ATL Introduces New Track Design
© 2003 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2003
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-26
NEWSLINES
PRODUCT
ATL Introduces New Track Design
In January, Arrow Tru-Line announced its exclusive Tru-Trak system.
"Tru-Trak is a patented, revolutionary track design that incorporates excellent strength characteristics with two very important safety features – rolled safety edges and ATL’s vertical track lockhole knock-out," says David Shaffer, president.
Shaffer adds that extensive testing reveals that Tru-Trak can be made with reduced steel gauges and still achieve high strength.
Wayne-Dalton Expands Wind Load Offering
Wayne-Dalton has expanded their residential garage door wind load offering to their most popular models, including Models 9100 Foamcore, 9600 Thermogard, and 9900 Thermowayne.
Wayne-Dalton designed the system to meet North and South Carolina’s building code change from the Standard Building Code to the International Residential Building Code. The wind load drawings for these doors can be used under any building code where the PSF (pounds per square foot) levels meet published requirements.
Two new drawings use a new, cost-effective, vertical post design. Designed for a standard door, the new post design is easy to install and does not compromise standard features such as the TorqueMaster, idrive opener, and pinch-resistant profile. The design achieves a clean inside profile of the door since no additional struts or C-channel are needed.
The design also allows dealers to stock the Total Pack feature. After pulling the desired door size from stock, the installer selects a box containing either one or two posts depending on the door width and height, and the installer is ready to go.
Chamberlain Offers New Specialty Operator
In January, Chamberlain Professional Products introduced LiftMaster Model ATS211X, a new Advanced Trolley System light-duty trolley operator designed for residential and commercial applications.
Chamberlain designed this operator for standard-lift sectional doors up to 14-feet high. The Model ATS211X includes a heavy-duty steel "I-beam" for increased rigidity. The high-torque, industrial, 1/2-HP, 115V, single-phase motor is equipped with an automatic safety reverse and automatic reset thermal overload.
The ATS comes with a Security+ rolling code receiver, The Protector System light beam, and a manual release handle in case of power failure.
Summit Offers Non-Wood Carriage House Doors
At the January International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, Summit Door introduced its new Centurion Collection of custom, low-maintenance, carriage house doors. The collection is made with all non-wood products and is designed for low maintenance in all climate conditions.
"This collection eliminates the routine upkeep of a wooden door, while allowing the theme of the front elevation to continue," says Mike Rader, national sales manager.
Each Centurion door is two inches thick with a galvanized steel frame and welded stile/rail joints. The custom frame allows for one-inch incremental sizes in width or height.
Every door is faced with an expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) product, allowing for unique designs and custom facing options. Each door is provided with 1-3/4" polystyrene insulation and heavy-duty hardware.
Manaras’ Opera Family Grows
In February, Manaras announced the addition of their new heavy-duty jackshaft operator, the Opera-HJ.
This operator is designed for the motorization of grilles when an emergency egress is required. The unit incorporates both a Hoist-a-Matic automatic chain hoist and a floor-level disconnect.
Standard with this model is the Electronic Control Board and its Door Lock Sensor function, which prevents any damage to the door when the lock hasn’t been removed prior to electrical operation. There is no need for external interlock wiring. All the exclusive Opera features that make installation and maintenance easier are also included in the Opera-HJ.
Door Systems Adds New Color
Fern Green is here. In January, the Door Systems division of Wayne-Dalton announced the addition of Fern Green to its standard color selection. This color is among one of the 16 colors offered, allowing customers to customize their door needs.
Door Systems provides counter shutters, roll-up, and self-storage doors. Standard colors are stocked to maintain short lead times.
Dirt Devil Offers Central Vacuum Systems
In February, Dirt Devil began offering central vacuum systems by H-P Products, a leader in the field.
"Dirt Devil is a household name that carries a 98 percent brand awareness that builders and consumers alike know they can rely on," says Bud Kirkpatrick, H-P Products president.
The Dirt Devil Filtered Cyclonic Central Vacuum System combines cyclonic cleaning action with a high-performance filter. The bagless system offers convenient whole-house cleaning without recirculating dirt and dust back into the home. Accessories and powerheads are available for cleaning all surfaces and carpet types.
Inventor Develops Garage Door Mural
An inventor from La Salle, Ontario, has created a mural that could be attached to garage doors, according to the Invention Submission Corporation (ISC). The invention is patented and a prototype is available.
The "Garage Mural" would enhance the front of a house. Displayed for holidays and other special occasions, this reusable mural claims to be easy to attach and remove, without affecting the operation of the door.
The vinyl, waterproof garage-door mural is separated into several parts, so each section can be attached to a panel of a garage door with double-sided tape. Producible for both two- and three-car garages, the mural could measure 9’x7’ or 16’x7’.
ISC represents the inventor. To review the invention, call 800-851-6030 or visit www.isc-online.com.
New Mod-U-Wall Panel Adds Strength
In January, Wayne-Dalton’s Door System Division announced the new Mod-U-Wall design.
Mod-U-Wall is a vertical, non-load-bearing interior divider partition designed for self-storage buildings. The system can easily be moved and reinstalled without changing function.
The new Mod-U-Wall panels are stronger and more durable than Wayne-Dalton’s earlier version of the divider partition. Panels are available in galvalume, Wayne-Dalton White, and Glossy White.
Paul Troyer, sales manager for Door Systems, says the improved design comes with no price increase.
Gladiator Adds Two Products for 2003
At the International Builders Show in January, Whirlpool Corporation introduced its new Gladiator GarageWorks brand, an integrated system of products to organize and improve the appearance of garages.
New for 2003, the Gladiator brand will add two products to its garage storage system, a six-foot version of its Modular Workbench and a unique flooring solution.
Gladiator’s flooring rolls out for a quick and easy installation. Its tread plate design is easy to walk on and channels water out of the garage.
The foundation of the Gladiator system is GearWall panels that feature grooved channels to securely hold additional Gladiator products. Other products include an eight-foot Modular Workbench and now a six-foot version for smaller garages. The heavy-duty steel frame and solid maple top ensure the life of the product.
The Gladiator system provides several modular products, allowing consumers to transform their garage over a weekend or in stages. All Gladiator products are designed for severe garage environments, and all of them sport a rugged design theme of a stamped metal tread plate.
TOOLS
DeWalt Improves Drills
In November, DeWalt introduced its new D21000 series of heavy-duty corded 3/8-inch drills. The series includes a more powerful 6-amp motor that produces 2,500 RPM and 110 in/lbs. of torque, the highest torque rating in its class.
Designed for professional tradespeople, the D21000 series replaces the DW100 and DW106 models. The D21000 line includes three models and a new line-up of heavy-duty chucks.
The D21009 model features an all-metal keyless chuck with serrated jaws and internal locking mechanism to withstand harsh metal drilling and fastening applications. The D21002 model comes with an all-metal keyed chuck for those who prefer to use a key.
The drills are built with a glass-filled nylon housing and all ball-bearing construction for longer life.
New Quick-Change Hacksaw
In November, DeWalt announced its new DW3970 Hand Hacksaw with a quick-change blade system. The frame features an oversized high-tension knob for a tight blade fit.
A quick-change trigger lets users swap blades just by squeezing the lower handgrip. The removable hand guard adds protection, while soft-feel grips provide added comfort.
Made from rugged die-cast aluminum, steel tubing, and glass-filled nylon for durability, the hacksaw frame has on-board blade storage and can cut at 45- and 90-degree angles.
DeWalt’s new bi-metal hacksaw blades use high-speed steel teeth for extra durability and a high-carbon steel backer for more flexibility. Blades are available separately in various lengths with raker and wavy tooth configurations for specific cutting applications.
PEOPLE
Overhead Names New President
In February, Karl P. Adrian became the president of the Door Group Division of Overhead Door Corporation.
Prior to joining Overhead Door’s senior management team, Adrian’s career spanned 20 years with companies such as Newell Companies, Aubrey Manufacturing, and NuTone. His experience includes a knowledge of manufacturing, marketing, and general management. Adrian holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Missouri.
Dennis Stone, president and chief executive officer, says, "Karl brings to Overhead Door a unique blend of ability and experience, coupled with a personality and management leadership style that will enable the organization to continue to execute on its strategic plans and initiatives."
C.H.I. Hires CFO
In November, Pat Knoll joined C.H.I. Overhead Door’s management team in Arthur, Ill., serving as chief financial officer (CFO).
"Pat brings to C.H.I. many years of financial experience in the production arena," says Tim Miller, sales and marketing manager. "His experience and expertise will be a substantial benefit to the home office."
Knoll comes from Spectrulite Consortium, a magnesium and aluminum manufacturer in Madison, Ill., where he was the CFO for 13 years.
Windsor Names New Credit Manager
In December, Windsor Door announced that Janet Reinhold had joined the firm as credit manager. In her new position, Reinhold will manage accounts receivable for Windsor Door’s locations nationwide.
Reinhold has been a part of the door industry for more than 20 years. "Janet’s knowledge of the door industry and the unique challenges our dealers face make her a strong addition to the Windsor management team," says George Cronkhite, vice president, finance and administration.
Windsor Door has three manufacturing plants in Little Rock, Ark., and Marysville, Calif., and 22 sales support centers across the United States and Canada.
Toren Promoted at Chamberlain
In December, The Chamberlain Group announced the promotion of Mike Toren to gate operator project manager, Chamberlain Professional Products.
Bill Gioia, marketing manager for commercial products, says Toren will play an integral role in the development of new products as well as modifications and improvements to existing products.
Toren joined Chamberlain in 1997 as an electronic test technician. Since then he has held various positions including electronic repair technician, lead gate operator technician, technical support specialist, and most recently, marketing specialist for gate operators.
Toren holds an associate’s degree in electronics technology and is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in business management at the University of Phoenix.
New Sales Leaders at Manaras
In February, Manaras announced two additions to its U.S. sales team.
Tom Dvorak joined the Manaras U.S.A. sales team as director of key account sales. Dvorak will work closely with key accounts, distributors, and architects across the U.S. Dvorak has 26 years of door industry experience and managed a business for 14 years.
Tom Hilton joined the Manaras U.S.A. sales team as regional sales manager, responsible for sales development in the midwestern United States. With a degree in business administration from Penn State University, Hilton has nearly 20 years of sales experience.
Manaras operates through five distribution and customer service centers in Montreal, Atlanta, Chicago, Boca Raton, Fla., and Brea, Calif.
COMPANIES
Chamberlain Acquires Atlas Operators
In December, The Chamberlain Group announced that it purchased the assets of Atlas Commercial Door Operators from Clopay Building Products.
"This acquisition will enhance and diversify our product line with some additional products and technologies," says David Rolls, Chamberlain CEO.
Installers can now receive technical support for their Atlas brand of commercial door operators by calling the LiftMaster Technical Support Center. The technical staff can provide replacement parts and operator advice six days a week.
Alumatek Buys Pacific Rolling Door
In February 2003, Alumatek acquired Pacific Rolling Door in San Lorenzo, Calif. Pacific has been manufacturing coiling doors for over 50 years.
Alumatek has been manufacturing rolling and side-folding security grilles since 1988. The company says it saw the Pacific purchase as an opportunity to diversify and become a full line manufacturer. This acquisition pushes Alumatek into the coiling steel and coiling fire door marketplace.
"We realize that the bar is being raised, and the competition is greater in this arena, but we welcome the challenge," says Chris Christianson, Alumatek vice president. "The current philosophy of a rapid turnaround of material will continue on with all of the doors that we now manufacture."
Amarr Signs Agreement with Biltmore
In January, Amarr Garage Doors announced an agreement with Biltmore Estate For Your Home to create six distinctive carriage house garage doors to be sold to the consumer. The new doors will incorporate the look of the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, N.C.
"We are extremely excited about this opportunity to work with Biltmore Estate, one of the most recognizable names in the country," says Amarr CEO Richard Brenner. "The beauty of the Estate has inspired many artists and craftsmen for more than a century, and we feel privileged to follow in their footsteps."
The doors will be built with Western Red Cedar as the base, with a Western Red Cedar overlay. The base will then be screwed to a 2-inch commercial steel frame.
"It is exciting for Biltmore Estate to have forged this partnership with Amarr because it represents the beginning of our brand’s extension into an array of products for today’s homebuilder and remodeler," says Tim Rosebrock, director of business development, Biltmore Estate Brands Group.
George Washington Vanderbilt completed Biltmore Estate in 1895. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau – Biltmore House – is like it was when the Vanderbilts occupied it more than 100 years ago.
Marley Mouldings Changes Name
In February, Marley Mouldings announced that it has changed its name to Royal Mouldings. Marley is a Royal Group company based in Marion, Va.
The company says the change "signifies the joining of Marley Mouldings manufacturing and marketing expertise with Royal Group’s expertise in technology, engineering, and process equipment development."
The change also provides Royal Mouldings with expanded manufacturing capacity within existing Royal Group plants in Florida and Toronto. The company expects increasing demand for extruded cellular products and products made of rigid PVC for doors, windows, injection molded components, and other vinyl products.
Wayne-Dalton Launches New TV Ads
Wayne-Dalton has created new television ads to support their dealers who actively promote their business. The campaign consists of 21 ads with a mixture of 30- and 10-second spots of various subjects that allow Wayne-Dalton dealers to differentiate themselves from their competition.
The spots include six new idrive ads that showcase the benefits of an opener that mounts on the wall instead of the ceiling, providing a cleaner looking garage. The commercials are designed to save dealers the high costs of production and provide a consistent message for Wayne-Dalton products. The ads allow dealers to add their own tagline and message.
Amano Enters Access Control Marketplace
Amano Cincinnati, Inc. (ACI) has formed a new Building Access Control Division. The new division promises a line of products with feature- and benefit-rich technology typically only found in large, multi–million dollar applications.
ACI’s first offering is their TruEntry line of single- and 16-door proximity systems. The AXP-200 is an up to 16-door proximity system capable of controlling up to 2,000 tag holders at a single site or location. Building management functions can control doors, alarms, HVAC, lights, roller doors, elevators (up to four), parking lot gates and more.
ACI is a subsidiary of Amano Corporation, Japan. More information is available at www.amano.com.
Arrow Tru-Line Expands Western Facility
In January, Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) announced the expansion of its Las Vegas Service Center. The center is ATL’s only distribution center; it serves the western United States.
Jerry Hennen, ATL sales and marketing manager, says the 50,000-sq.-ft. facility has expanded the ATL product line and services to include customized hardware cartons, track assemblies, torsion springs, and tubes.
Super Bowl Trip Winner Gives Away Tickets
The winner of a trip for two to Super Bowl XXXVII given by Wayne-Dalton was thrilled about his prize - but didn’t keep it or sell it. He gave the prize to one of his best customers.
When Kelly Moorefield, president of Salem Insulation in Winston-Salem, N.C., had his name drawn for the five-day, four-night grand prize trip, valued at over $8,000, he passed it to his long-time customer, Todd Isenhour of Isenhour Homes.
Wayne-Dalton sponsored the GameDay Giveaway Super Bowl contest to reward dealers for supporting the new idrive opener.
"I knew many of my contractors would enjoy the trip even more than I would because I’m not into football," says Moorefield. "But had it been Daytona, it would have been a different story!"
"The idrive is the best thing that happened to the industry," he adds. "It’s the first real change in many years. It opens fast, improves appearance of the garage, and provides storage space that would have been used by traditional big systems."
Amarr Hosts Dealer Incentive Trip
Amarr Garage Doors recently hosted a dealer incentive trip, The VIP 2002 Adventure, with a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.
About 125 Amarr dealers and corporate representatives attended. Dealers and spouses enjoyed five days and four nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas.
During the event, Amarr named Allied Garage Doors of Jupiter, Fla., as the Dealer of the Year for 2002. Other award winners include Aker Door of Minneapolis, Minn. (Exceptional Performance Award), Eastern Shore Overhead of Baltimore, Md. (Timberlake Sales Award), R&S Wholesale of San Leandro, Calif. (WeatherGuard Sales Award), and Today’s Fireplace of Annapolis, Md. (LiftMaster Sales Award).
The Amarr 2003 VIP Adventure will be a five-day, four-night stay at Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall Resort near Montego Bay, Jamaica. The resort includes a full service health spa, a complete fitness center, and tennis courts. The prestigious White Witch Golf Course is nearby.
Caption: Richard Brenner, CEO (left), and Lyle Symons, VP of sales (right), present Steve Romanelli of Allied Garage Doors with the Dealer of the Year Award.
Garaga Hockey Team Wins Silver
The Garaga-sponsored Canadian hockey team won the silver medal at the International Senior Hockey Challenge in Nagano, Japan, Feb. 7-12, 2003. The Czech Republic team won the gold medal, Finland won the bronze, and Japan finished fourth.
To compete at the Nagano championship, the Garaga team had to capture two provincial titles and the National Senior Hockey Championship in 2002. To play in the senior league, players must be 25-40 years old.
The team has been sponsored exclusively by Garaga since 1998. Thanks to Garaga’s sponsorship, older hockey players can continue their career, and hockey fans get a chance to see high performance hockey in their area.
Quick Install Contest Returns
Wayne-Dalton will host the fifth annual Quick Install races at the International Garage Door Expo in San Antonio on April 25-26. The races give garage door installers a shot at fame and big cash prizes, as they compete over the two-day period to determine who is the fastest of the fastest.
This year, contestants will install Wayne-Dalton’s new idrive opener with the garage door. The company says installing an idrive opener should require only several minutes. With half the parts of conventional openers, the idrive opener mounts to the wall instead of the ceiling, eliminating the need for a rail.
GarageGrids Offers Incentive Programs
In February, GarageGrids announced its "Installers First" program, designed to put its product into the garages of garage door installers.
The program has two parts. First, by mentioning the "Installer’s First" program, dealers can make a one-time purchase of GarageGrids at cost.
Second, GarageGrids is offering a "Spring Clean-Up Instant Rebate." The rebate provides an instant discount to consumers. Also, if dealers want to commission their installers to sell GarageGrids, GarageGrids will match those commissions up to a certain dollar amount.
The program is intended to help dealers realize the benefits of selling GarageGrids. It is the only garage storage system sold exclusively through garage door dealers.
Model Home Program
In January, GarageGrids announced a Model Home Program for door dealers. The program is open to garage door dealers who do business with new homebuilders and tract home developers.
If a dealer buys up to eight kits for model homes, GarageGrids will offer a rebate for each kit purchased by the builder’s homebuyers. Dealers should contact GarageGrids for more details and limitations to the program.
Wayne-Dalton Openers Now HomeLink Compatible
In January, Wayne-Dalton announced that all Wayne-Dalton openers are now compatible with all HomeLink systems.
Wayne-Dalton’s new idrive, Quantum, and DoorMaster openers now include this compatibility. HomeLink is an integrated transceiver (a transmitter and receiver) that can be programmed to activate radio frequency (RF) devices such as garage doors.
HomeLink Sells 20-Millionth Unit
In January, Johnson Controls’ HomeLink Wireless Control System announced it now has more than 20 million units on the road today. Declaring their system to be "one of the most successful brand-name products in the auto industry," the system is expected to exceed five million units in sales globally in 2003.
The HomeLink system -- which debuted in 1995 -- is an electronic communications device that enables drivers to remotely activate garage door openers, entry gates, entry door locks, home lighting, security systems, and other products from a vehicle’s overhead console, sun visor, or rear-view mirror.
HomeLink is compatible with garage door openers made by Allstar, Chamberlain, Genie, Hörmann, LiftMaster, Marantec, Overhead Door, Sears Craftsman, Stanley, and Wayne-Dalton, and with gate operators made by Chamberlain, Link, SentexSystems, and Stanley.
The HomeLink system is currently available on 148 different 2003 model-year vehicles.
Plymouth Foam Purchases Pacemaker Plastics
In December 2002, Plymouth Foam, a leading national manufacturer of high performance cellular foam plastic products, purchased Pacemaker Plastics of Newcomerstown, Ohio.
Plymouth says Pacemaker Plastics’ product lines and market segments are highly compatible with those of Plymouth Foam. The purchase is expected to expand Plymouth Foam’s manufacturing capabilities throughout North America.
The primary material used in many products made by Plymouth Foam and Pacemaker Plastics is expanded polystyrene (EPS). "We already have one of the most extensive product lines of any EPS manufacturer," says Scott Roberts, Plymouth Foam president. "Adding the manufacturing expertise and product line integrity of Pacemaker positions us to be an even a greater resource to customers in all of our industry segments."
Plymouth Foam was founded in 1978 in Plymouth, Wis., and now has five manufacturing facilities and numerous distribution locations throughout the U.S. Pacemaker Plastics has been in business for over 20 years and employs about 50 people.
GarageTek Partners With Expo Design Center
GarageTek, a maker of high-end garage furnishing and organization products, has reached an agreement with EXPO Design Center, a division of The Home Depot. The deal allows GarageTek to maintain display space within EXPO locations nationwide.
"This is a significant development after only a year and a half in business," says Marc Shuman, GarageTek president. "This is an extremely positive thing that will finally put GarageTek on the map, which is obviously something we’ve always wanted."
Shuman says the agreement stipulates that GarageTek will be the primary installed garage-furnishing product offered by EXPO Design Center locations included in the agreement. In return, EXPO will be the only retail outlet used by GarageTek.
"We’ll just be selling our services through these in-store displays and not our products," Shuman says. GarageTek will still sell through homebuilders and directly to consumers.
Steve Johnson, director of installations at EXPO Design Center, says the garage furnishing and organization business is growing rapidly. "It’s in its infancy, but there’s a huge upside, and at this point there doesn’t seem to be a limit to its possibilities."
GarageTek’s system is founded on patented TekPanel, a wall panel on which the other system elements are attached, including activity racks, shelving, workbenches, wall cabinets, and utility hooks.
Intertek Launches Thermal Certification Program
In January, Intertek Testing Services announced the formation of a new, cost-effective and time-efficient fenestration thermal performance certification program.
The new program, coined AccessAbility, provides window, door, and other building envelope manufacturers with an alternative for obtaining fenestration thermal certification of products.
Members seeking certification through AccessAbility will have their fenestration thermal performance testing conducted by Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI), the leading fenestration testing company in North America. If test results meet applicable criteria, products will be certified as compliant and authorized to use the Warnock Hersey registered certification mark.
Intertek Testing Services is a professional member of DASMA, affiliated with the Rolling Door Division. More information is posted at www.accessability.com.
Chamberlain Expands Technical Center
In January, Chamberlain added 33,000 square feet of space and 25 new employees to its Technical Support Center and Warehouse in Tucson, Ariz.
The 153,600-sq.-ft. facility will now accommodate assembly, distribution, and transportation capabilities for Chamberlain’s Sentex Telephone Entry and Access Control Systems. In addition, 45,000 square feet is dedicated to a Technical Support Center that currently handles more than one million technical assistance requests each year from consumers and dealers around the world.
"This new facility and our enhanced technology will provide Chamberlain’s customers with an even greater level of service as we continue to expand our operations to provide more efficient services for our customers," says Woody Utter, Technical Support Center director.
The Technical Support Center and Warehouse employs more than 125 people.
INDUSTRY
Clopay Wins Ad of the Year
For the second year in a row, Clopay Building Products of Cincinnati is the winner of the Door & Access Systems Advertisement of the Year award. Richard Brenner, DASMA president, presented the third annual award at the DASMA Annual Meeting in February.
The Winning Ad
Clopay’s ad, "Rules of Good Quality," earned the highest score in three of the five judging categories, and tied for first in the other two categories.
One of the judges, a top designer, said the ad stood out as a distinctive ad among all others in the magazine. He complimented its "simple look with a simple message," and said that "the color and feel of the ad build a feeling of trust and confidence in the company."
Judging Criteria
All ads that appeared in Door & Access Systems magazine in 2002 were considered as entries and were reviewed by a panel of nine independent judges of six design experts and three industry observers. The panel assessed each ad on the basis of creativity, attractive design, helpful copy, integrity/professionalism, and overall effectiveness.
Top Five Finalists
Four other ads were awarded certificates as Top Five Finalists: First United Door Technologies for "Inspiration in Steel," GADCO for "Handcrafted Designs," Garaga for "Odd Sizes – 14 Days," and Raynor for "Plant the Seed."
Caption: DASMA President Richard Brenner (left) presents the Ad of the Year trophy to Gene Colleran, president of Clopay Building Products.
New Faces for DASMA Leadership
At February’s DASMA Annual Meeting, several industry members took leadership positions in the association.
DASMA Board of Directors
Dan Knight, central region sales manager for Akzo Nobel Coatings, was elected to the DASMA board of directors. Knight will serve on the board as one of the two representatives from the Associates Division.
Dave Monsour, engineering manager for Wayne-Dalton’s Rolling Door Division, has also been elected to the DASMA board. He also serves as chair of DASMA’s Rolling Door Division.
Jerry Hennen, sales and marketing manager of Arrow Tru-Line, joined the DASMA board in 2002. Hennen has replaced Al Chiodo as chair of the Associates Division.
Committee Chairs
Frank Hays, operations manager for Delden Mfg. Co., has replaced Joe Earwood as the chair of the Product Liability and Safety Committee.
Joel Bonnell, research and development supervisor for rolling doors and operators at Raynor Garage Doors, has replaced Clay Warix as chair of the DASMA Rolling Door Technical Committee.
Clay Warix of Overhead Door has served as chair of the committee since its inception in DASMA in 1996. "Clay is to be commended for his significant efforts toward the development of the many DASMA technical data sheets and standards initiated and completed during his term," says Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director.
IDEA Representative
Bill Blackburn, director of training and field services at Amarr Garage Doors, has been appointed to serve as one of the four DASMA representatives on the IDEA board of directors. Blackburn joins Barbara Kelkhoff of Chamberlain, Inez Van Meter of Murphy Industries, and Ross Scafidi of Overhead Door, the other DASMA representatives on the IDEA board.
Steel: More Stability in 2003
"It’s not all bad news," said Natasha Yamaoka, the featured speaker at the DASMA Annual Meeting on Feb. 6.
Yamaoka, manager of sales and marketing with International Steel Group, updated the DASMA membership on the status of the steel industry. Since the garage door industry saw several increases in the cost of steel in 2002, DASMA members wanted to know what to expect for 2003.
Noting that leading economic indicators have risen in the previous three months and that housing starts grew through 2002, Yamaoka expects less volatility in steel production in 2003. She believes pricing for steel will stabilize and "be on an uptick" in 2003.
But she added, "If we go to war, all bets are off."
Four Companies Join DASMA
Four companies were announced as new DASMA members at the DASMA Annual Meeting in February. The four are Hörmann, Iowa Spring, National Door Industries, and Re-Source Industries.
Hörmann joins the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division and the Operator & Electronics Division. Hörmann’s U.S. operations are based in Vonore, Tenn.
Iowa Spring, National Door Industries, and Re-Source join the Associates Division. Iowa Spring is a spring manufacturer in Adel, Iowa. National Door, based in Ft. Worth, Texas, manufactures window frames, design trim, and Bevelite for the garage door industry. Re-Source supplies door hardware, chain hoists, and various components, and is also based in Ft. Worth.
IDEA to Hit the Road
Starting this summer, IDEA will take its show on the road.
Through IDEA, the Institute for Door Dealer Education and Accreditation, door dealers can receive training and accreditation for their business, and residential installers can become certified. In the next two years, dealers can expect IDEA programs to come closer to home.
The traveling show will be conducted in partnership with the International Door Association, which will serve as the primary sponsor of the series. The plan intends to create widespread access to educational programming and IDEA accreditation and certification.
"Dealers are reluctant to travel a long distance to take an exam," says Barbara Kelkhoff, IDEA president. "So we plan to take our programs to the dealer."
50 Markets in 24 Months
Beginning this summer, IDEA plans to offer their programs and seminars to dealers in 50 U.S. markets in 24 months. Kelkhoff says the programs may be one-day or two-day programs, possibly held on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate dealers’ work schedules. To control expenses, IDEA is asking industry manufacturers to offer space for these sessions.
"This is the biggest outreach IDEA has ever taken," adds Todd Thomas, IDEA managing director. He hopes to have most of the travel schedule prepared before Expo 2003. IDEA will continue to offer accreditation and certification testing at Expo and at IDA Regional Conferences.
"I don’t see how this can fail," adds Thomas. "We know there’s a demand for credentials, training, and certification, but we need to go where dealers live."
Fire Door Installer Certification Nears Launch
After years of development, IDEA’s Rolling Steel Fire Door Installer Certification program should be ready by April’s Expo 2003.
"This is the first formal program to address the service and installation of fire doors," says Todd Thomas. "Dealers who do fire doors will want to get behind this. I expect the program to eventually become required by the market."
IDEA plans to have program details ready for Expo. Dealers will then be able to sign up for the program and order study materials.
Thomas says two tests will likely be involved, a written exam and a hands-on exam. He says the hands-on exam is still being developed.
New Mock Trial Coming to Expo
At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, court will once again be in session, this time during Expo 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.
The DASMA Operator & Electronics Division will then present its all-new Vehicular Gate and Operator Mock Trial. The trial dramatizes the importance of proper installation procedures, understanding the requirements of both UL 325 and ASTM F-2200, good recordkeeping, risk management, and much more.
The courtroom drama will unfold the case of "Smith vs. Sumner," a customer who seeks $18 million in compensatory damages from a gate operator dealer and the operator manufacturer.
Smith alleges that a gate operator was improperly installed and unsafely designed, eventually causing permanent and irreversible brain damage to a 4-year-old child who tried to slide through an automated vehicular gate.
Characters in the drama include the judge, attorneys, the defendants, and several witnesses, all played by DASMA members and staff.
DASMA to Sponsor Six Expo Seminars
DASMA brings six new seminars to Expo 2003 from April 23-24 in San Antonio. Most of the new offerings bring valuable technical information on a variety of current issues facing the industry and its products.
Rolling Door Technical Information (Wed. 9-10:30 a.m.) will address a wide spectrum of rolling steel fire door technical issues, including wind resistance, installation, testing, and maintenance.
Getting a Grip on the Section Interface Standard (Wed. 2-3:30 p.m.) offers an in-depth report on the development of DASMA 116, the standard that addresses the section joint "pinch" issue.
Garage Doors & You – Technically Viewed (Thurs. 8-9:30 a.m.) presents a guide to how the new International Building Code applies to garage doors, with particular note of wind load issues.
Vehicular Gate and Operator Mock Trial (Thurs. 10-11:30 a.m.). Watch the proceedings of a fully scripted and rehearsed trial involving a customer who alleges that an automated vehicular gate system was improperly installed, eventually causing severe injury to a child.
Reducing Your Liability Exposure to Automated Gates (Thurs. 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m.) inform dealers about the new automated vehicular gate construction standard known as ASTM F2200-02. Learn valuable tips on how to properly install automated gates.
Performance Certification for Residential Garage Doors (Thurs. 1-2:30 p.m.) explains all the details about the new DASMA performance rating system and the new label that is appearing on residential and commercial garage doors.