merchandising, and public relations.

David Rolls, president of Chamberlain, said, "For over 20 years, Sally has been instrumental in the establishment of our product lines as leaders in the U.S. and throughout the world."

Anderson has been with Chamberlain for over 21 years, starting in 1979 as an assistant marketing manager after graduating from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind. She has held several titles over the years, most recently serving as director of marketing communications.

Wayne-Dalton Promotes Mark Hedquist

In October, Wayne-Dalton announced the promotion of Mark Hedquist to director of commercial products, managing the entire commercial products area.

Hedquist has been with Wayne-Dalton since 1994 where he has held the positions of regional and territory sales manager and operations manager for Wayne-Dalton of Charlotte. He received his bachelor’s degree in urban affairs and planning from Virginia Tech Polytechnical Institute.

In the new position, Hedquist will manage sectional, rolling, and mini-warehouse products and will oversee the pre-order and customer service functions. Hedquist will also be responsible for building an internal and external sales organization aimed at developing and growing Wayne-Dalton’s commercial product business with door dealers, dock leveler companies, and national accounts.

C.H.I. Distributors Achieve Five Star Status

Northern Illinois Door in Sycamore, Illinois, recently completed the requirements to become a C.H.I. Five Star Distributor.

"Northern Illinois Door exemplifies the aim towards excellence in the professional garage door industry," said Tim Miller, sales and marketing manager for C.H.I. "Their commitment to professionalism and quality is evident at all levels of business."


Former NAGDM Director Honored

Frank Fitzgerald, former executive director of the National Association of Garage Door Manufacturers (NAGDM), recently received the "Distinguished Service to Safety Award" from the National Safety Council at their October, 2000, meeting in Orlando.

Fitzgerald, who has accumulated over 40 years of experience in the window and door industry, has made contributions to some provisions found in garage door standards that are in use today. He currently operates a forensic consulting business in Palm Beach, Florida.

COMPANIES

CPSC Recognizes Martin and Wayne-Dalton

In October, Martin Door and Wayne-Dalton were recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for their "good practices" in promoting safe product design.

The CPSC announced ten Product Safety Circle principles, the first of which is building safety into product design. Wayne-Dalton and Martin were cited by the CPSC as examples of this principle for their finger-protection designs in residential garage doors. The CPSC hopes their ideas "will inspire other companies to develop their own good practices to make products safer for consumers."

"Each year, large numbers of finger entrapment injuries were occurring, resulting in crushed or amputated fingers," stated the CPSC announcement. "The companies’ improved designs addressed the hazard of finger entrapment between door panels by ‘pinch-proofing’ the hinged joints between the panels. Both companies took action before a voluntary standard addressing this hazard was developed by industry. Their leadership challenged other manufacturers to meet the same high standards."

In Good Company

Other companies cited as good examples of their other Product Safety Circle principles included McDonald’s, Johnson & Johnson, Gerber Products, Whirlpool, Deere & Company, Nordstrom, Toro, and others. CPSC Chairman Ann Brown said the ten principles are aimed at reducing the number of product recalls.

Companies involved with consumer products that pledge to abide by the principles are encouraged to join the Circle as members and share their product safety innovations. Ken Martin, president of Martin Door, said his company has joined the Product Safety Circle.

"This is a change of direction for the Consumer Product Safety Commission," said Martin. "Now, they are beginning to get involved more with industry by classifying characteristics of companies with good safety records and even identifying companies that fit those characteristics. It appears that they are starting to promote prevention of the underlying problems instead of just treating the symptoms."

Garaga Builds 12 Million Dollar Plant

In September, Garaga announced a new $12 million "ultramodern factory." The new 128,500-square-foot plant is currently under construction in the St-Georges (Ontario) Technological Park.

Michel Gendreau, president of Garaga, said the company’s two factories had reached maximum production capacity. The new plant, he said, will allow the addition of a new production line and will offer more space for hardware production.

The company said the addition will increase the annual production capacity to approximately 75 million dollars in sectional garage doors. Gendreau added, "This is a major project for a company which has existed for only 17 years."

A major manufacturer of insulated garage doors in Canada, Garaga’s market is mainly Canadian, but it also extends to the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Garaga employs 133 people in its two factories and plans to recruit 50 new people during the year 2001 and 2002. The new factory is scheduled to be operational in spring 2001.

Caption:
From left: Daniel Gauvin, production manager; Michel Gendreau, president; Roger Carette, mayor of St-Georges.

Wayne-Dalton.com Unveils Interactive Design Center

In October, Wayne-Dalton unveiled an interactive new feature on its Web site that allows users to see how a Wayne-Dalton garage door will look on their style of home.

The Design Center lets users choose from three different Wayne-Dalton steel doors: Thermogard II 9602, Foamcore II 9100, and Thermowayne II 9902. Users may also choose from different panel styles and window options in order to mix and match options that suit their tastes and homestyle. Door colors include white, almond, taupe, and brown.

Users can also change the color of the siding to match their own house. This feature will eventually allow the user to review other siding options, such as brick, according to David Osso, corporate marketing manager for Wayne-Dalton.

This new Web Design Center complements the "Find a Right Door" section, which highlights the features a homeowner should consider when making a garage door purchase. The user may then fill out a survey form with their profile that will be forwarded to a Wayne-Dalton dealer. This gives the dealer an idea of what type of door the customer needs/wants so that he may better assist the customer in choosing the right garage door.

Amarr Enhances Web Site

In September, Amarr Garage Doors announced several enhancements to their Web site. New features include an overall updated design, a new-products page, and a dealer locator.

In the new site, product comparison charts and technical information are easily accessible. New products featured include the new Commercial Model 1750, the Bob Timberlake Collection, and WeatherGuard with DuraSafe.

The new dealer locator is anchored at the bottom of each of the 50+ pages of the site, allowing homeowners access to their local Amarr dealers by entering their five-digit zip code.

Wholesale Gate Launches Web Site

Wholesale Gate Company, a manufacturer of folding security gates for dock doors, hallways and entryways, has launched an improved Web site. According to Tim Detwiler, company president, the site now helps dealers select the appropriate size of folding gate and prepare for its installation.

The site, at www.wholesalegate.com, includes product information, illustrated installation instruction sheets, standard equipment lists, fax/quote forms, contact information, and a downloadable color brochure.

Manaras’ Multicultural Approach Attracts Media

In August, Manaras’ diverse work force attracted the attention of local media. Les Affaires, a newspaper popular in the province of Quebec, showcased an annual event at Manaras that is dedicated to cultural diversity. At the event, employees prepared a "wide variety of culinary delights."

Manaras is reported as having 80 employees, but 20 different nationalities including Cambodian, Peruvian, Italian, Haitian, Cameroonian, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and French Canadian.

In the article, Francois Goyette, general manager at Manaras, is quoted as saying, "At Manaras, a racist attitude is grounds for dismissal. Our company philosophy is that of mutual respect."

The story said that Goyette consulted some of Manaras’ own employees before negotiating a major contract in Israel. The article reported, "He makes a point of doing this type of research for all international contracts. Mr. Goyette has had the opportunity to pursue business in over 40 countries to date."

Marc Bertrand, Manaras vice president of marketing, added, "The fact that we have a multicultural team has become a strength for our company."


Taylor Expands International Market

In September, Taylor Building Products announced that they have agreed to supply both Taylor entry and garage doors to the international market through P.P.H. Terrazyt S.C. of Poland.

At the beginning of 2000, Taylor’s new owners made a commitment to be aggressive and innovative in the marketplace. In keeping with the commitment, Taylor will also soon be adding a pan door product line. This pan door will have the same engraving as their Encore and Taylorcore product lines.

Amarr Hosts Dealer Incentive Program

In September, Amarr Garage Doors hosted its first dealer incentive program. Held in Kansas City, "The VIP 2000 Adventure" was attended by approximately 100 Amarr dealers and corporate representatives.

Dealers and spouses enjoyed four days and three nights at the Fairmont Hotel in the exclusive downtown Plaza area in Kansas City. A welcome reception was held at the 18th and Vine Jazz Museum, featuring live jazz music and traditional Kansas City barbecue. The event included a tour of Amarr’s manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Kansas, golf, museum and city tours, and shopping.

At an awards banquet, Lodi Door of Phoenix, Ariz., was named Dealer of the Year, Cox Door of Charlotte, N.C., was awarded Commercial Dealer of the Year, and R&S Wholesale Doors of San Leandro, Calif., was named Residential Dealer of the Year. The 2001 VIP Adventure will be held in Cancun, Mexico.

Cornell Announces Architect Course

Cornell Iron Works is now offering a course, called Rolling Closure Products, for architects and specifiers. The course covers topics such as rolling doors, fire doors, smoke control, and automatic closing systems. Professionals who take the course earn one learning unit in the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA-CES).

Clopay Offers Dealers New Business Software

Clopay recently introduced a new software package known as the Global Quoting System (GQS) designed to automate several business operations of garage door dealers. GQS automates such functions as quoting, factory ordering, service dispatch, invoicing, scheduling installation, determining job profit, monitoring receivables, and more.

The operating system, designed by Banner Solutions Inc., computes the price of the base product, as well as the options. GQS calculates option pricing based upon square footage, linear width, lineal height, circumference, volume, etc. The software can handle any door configuration available and provides an itemized cost listing as well.

"We're excited about GQS because it will help dealers and trade professionals be more productive and provide quicker quotes to their customers," said John Martin, Clopay director of development and planning. "There's no other software like it on the market, and Clopay has the exclusive rights to license it in the garage door industry."

Future enhancements are said to be in the works, which will make it easier for dealers and industry professionals to do business with Clopay by utilizing the Internet. Other enhancements may include integration with Global Positioning Satellite Systems (GPS) to track truck activity and an integrated accounting program.

Wayne-Dalton Offers DoorMaster Sales Video

Wayne-Dalton is now offering its dealers a new selling tool – a demonstration video showcasing the features and benefits of the complete WayneGard garage door system, featuring the new DoorMaster opener. The seven-minute video, with spokesperson and celebrity handyman Richard Karn, is now available upon request to dealers and builders.

David Osso, corporate marketing manager for Wayne-Dalton, said, "So far, the response from builders and dealers wanting this supplementary sales tool has been awesome." The DoorMaster video includes testimonials from builders who were interviewed immediately after seeing the DoorMaster opener in action at various builder shows.

ACI Acquires ABR

In August, Access Controls International (ACI) announced that it has acquired ABR, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of Touch Access Controllers, Readers, and Software.

The company says the acquisition allows ACI to strengthen its range of security products. Production of ABR products will be relocated to ACI’s facility in Freehold, N.J.

ACI provides a range of stand-alone and PC-based access control systems and a selection of magnetic locks and electric strikes. Its product line includes motorized gates and doors, telephone entry and intercom systems, and other security devices.

INDUSTRY

Ad of the Year to be Selected

A new award for the garage door industry will be unveiled at the January 2001 Annual Meeting of the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA). The Door & Access Systems (DAS) Advertisement of the Year award will be presented by Ken Roehl, DASMA president, in Tucson, Ariz.

The purpose of the award is to encourage fresh, effective approaches to advertising and promoting products for the door and access systems industry. "Marketing professionals in our industry put a lot of effort into creating their print ads," said Tom Wadsworth, DAS editor. "This award will recognize outstanding work and give everyone something to strive for."

An independent panel of design, advertising, and communications experts will judge all entries. Entries will be judged for creativity, design, copy, integrity, and effectiveness. An advertisement is automatically eligible for the award if appeared in the Door & Access Systems newsmagazine at least once during 2000.

UL 325 Now in Accreditation Process

The newly updated UL 325 standard is now being "canvassed" by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The canvass is a procedure that leads to official accreditation, acceptance, and nationwide credibility for the revised standard.

The updated UL 325 standard for operator systems became effective March 1, 2000. The revised standard included provisions that primarily affect design, testing, and installation of automated vehicular gates.

For the UL 325 canvass, ANSI will receive input about the standard from several affected parties, including manufacturers and trade associations in our industry, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, interested citizens, and others.

Currently, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is reviewing ballots and comments from the canvass. In early 2001, DASMA will meet with UL to provide further input. If the canvass is successful, an ANSI version of UL 325 will be published in 2001.

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says UL has successfully worked with DASMA to clarify and improve a number of relevant provisions. "UL regards DASMA as an important participant and will give serious consideration to DASMA’s input," said Hetzel. "This is one example of DASMA’s positive effect in working for the best interest of the industries it represents."

Input Sought for Gate Operator Standard

Frank Hinds, chairman of an ad hoc coalition charged with developing a voluntary U.S. gate standard addressing automated vehicular gates, announced that there is now one final opportunity for interested parties to submit their input on an updated draft of the standard.

The standard, initiated in 1998, addresses horizontal slide gates, horizontal swing gates, vertical lift gates, and vertical pivot gates that are intended for automation. The standard is being harmonized with the provisions of UL 325, which includes provisions addressing gate operators.

The coalition held a meeting in Dallas on November 18, 2000, to review a number of comments and suggestions that had been submitted by interested parties. Noting that the document has been in development the past two years, Hinds expressed his satisfaction with the level of input that the coalition has received. He also praised the document’s focus on safety.

Coalition members, representing the American Fence Association (AFA), the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), and the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA), are expected to lead discussions pertaining to the standard at their next respective association meetings, scheduled for early 2001. Respective final approvals are anticipated by mid-year of 2001.

To obtain the most recent draft of the standard, contact:

Jamie Dempsey, AFA, 678-344-6314, fax 678-344-6299, or afa@mindspring.com
Todd Daniel, NOMMA, 404-363-4009, fax 404-363-2857, or nommainfo@aol.com
Chris Johnson, DASMA, 216-241-7333, fax 216-241-0105, or cjohnson@taol.com

Interested parties should submit their input by the end of February 2001.