Welcome to our first-ever issue of News Strand - the newsletter for Strand Hardware and Strand Technologies - full of news and updates on our companies, product ranges and projects.

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There are a variety of manual and electrical options available for escape door hardware but as with all products, its essential to consider the end user and the environment in which devices are to be placed. The primary purpose of any door on an escape route is for it be readily openable, and the type of premises and its level of occupancy will define whether what type of panic or emergency exit hardware to use.

The Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors, published by the Door Hardware Federation (DHF) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery (GAI) defines the two:

• Panic exit devices to BS EN 1125: These devices are intended primarily for buildings where the public is likely to be present and a panic situation could arise if the building must be evacuated quickly. For this reason, the devices are designed to operate by body pressure alone and require no knowledge of their operation to enable safe and effective evacuation of a building.

• Emergency exit devices to BS EN 179: These devices are intended for escape from buildings where the public is unlikely to be present, and where the staff have been trained in emergency procedures and in the use of the specific emergency exit devices fitted. For this reason, panic situations are considered unlikely, and these devices are therefore permitted to have higher operating forces and do not need to release by body pressure alone.

In most cases a mechanical panic device will be the first choice. However, it’s worth considering if the door is to be used for other access requirements and whether users might have accessibility issues. For example, in a hospital or care home, motorised touch bars could provide additional functionality and ease-of-use.

Safety and security will also be a factor. All panic and emergency exit devices provide a level of security against intrusion, but where there is a need for increased security, additional measures can be taken to enhance it without compromising the ability of people to escape during an emergency.

It is essential to liaise with local building and fire authorities to determine building occupancy and undertake risk assessment if such measures are deemed necessary. These can include audible alarms, door monitoring devices and CCTV.

Motorised devices are often used on escape doors which require external access control to restrict who enters a building such as an entrance to a school or college. They are also suitable for use on automatic doors.

Motorised touch bars also provide convenience and enable efficient building management. They can be linked to a variety of access control systems which use swipe card, digital keypad or proximity reader to allow controlled access from outside. They are ideal for large commercial or public buildings and with the addition of a microswitch they can be linked into an estate management off-site control to provide door monitoring.

It is important that any panic exit device is able to operate safely for a realistic lifetime.

BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 outline testing standards used to verify the durability of products:

• Grade 6 - 100 000 test cycles
• Grade 7 - 200 000 test cycles - If the escape door to which the panic device is fitted is also used during the day as a normal access door, it is important to ensure that the panic device is Grade 7.

All Strand Hardware panic and emergency exit devices have achieved Grade 7 durability standards and are UKCA marked.

They are also supplied with a maintenance log book that should be passed onto the end user. This includes a table to record weekly and monthly checks which should be undertaken to ensure the device is working correctly.

When it comes to emergency and panic devices, Strand Hardware offers the best way out and we have experts on hand to make selection easier.

For further information about Strand Hardware products email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Want to breathe new life into a stuffy indoor space with cost-effective natural ventilation? The answer could be to keep things simple, according to Strand Hardware, which recommends two key steps to assess requirements and identify the right solution.

Step one requires a bigger picture view: its essential to consider the building’s conditions and orientation – its size, location, positioning and wider environment. This will indicate wind velocity and direction which is needed to optimise air flow and exhaust emissions from inside the premises.

Knowing how the building is to be used, its construction and internal layout (including partitions, doors and chimneys) is also vital, along with window sizing, location, fabric and an understanding of how they function.

Budget is a primary consideration but the beauty of natural ventilation is that it can be achieved without breaking the bank. Manual systems offer the ultimate cost-effective option. Unlike integrated powered systems, they require little by way of capital investment. They are also easier to use and maintain.

Step two of the assessment requires specifics: sufficient detail to identify the products and quantities needed:

• the number of windows requiring openers
• window material: aluminium, timber or PVC-U construction
• window configuration: top/hung, side/hung, bottom hung opening in or out
• window opening width and height.
• Window location from finished floor level

Craig Fox, Sales Director for Strand Hardware, said that manual solutions offer a cost effective way of operating windows to provide natural ventilation for new build or existing buildings.

“Strand’s Duoflex range is frequently installed in workplaces, offices, hospitals and educational establishments which benefit from natural ventilation.

“Providing a system that is safe and easy-to-use is essential. Health and safety requirements should be considered so that if windows are at a height, people will not be tempted to over-reach or stand on a chair in order to access them,” he said.

Other products may be used to optimise the solution. Building orientation and its levels of sun, shade and wind direction will determine if they are needed. For example, buildings with double aspects, a large run of windows or large glazed panels, may benefit from reflective film or blinds to prevent the ‘greenhouse effect’.

While those within a densely built environments, such as town centres with tall buildings, or premises with fewer opening windows, may require electrically driven operators, fans/filters to improve air flow and quality.

In just two simple steps, you can say goodbye to stuffy air and hello to comfort and well-being. Get ready to take a deep breath and transform your space into the ultimate sanctuary of freshness and vitality.

For more information visit: www.strandhardware.co.uk/products/window-and-door-hardware/strand-duoflex email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone: 01922 639111

Strand Hardware Gets Top Marks for Service

Customer service is what sets Strand Hardware apart from its competitors – for 32 years it has gone above and beyond for its clients, providing technical advice and expertise with fast and efficient service. It continues to set the bar ever higher by measuring its performance against rigorous targets to 'add value' to the sale of its specialist hardware for doors and windows. In the past year, it has achieved a 99.54% on time, in full (OTIF) average on its orders - exceeding its 98% target. It also had: 100% company recommendation rating from its annual client survey 100% rating of products, quality, and reliability – identified as the same or better than competitors through its annual client survey Minimal processing errors – below its 0.5% orders received target. Minimal order packing errors – below its 0.5% orders received target. A total of 'all concerns raised' - less than 2% against all orders received. Strand Hardware also had no major non-conformance reports (NCR) raised by British Assessment Bureau during its annual audit. Operations Director Jo Wallis said that customer service was Strand's differential. "Operating within a business-to-business environment, we talk to all sorts of prospective customers and clients: from architects and developers to architectural ironmongers and installers. Every person will have different levels of knowledge which may require varying advice and support. Fortunately, we have an experienced team with extensive knowledge across the business. "Our customer service starts with that first contact, carefully listening to what a customer wants to achieve and asking the right questions to guide them to the best possible solutions. We work within a highly technical industry which makes this process all the more important and we always aim to undertake this in a polite and friendly way. Many of our customers have been with us since Strand Hardware was founded more than 30 years ago. These close working relationships are built on trust – underpinned by great customer service." For more information of Strand Hardware's range of specialist architectural ironmongery contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 01922 639111

Strand Hardware has made its mark – completing UKCA compliancy more than a year ahead of the new deadline.

It completed certifications for all its Panic Hardware product ranges – 290 products in total – at the end of last year, in preparation for the original deadline.

The original deadline was intended to be 1 January 2023 but the Government announced an extension as many companies were simply not ready.

The new requirement is compulsory for products which fall within the scope of a ‘harmonised/designated standard’ being made available for sale in the UK. They can continue to be CE marked until 30 June 2025 under a 'presumption of conformity'.

Strand Hardware Operations Director Jo Walls said that she was delighted that Strand was fully prepared and had made the transition ahead of schedule.

“We completed our requirements towards the end of last year. We are ready!  and have everything in place for the new deadline and have begun to mark our products with the required UKCA markings. Our Declaration of Performance (DOPs), fitting instructions, labelling and certification have all been completed and the DoPs are available on our website for download.”

For more information contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 01922 639111

Strand Hardware defied the ‘Beast from the East’ when it went ahead with its office reopening event and rededication ceremony yesterday (Thursday 9 March).

Fortunately, most guests were not deterred by the snowfall, with 70 people in attendance,  including staff, suppliers, customers and media.

This included representatives from Athmer, who travelled from Germany, to support its UK distributor and Simon Forrester, Chief Executive Officer of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers. They toured the newly refurbished Strand House, in Walsall, where the company has been located for more than 30 years.

Christine Franks, the wife of company founder, the late Jonathan Franks, carried out the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I know that Jonathan would have been extremely proud to see how Strand Hardware has flourished,” she said.

The building has had a radical make over resulting in a more modern, open plan work space for its expanding team.  It also includes a hi-tech reception and energy efficient measures including better insulation and motion sensor lighting.

Many of the materials used in the project were sourced from suppliers and clients including new windows, fire doors, electricals, plumbing, furniture, decoration, carpeting and signage, along with some of its own ironmongery products.

Guests were treated to refreshments and goody bags and a special cake was created to mark the event.

Managing Director Steve Marshall said: “The completion of the refurbishment project has taken many months of planning, organisation, disruption and hard work from all concerned. Those who had visited us before will no doubt see a vast improvement in our working environment, and our environmental credentials.

“Since the dear late Mr Jonathan Franks set up the company in 1992, Strand Hardware has gone from strength-to-strength, navigating its way through many national and global challenges, while always sitting solidly on its impeccable financial foundations.”

He also paid tribute to Strand’s ‘family’ – its 21-strong workforce and Jonathan’s daughter, Catherine Franks who took over as MD in 2005 and now Chairs its board.  

“She has positioned Strand as one of the market leaders in our industry with customer service levels that are second to none and a reputation of which we can be proud,” he added.

Strand Hardware has given its company headquarters a radical make over – improving its energy efficiency, work space and creating a welcoming new hi-tech reception.

It has used products from many of its suppliers and customers for the project including new windows, fire doors, electricals, plumbing, furniture, decoration, carpeting and signage, along with some of its own ironmongery products.

The refurb in the second change project to take place at Strand Hardware in recent months and follows a review and upgrade of its warehousing processes undertaken with WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group).

It has resulted in a more modern, open plan work space for its expanding team – encouraging greater team synergy and literally breaking down walls to silo working which had been enforced by the old layout.

Strand has occupied the premises on the Premier Business Park, in Walsall, since the company was founded more than 30 years ago and according to Managing Director Steve Marshall a little modernisation has been beneficial.

“Although Strand’s offices were perfectly functional, they were looking a little dated and our work with WMG gave us the impetus to extend our programme of improvements. Not only will it enhance working conditions for the Strand Hardware team but also convey a better image of who we are and what we are about to visiting business associates.

“Efficiency has underpinned all our recent changes. This includes energy efficiency and eco-saving measures such as the introduction of natural ventilation, insulation and energy-saving devices,” he said.

Shared facilities including board room, kitchen and bathrooms have been included in the make-over and equipment upgraded. Staff have also benefitted from ergonomically designed furniture and layout.

Its reception has been reconfigured to make it lighter and more airy. It also features digital displays to welcome visitors and showcase Strand’s extensive product range.

A key driver in the process has been digitisation – reducing paper-based processes and transferring its traditional filing system to a cloud based environment.

The company is planning an open day for company contacts and has invited Mayor of Walsall to oversee a rededication ceremony.

Strand Hardware has developed leaner assembly, dispatch and warehousing processes – saving hundreds of staff hours each year – in a joint project with a crack team from Warwick University.

The project with WMG (Warwick Manufacturing Group) has optimised warehouse layout and movement for the efficient flow of picking, assembly and packing operations across key ranges.

It involved measuring processes via time study and motion analysis through site visits, video capture and process flow assessment. Findings outlined cycle times and mapped the movement of people.

The resulting report outlined a series of recommendations to improve process capacity, including quick wins and minor modifications to warehouse and workstations layout to introduce time savings.

This has led to the introduction of mobile Kanban shelving within the assembly area to allow components to be picked and assembled more efficiently. The double-sided racks allow bins to be restocked by a dedicated person who conveys stock between Strand’s warehouse and its head office on another part of the site.

Steve Marshall, Managing Director of Strand Hardware, said that the project had been “thorough and exacting”.

“Strand Hardware has grown over 30 years. Like most companies, while scaling up, we have focused on customer requirements and day-to-day business operations. We felt that the time had come to review what we were doing and whether we could be doing it more efficiently, which led to the opportunity to work with WMG.

“Having experts come into the business with fresh pairs of eyes, ask the right questions and with the knowledge to assess and analyse our operations has been invaluable. It was important for us not to disrupt warehouse activity, so recommendations had to incorporate improvements that would be easy to apply. In the long term, this will make our business leaner and more efficient – the ideal foundation for future growth,” he said.

The project was undertaken with funding from the Digital Innovation for Manufacturing programme.

Strand Warehouse and Production Manager Andy Michel said that it had been fascinating to work with the University Team: “The results will make the job easier for many of the team and help Strand Hardware in its continuous improvement.”

Chris Wang, of WMG SME Group added: “WMG and Strand Hardware have worked collaboratively to analyse their current assembly area in readiness for optimising their production facility. Across the three recommendations put forward, a maximum 50% reduction in cycle times per unit has been predicted which allows for a 5.105% capacity increase.”

Strand Hardware is taking the panic out of buying emergency exit solutions by outlining key considerations for specification. It urges customers to put ‘safety first’ – prioritising functionality, quality, and performance at the head of decision-making.

CE marked products for fire and escape doors are a must for architects and specifiers and best practice determines that products comply with Construction Product Regulations.

Strand Hardware’s Antipanic Emergency Exit and Panic range meet these requirements. In an emergency or panic situation, they release exit doors by means of a push bar, touch bar or a push pad on outward opening single or double doors.

For day-to-day use, doors can be opened from the outside with an outside access device.

“When an emergency door can be locked or opened from the outside, it should still be freely released from inside – maintaining security without compromising its basic panic function,” said Strand Hardware MD Steve Marshall.

He urges specifiers to identify suitable solutions by considering:

• Product range

Strand Hardware offers PH (modular push bar/push pad range), PHT (touch bar range), PHTM (motorised touch bar range) options.  Selection criteria is provided by the EN standards EN1125 and EN179 and should reflect occupancy levels.  Other matters to be considered include creating clear opening requirements, how the door is intended to be used, whether it is fire resisting, the operating environment etc.  Aesthetics and budget will also have a place, but these are secondary to the life safety aspect.

• Door/frame material and design

Different strikes are used to suit various door materials and construction. For PVCU doors and frames, a range of profile related strikes are available for which the system manufacturer and profile model is needed.  Glass doors require patch fittings to suit the escape device and door construction. Whether the doors are fire-resisting and how the door is hung will also have a bearing.

• Locking latch arrangement and number

Single and three-point locking latches are available across all the ranges with the ability to convert on site from three point to two point in the most cases.  Factors to be considered include whether the door is single or double, construction, material and size.  For double doors requiring escape through both leaves, it is critical that whichever door leaf is operated it must open and whether the doors are rebated through the lock stile section/overlapping plates or are plain edged.

• Outside access

External access can be provided by a mechanical outside access device, using a key, push button digital combination and in most cases either a lever handle or knob.  Again, thought needs to be given to how the door is to be used.  Most electronic access control can be accommodated by use of an internal motorised touch bar.

• Size of door

Door widths and heights should be checked before ordering as many wider and taller doors can be catered for from stock by use of wider crossbars, wider model touch bars and extra-long rod kits.

• Finish

Powder coated white and black finishes are available from stock along with the standard silver grey, which have the option of a green cross bar.  A decorative plated satin stainless steel finish and simulated polished brass are available for many ranges.  Where a high degree of corrosion resistance is necessary the DFine grade 316 stainless steel is available.  Many other finishes can be provided to special order.

For more information on Strand Hardware’s emergency exit and panic hardware range contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 01922 639111.

Strand Hardware has introduced new products to its panic and emergency hardware range to provide customers with a one-stop shop for complete solutions to key products.

Armoured door loops, power supply units (PSU) and PSU batteries to provide battery back-up are now available to purchase alongside the Strand Antipanic Motorised Touch Bar range.

Until now, Strand Hardware customers have needed to source these items from other suppliers. Being able to buy them in one place should save time and money by incorporating into existing orders, thereby reducing costs.

The power supply units (PSU) are used to convert the external mains voltage, 240v into the required voltage current to operate the motorised touch bar which is 12 – 24v DC or 12v AC.

The additions have been competitively priced and meet Stand Hardware’s exacting quality standards.

Said Strand Hardware Sales Director Craig Fox: “These products are useful additions to our key motorised touch bar products: the PHTM0, 55 and 57. Most businesses are currently experiencing increased costs throughout their supply chain, so it makes sense for Strand to stock items as a total solutions package and help our customers save time and money.”

For more information contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 01922 639111

www.strandhardware.co.uk

Not all finger protection devices are made the same – that’s the message from Strand Hardware which is urging customers to apply the “gold standard” for safety and durability.

BS 8613 specifies requirements and test methods for durability, strength and effective function of finger protection. This includes assessment of durability and effectiveness applied to conditions and temperature.

But not all products sold in the UK meet this standard. In recent years, the market has been flooded by cheap imports, many with components that are far from durable. Often made from plastic, they can become brittle and break, becoming a hazard in themselves.

As the UK’s market leader in the supply of quality finger protection, Strand Hardware only stocks products that ‘meet the mark’.

All BS 8613 products must clearly bear manufacturers markings and classification – making them easy to identify.

Said Strand Hardware’s Sales Director Craig Fox: “None of our stock can be defined as ‘one product fits all’. Our extensive range provides a range of devices for various door materials and applications. We prefer to work closely with customers to provide the ideal solution for their project needs.

In addition to product durability - some products come with a lifetime guarantee - there are other benefits to buying quality: bespoke sizes for items up to 2500mm and special RAL powder coated finishes for customisation.

Often buying choices come down to budget but safety should never be compromised, added Craig.

“When it comes to finger protection, don’t be tempted to buy cheap. It makes sense to buy once and buy quality.”

BS EN 8613: 2017 defines finger protection as “a device intended to minimise the risk of crushing injuries to fingers in the gap between the hanging stile of the door leaf and the door frame".

In premises that are used by the public - especially children, the elderly or vulnerable adults - retail establishments, schools, hospitals, care homes and health centres it is essential to minimise risk.

When it comes to the development and management of commercial buildings, risk assessment and identification of appropriate solutions is essential.

British and European standards provide specifiers, architects/designers, health and safety professionals and facility managers with guidance as to what works well, what type of devices should be applied to various door sets, what’s durable and essentially, what is safe to use.

It is estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 accidents occur every year, mainly involving children who trap their fingers in doors, leading to serious injury, and in some cases amputation. Many more minor injuries are believed to go unreported. 

The standard is a benchmark to which professionals can refer, fulfilling a duty of care with an understanding of appropriateness and performance values. It also assists manufacturers to design fit-for-purpose products.

There are various types of finger protection devices available, some are integrated within the door system, others cover the gap between door and frame.

For more information on finger protection or assistance with specification call: 01922 639111

Strand Hardware MD Steve Marshall is set to put his best foot forward to raise money for charity by undertaking the final lap of the Three Peaks Challenge.

He and his team mates are tackling Ben Nevis, ‘the daddy’ of the peaks next month (June), which at 1345 metres (4413 ft), has the steepest assent.

Steve will be joined by his painter and decorator brother Richard, Rob Archer, of Record UK, Mark Roberts, of GEZE UK and Steve Newell, from Lovell Homes, who are raising funds for The Stroke Association.

To date they have raised approximately £2,000 for charities – supporting Cancer Research with their first trek up Snowdon in 2020, followed by scaling Scafell Pike for MIND a year later. In addition to the Three Peaks, Steve recently raised in excess of £1,000 for The Alzheimer’s Society when he undertook the Bridgnorth Lions Walk – a 22-mile route in Shropshire.

He began walking as a pastime during lockdown and ramped up his stamina in order to take on the mountaineering challenge.

“Like everyone else, I found being in lockdown frustrating. There was little to do other than go out for a daily walk to pass the time and get some exercise but once I started doing it, I found I enjoyed it and wanted to take it to another level.

“I must have mentioned it to my colleagues in the doors and windows industry because we soon found ourselves pulling a team together for the National Three Peaks,” he said.

The team have created a Just Giving Page and are urging their contacts to dig deep and sponsor them achieve their fundraising summit.

“We chose The Stroke Association because stroke has affected close friends.  There are now 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK and this number is growing. Services have never been more stretched and we want stroke survivors and their families to be able to access the support they need to aid their recovery,” he added.

Anyone who would like to donate should visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stevema