Northwest Introduces Aluminum Carriage-House Door
© 2004 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Summer 2004
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-36
NEWSLINES
PRODUCT
Northwest Introduces Aluminum Carriage-House Door
In May, Northwest Door introduced its new Infinity Classic carriage-house garage door.
The new door is offered in 40 design combinations of windows and panel patterns. The standard finish is powder-coated white, with optional colors of green, black, silver, ivory, and beige. Other optional finishes are Kynar paint system and anodized (clear, bronze, or black). The Infinity Classic is available in any wide and height, up to 20' x 14'.
Steve DeWitt, president, says, "The Infinity Classic is over 50 times stronger than standard aluminum paneling. Its features include unsurpassed weather and corrosion resistance."
Northwest Door has been in Tacoma, Wash., since 1946, and has distribution centers in six western states.
First United Announces Second-Generation Steel Carriage-House Door
First United Door Technologies began taking orders in May for an all-steel version of its Original Steel Carriage-House Door.
The new garage door incorporates 4-inch-wide, 26-gauge, steel C-channels, replacing the wood composite overlays used on the face of the original door. The new overlays feature a deep woodgrain texture not available on the composite board. The steel overlay has a height of 9/16", 3/16" higher than the previous board, to better create the wood carriage door look.
The new door is available in seven section designs, four new glass designs, and various hardware, creating more than 80 possible configurations. The doors come standard with PVC insulation and commercial hardware.
The new door was scheduled to begin shipping in June 2004.
Clopay Offers Two New Commercial Models
In April, Clopay announced the Model 801 and 802 commercial doors, offering security, ventilation, and visibility.
"These doors were designed specifically for commercial and industrial applications that require a security or pest barrier as well as visual access and ventilation," says Dan Beckley, vice president of commercial business development.
The Model 801 is a 16-gauge expanded metal security door. It is available in both a single-track and dual-track design, and has a powder-coat finish.
The Model 802 is a 2"-thick sectional aluminum-frame screen door. The door has snap-in screening for easy replacement and complies with USDA, FDA, and ABA requirements. It is available with 1816 stainless steel screen, 3030 stainless steel screen, or vinyl covered poly screen.
Steel-Craft Launches Two New Aluminum Doors
In April, Steel-Craft rolled out the aluminum SA6000 and SA7000 sectional doors. Both doors feature 1-3/4"-thick T-5 aluminum alloy construction. The doors are offered in a clear anodized finish as well as custom painted and anodized colors.
The SA6000 includes integral struts and interior vertical stiles. The full-view sections feature triple-wall polycarbonate in clear and tinted colors (green, blue, and bronze). The SA7000 features custom extrusion design and flexibility in vision lite options.
Raynor Adds BuildMark Flush Doors
In May, Raynor BuildMark STS doors became available with flush panels.
The new flush doors feature 1-3/8" sections with foam-in-place polyurethane and 25-gauge front and back steel skins. Combined with a continuous thermal break and an air seal, the door offers an R-value of 12.
Launched in January 2003, the BuildMark brand is marketed to residential builders through Raynor dealers.
Fehr Announces New Hardware
Fehr Bros. announces that top and bottom brackets, 14-gauge hinges, inside swivels, and two styles of operator reinforcement brackets in white powder-coat are now available from stock.
Fehr's premium nylon bearing roller now includes a full face cap and rear dust seal for increased cycle life. The standard white nylon roller is now available in three shaft lengths.
Chamberlain Slide Gate Operator Now UL 325 Compliant
In May, Chamberlain introduced a modified SL3000UL commercial slide gate operator that now meets UL 325 requirements.
The Model SL3000UL travels at a speed of 12" per second and is designed for commercial, heavy-duty, or continuous-duty applications. The design supports gate lengths up to 37' and gate weights up to 2,000 lbs. and meets all of the latest UL 325 (revision 5) Class I-IV specifications.
The SL3000UL operator features an electronic motor disconnect that stops the motor from activating while the crank is inserted.
Digi-Code Adds Moore-O-Matic and Challenger Compatibility
Digi-Code, a manufacturer of access control products, has added two more manufacturers (Moore-O-Matic and Challenger) to the compatibility list of operators for the Universal Replacement Beam Sensor.
The company says its universal beam sensor now works with Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman, Overhead (1995+), Genie, Challenger, Stanley, Linear, Moore-O-Matic, and Raynor models (built by Chamberlain). The beams are self programmed by simply hooking up the beams to the existing wiring and mounting the units to the wall.
The Digi-Code sensor promises superior filtering from sunlight and reduces inventory for dealers. Installers can stock one kind of universal beam on the truck to solve most beam sensor problems.
Wayne-Dalton Offers Cable Keepers
In May, Wayne-Dalton introduced a new feature that simplifies installation and expands the usage of the torsion idrive opener. The cable keeper system keeps the door cables taut during door operation, eliminating the need for cable snubbers.
The design of the cable keeper also enables the idrive opener to work on drums ranging from 2" to 5", allowing the opener to be installed on virtually every door with torsion springs. Previously, the idrive torsion model could only be fitted to 4" torsion drums.
Linear Offers New Telephone Entry System
Linear's new AE-500 offers a full duplex, hands-free, telephone entry system for 25 to 250 users. The system controls a single gate or door, two doors, or a gate and a door. It includes a built-in radio for adding remote control via user transmitters.
The AE-500 can store up to 250 directory codes, 500 block-coded MegaCode transmitters, and 500 entry codes. The AE-500 is housed in a 16-gauge steel cabinet with a 16-gauge brushed stainless steel front panel. The backlit LCD is a 2-line by 16-character display with surrounding lighting of the keypad.
A variety of programming functions are available: 2-4-digit directory length, display message, and talk-time duration. Programming can be done via a standard Web browser, the AE-500 keypad, or a touch-tone telephone.
The AE-500 is available with a number of options, including extended range antennas and keypads.
New Garage Storage System
Racor Home Storage Products has announced a safety-focused garage storage system. HeavyLift, rated for a 300-lb. capacity, creates easy-to-use garage storage for bulky or heavy items such as lawn mowers and power equipment.
"We wanted to create a storage product on which a person could raise and lower heavy objects without climbing a ladder," explains Kevin Shaha, president. A 4' crank arm turns through a reduction gear in the body to effortlessly raise and lower a storage platform up to 4' x 8'.
Racor cites a recent study completed by Peach Tree Consulting revealing that there are approximately 62 million garages in the U.S. Of those, half have ceilings high enough to hold a storage product. The study also found that 25 percent of garages are designed for one car, 66 percent for two cars, eight percent for three cars, and the rest are for four or more cars.
"The demand for storage solutions is skyrocketing," adds Shaha. "The garage is the most under-utilized storage space at a home."
Racor Home Storage Products began in 1985. For more information, visit www.racorinc.com.
Linear/OSCO Offers New Swing Gate Operators
The new SW series of swing gate operators is now available from Linear/OSCO. The new operators come in a polyethylene cover, in a choice of three colors (beige, black, and granite).
The SW series includes three models: the SWC for commercial applications, in 1/2 or 3/4 HP and 110V or 220V; the SWR for residential applications, in 1/2 HP and 110V or 220V; and the SWD for commercial or residential applications with a full-time 1/2 HP DC motor. The SWD is a full DC battery backup model featuring selectable fail-safe or fail-secure modes and optional solar power.
All SW models feature UL 325-compliant solid-state control boards. Linear/OSCO operators feature an external reset button on the front cover to reset the machine after an entrapment alarm condition.
Wayne-Dalton Introduces Extension Spring Kit
In May, Wayne-Dalton added a new option to the idrive opener line-up with the introduction of an extension spring kit. This allows idrive openers to be installed on all common counterbalance systems.
The kit, sold separately, contains all of the hardware needed to fit a standard Torquemaster idrive on 8' to 10'-wide doors. The kit includes a set of infrared safety sensors and an installation video.
Linear Adds Two Mounting Posts
Linear has added a pair of mounting posts for easy installation of keypads, telephone entry systems, and other access control products.
The GNC-1 is a curb-mount model that includes a base plate with 5/8" holes to accommodate lag bolts to anchor the post directly and securely to concrete. As an alternative, the GNB-1 is a burial mount for installations where a curb mount is not practical or desired.
The material for both mounting posts is 2" x 2", 1/8"-thick rolled steel in a powder-coat finish and mounting flange gasket.
New Quantum Rail Introduced
In May, Wayne-Dalton announced the introduction of an improved trolley mechanism for the Quantum opener. The new trolley system provides additional strength and less noise.
The new design eliminates metal-to-metal parts sliding over each other during operation. The new trolley body instead uses high-strength metal stampings and plastics.
Other features include changing the tubular arm to a standard "J" to simplify the connection between the door and opener. The design makes it easy to detach the arm at the door or at the trolley.
Raynor Introduces New Hardware Packages
In May, Raynor introduced Premium and Deluxe hardware packages for its Prisma doors. Products manager Tim McNinch says the new packages enhance up-sell opportunities.
The Prisma Premium package features EnduraCote Hardware and the door's best warranty. The system includes extended-life torsion springs and powdercoated track and hardware. The on-door hardware is white; the counterbalance hardware is black.
Nylon rollers with steel ball bearings are included for noise reduction. Door sections are warranted against rust for "As Long As You Own Your Home," while hardware components and springs are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for "As Long As You Own Your Home."
The Prisma Deluxe package features galvanized steel track and hardware with white, powdercoated hinges, 10-ball steel-wheel ball-bearing rollers, and extended cycle-life torsion springs. Door sections are warranted against rust for "As Long As You Own Your Home" and hardware components and springs are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for five years.
Prisma doors are now available in five colors: white, ClayTone, almond, brown, and GrayTone.
New Auto-Sensing Gate Receivers from Linear
Linear has introduced two auto-sensing Multi-Code (MCS109950) and Stanley compatible (MCS302850) format gate receivers.
These new models eliminate any chance of damage to either the gate operator or themselves from running off an incorrect voltage. Nearly all gate operators offer either 24 or 12 volts AC or DC as accessory power. Because these two receivers are auto-sensing, each recognizes the gate operator's correct voltage. As a result, installers can be assured of having the correct model gate receiver on the truck.
Both models support transmitters that use the Multi-Code format (300 MHz), as well as the Stanley compatible format (310 MHz) format. Both formats support 1,024 system codes for the MCS109950 and 512 system codes for the MC302850.
TOOLS
DeWalt Offers Cordless High-Torque Impact Wrench
In March, DeWalt announced a 1/2-inch 18-volt cordless high-torque impact wrench (model DW059K-2).
The tool produces 300 ft./lbs. of maximum torque, about 25 percent more than similar models. The new impact wrench drives fasteners quicker, delivering 2,600 bpm (blows per minute) and 1,650 rpm, yet weighs almost 20 percent less.
Designed for garage door installation and other applications, the DW059K-2 measures just 10.75" long. The tool's impacting mechanism allows users to drive large fasteners without kickback. Its patented 1/2-inch square anvil design allows high-torque applications such as driving lag screws into wood, fastening anchors into concrete, and tightening bolts on metal framing, couplings and assemblies.
DeWalt Does Boots
In May, DeWalt introduced a line of industrial footwear featuring its Power Technology System for comfort and durability.
The new line includes 13 flexible models that do not need to be broken in, providing instant comfort and less foot fatigue. Included are two lightweight models, two models with an air circulation system, plus a model with a heel protection system.
Comfort features include padded collar and ankle areas to prevent chafing. Removable cushioned insoles with gel heel pads (except air-circulation models) reduce shock and knee and back strain. A lightweight series employs sneaker-like construction for reduced weight and even greater flexibility.
PEOPLE
Ray Neisewander III Appointed Raynor President and CEO
In May, Ray Neisewander III was promoted to president and CEO of Raynor. Former president and CEO Ray Neisewander Jr. will continue to oversee the overall health and vitality of the company as a member of the management team and as chairman of the board of directors.
Ray Neisewander III began his Raynor career as head of distribution center operations in Lakeland, Fla., in 1983. Three years later, he moved to Dixon, Ill., when he was promoted to manager of warehouse operations for all five Raynor warehouses. From 1986 to 1990, he served as team manager for the Raynor Motorsports Group and president of the Raynor-Cosby Racing Team.
In 1990, Neisewander was promoted to operations manager at Kwik-Wall in Springfield, Ill. In 1997, he became Raynor executive vice president.
He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Pepperdine University and a master's degree in business administration from Florida Southern College.
Earwood Joins Napoleon/Lynx
Early in 2004, Napoleon/Lynx hired Joe Earwood as national sales & marketing manager.
A veteran of the garage door industry, Earwood began his career in 1977 while attending college in Florida. His first engineering position was with Crawford Door in Century, Fla., where he served as product engineer, manufacturing supervisor, inside sales manager, and plant manager.
He also was regional sales manager for Wayne-Dalton and served as corporate technical advisor to product engineering and product liability. He is a former operations manager for Clopay, engineering manager and plant manager for Overhead Door, and vice president of sales and marketing for OMI Industries.
Earwood has been active on DASMA committees, serving as chairman of the DASMA Product Liability & Safety Committee. He also served two terms on the IDA board of directors, was industry member vice president, and served on several committees.
Raynor Adds Senior Vice President
In May, Raynor announced the hiring of Charles Schaut as senior vice president, human resources.
Schaut comes to Raynor with 30 years in manufacturing. He was employee relations manager for J.I. Case Company in Wichita, Kansas. He then worked for Newell Rubbermaid, eventually becoming vice president of human resources, North America.
He then took a position as acting vice president for administration with Ideal Industries, a manufacturer and supplier of electrical products. He had H.R. and administration responsibility for all locations worldwide.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Schaut has a bachelor's degree in labor/industrial relations. He is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
Chamberlain Hires Senior Product Manager
In May, Chamberlain announced the hiring of Bob Craig as senior product manager for LiftMaster Residential Products. He is responsible for analyzing current marketing programs and providing recommendations to maximize tactical sales.
Craig brings more than 15 years of sales and marketing experience to his post at Chamberlain. Most recently, Craig worked in the microwave communications industry as the product marketing manager for Storm Products. He also managed product lines at Siemens Building Technologies and System Sensor, a division of Honeywell.
Craig earned his bachelor's in economics at Park University before earning a master's in marketing at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Raynor Names Corporate Controller
In May, Raynor announced that Jon Keesey had been promoted to corporate controller, where he has assumed the principal leadership responsibilities for all financial, information services and business process engineering functions of Raynor and its subsidiary companies.
Since joining Raynor in April 2000, Keesey has been responsible for all accounting, credit management, tax compliance and reporting, and auditing and financial analysis.
Prior to his career at Raynor, Keesey was employed by MacLean-Fogg in Mundelein, Ill., working as assistant controller, controller, and group controller. A 1992 graduate of the University of Iowa, Keesey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
Wayne-Dalton Appoints Director of Marketing
In April, Wayne-Dalton announced the promotion of Tony Ferrante to director of marketing.
Ferrante joined Wayne-Dalton in November of 2000 as director of retail sales. Prior to joining Wayne-Dalton, he spent 10 years at Rubbermaid, Home Products Division, holding responsibilities in marketing, product development, and product management.
He holds a bachelor of science in industrial and systems engineering from The Ohio State University and an M.B.A. from the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University.
Raynor Names Residential Products Manager
In May, Charlie Ferris was promoted to residential products manager from his dual role as Raynor Academy technical training manager and wind load products manager. In this new position, Ferris will facilitate all issues for existing and new residential products and will continue his focus on wind load products.
Ferris began his career at Raynor in 1988 in the Decade residential door department. The following year, he joined the product engineering department as a laboratory technician. In 1999, Ferris was promoted to Raynor Academy technical training manager.
Tim McNinch will now focus on existing and new commercial products as the new commercial products manager. McNinch has been with Raynor since March 2000 as a product manager and has over 25 years of experience in the garage door industry.
Chamberlain Hires Advertising Manager
In March, Chamberlain hired Charlene Leonard as the advertising and public relations manager for the marketing communications department. Leonard oversees all consumer and trade advertising, retail and dealer co-op advertising programs, and all public relations activities for Chamberlain.
Prior to joining Chamberlain, Leonard worked as a marketing services manager for Häfele America. She was responsible for managing all marketing activities, including direct mail, internet and sales promotion campaigns, sales support materials, magazine ad development and placement, and all public relations outreach.
Leonard also managed her own marketing agency and served as creative manager for Sears, Roebuck and Co. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and marketing from High Point University in North Carolina.
Raynor Appoints Advertising and Communications Manager
In May, Jen (Stralow) Ferris was promoted to advertising and communications manager at Raynor. In this role, she is responsible for all corporate communications and advertising.
She began her career at Raynor in 1995 as a communications specialist. In 1998, she moved to the Raynor Academy as the training production administrator. In 2001, she became marketing production manager, implementing Raynor corporate identity standards, redesigning the corporate Web site, and bringing graphic production projects in-house.
A graduate of Central College in Pella, Iowa, she has a bachelor's degree in communications, and certification in various graphic design programs.
Linear Names Head of Builder Program
Robert Patton has been named to the post of director of builder sales and marketing for OpenHouse-brand structured wire systems and Linear-brand security systems and garage door openers. Linear is the parent of the OpenHouse brand.
Most recently, Patton directed business development activities for Wayne-Dalton, where he procured, trained, and promoted national installation companies to sell Wayne-Dalton products to top home builders. Prior to that, he was the vice president for sales and marketing for Alside, and vice president of sales for The Genie Company.
Patton holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing and advertising from DePaul University.
Raynor Honors Territory Manager of the Year
In May, Raynor announced Doug Elliott as the 2003 Territory Manager (TM) of the Year. Elliott's territory covers Florida.
Raynor also presented TM Excellence Awards to Marty Sandoval, whose territory covers southern California, Arizona, and a portion of Nevada, and Mark Byers, whose territory covers West Virginia, southern Ohio, central and eastern Kentucky, and central and eastern Tennessee.
For the awards competition, all Raynor TMs are ranked, based on the sales increases of their distributors and reaching goals and objectives. The TMs are then ranked in ten sales categories. Those who rank second and third are given Territory Manager Excellence Awards, while the top TM receives the TM of the Year award.
Samco Expands Sales Department
In February, Eric Martin joined Samco Machinery as national sales manager. Martin has 16 years of experience in the roll-forming industry.
Samco designs and manufactures complete automated roll-forming systems for the garage door, steel framing, roofing, pre-engineered, material handling, and automotive industries.
Samco Appoints Project Manager
Samco Machinery recently appointed Bob Repovs as project manager.
Repovs is also vice president of operations for Samco. He led Samco to implement the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) management system, streamlining all phases of the company from sales through design, manufacturing, and testing.
Repovs oversees all Samco customer projects, which are designed and manufactured in-house.
COMPANIES
Arrow Tru-Line Acquires Omi
In March, Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) of Archbold, Ohio, acquired OMI Industries as a wholly owned subsidiary. OMI is based in Lewis Center, Ohio.
Founded in 1991, OMI provides a full range of spring fittings, cable drums, lock parts, rollers, and other miscellaneous components to the overhead door and operator industries.
"The addition of OMI's products rounds out ATL's already extensive line of components for sectional overhead doors," says Dave Shaffer, president and chief operating officer of Arrow Tru-Line. "We feel our customers and the sectional door industry will all benefit as a result of this acquisition by affording true ‘one-stop shopping' for their hardware requirements."
Shaffer adds that OMI's products will soon be available through ATL's Las Vegas facility. OMI will maintain their sales and administrative offices and all facilities in Lewis Center.
DoorLink Enters Industry
In March, DoorLink Manufacturing announced a new manufacturing facility in Kansas City. DoorLink was founded by Timothy Link and Roger Humphreys who together bring more than 60 years of door manufacturing experience to the new company.
DoorLink will offer a full line of residential and commercial garage door sections and hardware. Residential products include a non-insulated panel and a 2"-thick insulated sandwich panel. DoorLink will offer a traditional raised-panel design, grooved steel carriage-house design, and an arched raised-panel design for use as a top section.
DoorLink Manufacturing is located in North Kansas City, Mo., at 816-474-3900 and www.doorlinkmfg.com.
Safe-Way Purchased
On May 1, Equity Capital Partners completed the purchase of Warsaw, Ind.-based Safe-Way Door. Equity Capital Partners, LLC, is a diversified Midwest investment company with holdings nationwide in the manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, and service industries.
Safe-Way Door manufactures and distributes residential, commercial, and industrial garage doors throughout North America and Europe with more than 120 employees in Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri, and Washington.
"We will continue to stand behind our promise of unsurpassed quality in manufacturing and service for the benefit of our dealers and customers," says Jim Smith, who serves as national sales and operations manager and part of the new ownership group.
Smith says the company will continue to do business as Safe-Way Door with headquarters in Warsaw, Ind.
Metecno-Aluma Shield Relocates Hercules
In May, Metecno-Aluma Shield announced the relocation of the Hercules door production from Daytona Beach to the main 270,000-sq.-ft. facility in DeLand, Fla.
The company says that relocating the new Hercules Door production will allow for greater manufacturing capacity and efficiency. New state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment was installed in January 2004 as part of the Hercules Door expansion program.
Metecno-Aluma Shield is the only manufacturer of both insulated cold storage and industrial panels and cold storage doors.
Chamberlain Tucson Operation Receives ISO Registration
In May, Chamberlain announced that the Tucson Telephone Entry Operation has been registered for ISO 9001:2000 certification.
ISO 9001:2000 certification is an internationally recognized standard for total quality management in processes that influence product or service quality. This certification is one of the highest distinctions bestowed on any manufacturing facility.
The Tucson operation was recommended for the ISO 9001:2000 certification after an accredited registrar conducted a rigorous assessment of the organization's quality management system.
Tucson Telephone Entry and Nogales Commercial Operations will operate under the same quality management system based on the registrar's recommendations.
"Achieving the ISO 9001:2000 certification is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process," says David Rolls, CEO. "The enthusiasm and active participation of the Tucson TES and Nogales CPD teams allowed the plants to achieve this goal as scheduled and within budget."
Arrow Tru-Line Adds High-Speed Line
Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) recently added another high speed 2" track roll-forming line at their manufacturing facility in Archbold, Ohio.
With this addition, ATL now has three lines dedicated to the manufacture of horizontal and vertical track with ATL's Lockhole Knock-Out safety feature. Tru-Trak, ATL's new patented track system, is also manufactured on these production lines.
Raynor Distributors Enjoy Napa Valley
On April 15-18, Raynor hosted a Napa Valley (Calif.) Adventure for about 70 Raynor distributors and personnel.
The weekend getaway began with a reception at the Vintage Inn in historic Yountville. Events included a morning business session and professional speaker, Mike Mullane, a retired NASA astronaut.
Distributors also enjoyed free-time activities, including winery tours, shopping, golf, kayaking, cooking demonstrations, and spa appointments. Participants also toured Rutherford Hill Winery followed by a dinner in the aging caves.
The final day featured a visit to St. Helena and a dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, while riding past vineyards and world-renowned wineries.
Caption: Matt Courtney (left) of Winfield Garage Doors in Uwchland, Pa., and Mike Massa, Raynor director of domestic sales, at the Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley.
Griffon on Fortune "Most Admired" List
The March 8 issue of Fortune magazine named Griffon Corporation, the parent corporation of Clopay Building Products, as one of America's Most Admired Companies for 2003.
Griffon ranked number five in the Home Equipment and Furnishings category. Griffon was unranked in 2002.
Griffon Corporation is made up of several companies including Clopay Building Products Company, Clopay Service Company, Clopay Plastic Products, Telephonics, and TLSI.
C.H.I. Meeting Sets Record
In March, the annual 2004 C.H.I. Distributor Meeting set attendance records with more than 250 C.H.I. distributors participating. The event was held in Champaign/Urbana, Ill.
Attendees took part in three days of educational activities. Topics ranged from engineering and rolling steel to finances and commercial bidding.
"The goal is to offer our family of C.H.I. distributors beneficial information and tools that will continue to help them grow as door professionals," says Tim Miller, sales and marketing manager."
This year's event also featured NASCAR and ARCA driver Jason Jarrett. C.H.I. sponsored Jarrett, the son of Dale Jarrett, at a cup event last season. Jarrett was the guest speaker for the awards banquet.
The annual event has been held near the Arthur, Ill., production facility for more than five years.
Caption: (From left) Dan Gall, Jason Jarrett, Jamie Price, and Dan Bauer.
Helton Completes Transition to Dura-Hem
In May, Helton Industries announced that it had converted all of their 2" track production lines to manufacture the new Dura-Hem track. The new production line folds the track edges over, eliminating the long, sharp exposed edge.
Helton says performance and safety advantages of Dura-Hem track have rendered the conventional track design obsolete.
"The response to Dura-Hem has been enthusiastic," says Mike Rauch, vice president. He says customers appreciate the reduced risk of cuts from track to technicians, installers, and homeowners.
Clopay Goes to "Extremes" on ABC
On March 28, Clopay's Reserve Collection semi-custom door made an appearance on the ABC home makeover show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The new show renovates an entire home in only one week.
Clopay donated a Reserve Collection semi-custom door for the project. The carriage-house style door took up the majority of the home's façade.
Coast Overhead Door and Electric, Huntington Beach, Calif., worked with Clopay to ensure prompt delivery and expert installation of the door.
More than 7,000,000 viewers watched the episode. Clopay was featured in the end credits of the show and on the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" Web site, seen by more than 30,000 visitors.
LiftMaster Ad Campaign Features Battery Backup System
In February and March, Chamberlain conducted a major television advertising campaign in both the U.S. and Canada to support the introduction of its new LiftMaster EverCharge battery backup system.
The campaign featured a 30-second television spot airing in heavy rotation on ABC, CBS, The Weather Channel, The History Channel, and USA Networks; and in Canada on RDS, LCN, Series+, TSN, Newsworld, and HGTV.
The commercial aired during 60 Minutes on CBS, during three PGA tournaments on USA Network, and on Good Morning America and The Barbara Walters Special on ABC.
The EverCharge battery backup system works exclusively with the LiftMaster Estate Series model 2500 garage door opener. In the event of a power outage, the backup keeps the garage door opener working for up to two days.
Fehr Relocates West Coast Facility
Fehr Bros. Industries of Saugerties, N.Y., recently relocated their West Coast facility to South San Francisco, Calif.
The new location's increased space allows for the addition of weatherseal and perforated angle to Fehr's West Coast product line. Weatherseal in four colors (white, almond, sandtone, and brown) and 13-, 16-, and 18-gauge perforated angle are available for pick-up or next day shipping.
Raynor Featured on "Extreme Makeover"
On the March 7 episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," Raynor donated a Masterpiece garage door for a worthy family. Ventura County Overhead Door of Ventura, California, installed the door. The door was featured on a remodeled Van Nuys, Calif., home.
For the project, a design team collaborates with 100 contractors to create a dream home while the homeowners are away on a vacation. In this episode, single mom and foster parent, Contessa Mendoza, needed additional living space for her daughter, two foster sons, and extended foster family.
Caption for RayXtrem.jpg: Ty Pennington, show host, shows the Mendoza family their new Raynor garage door.
Raynor Launches Marketing Campaign
Early this year, Raynor launched its 2004 "Play with the Best" campaign, beginning with ads in industry magazines. The ads use a golf-clubs theme of woods and irons to refer to Raynor wood and steel garage doors.
"With the introduction of the American Rivers Collections, last fall, coupled with the extensive offering of the Raynor Innovations Series, we truly do have the best steel and wood doors in the industry," says Patrick Kennedy, director of marketing.
The theme continued in Raynor displays at the International Builder's Show, the IDA Expo, and at the AIA 2004 Exposition in June. More than 20,000 direct mail pieces have been sent to architects and builders, incorporating the "Play with the Best" campaign.
Wayne-Dalton Idrive Chosen as Top Product
The May/June issue of Building Products magazine features Wayne-Dalton's idrive opener as one of the year's "Top 100 Building Products."
Wayne-Dalton says idrive was the #4 product pick in the United States as selected by the readers of Hanley-Wood's four main publications which have a combined circulation of 300,000 building professionals.
The wall-mounted idrive garage door opener was chosen from more than 2,000 editorial product mentions in Builder magazine, Remodeling magazine, Custom Home magazine and Building Products magazine from Oct. 2001 – Sept. 2003.
"The amazing aspect of this is that we were chosen by professional builders and remodelers," says Bert Bennett, president. "The idrive opener is indeed a revolutionary way of putting a complete new spin to a long-standing product category."
Clopay on Shop At Home Network
From April through July, Clopay Garage Doors will be featured on the Shop At Home Network. "Garage Makeovers with Clopay," is a 30-minute Thursday program that guides viewers through the collections of Clopay doors and gives them tips on how to update the look of their home by adding a new garage door.
On the program, Pat Lohse, residential marketing director, reviews a variety of Clopay doors and options. Viewers can also enter a sweepstakes, sponsored by Shop At Home and Clopay.
"Clopay's appearance on Shop At Home Network brought Clopay into the living rooms of homeowners nationwide and showed them the detail and craftsmanship that goes into each Clopay door," says Lohse.
Raynor Door on Trading Spaces
In May, a Raynor door and opener were featured on the Saturday morning television show, "Trading Spaces: Boys vs. Girls."
Besides the Raynor products, the fantasy design of the room included band equipment, a muscle car, and a tool shop. The episode was aired in early May on NBC and on the Discovery Kids Channel.
The home was in Windermere, Fla., and the "Garage Band" themed room featured an 8' x 7' Raynor Affina door and Aviator opener. Raynor donated the door and opener, and Central Door of Winterhaven, Fla., supplied the installation.
Chamberlain Announces Sweepstakes Winners
In March, Chamberlain awarded Georgia Harrelson of American Door and Service Company in Moncks Corner, S.C., with a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The vehicle was the grand prize in their 2003 LiftMaster Estate Series Sweepstakes.
The sweepstakes was open to all U.S. LiftMaster dealers. Dealers were automatically entered into the sweepstakes with each purchase of a LiftMaster Estate Series garage door opener between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2003.
Chamberlain also had held a nationwide $10,000 garage makeover contest. To enter, customers were asked to take a photo of their garage featuring a newly installed LiftMaster garage door opener. Tami Skelton of Duncanville, Texas, won the random drawing, receiving a garage makeover worth $10,000.
Martin Hosts Dealer Conference
In February, four-time Olympic steeplechaser Henry Marsh was the keynote speaker at the 21st annual Martin Door 2004 Dealer Conference. Approximately 181 dealers attended the two-day event.
Conference events included presentations from dealers as well as product updates, training sessions, and an awards dinner.
Special award winners included:
- North American Quality & Service Dealer's Award: A-1 Overhead Door Company, Watsonville, Calif.
- North American New Dealer Award: Accesos Automaticos de Morelos, Cancun, Mexico.
- North American Dealer Award: Ideal Overhead Door, Mesa, Ariz.
- North American Chairman's Award: C & D Garage Doors, Riverton, Utah.
- North American Greatest Sales Percentage Increase Award: Art's Martin Doors of Daly City, Calif.
- International Dealer of the Year Award: Martin Garage Doors of Hawaii.
- International Greatest Sales Percentage Increase Award: GIAX of Ringebu, Norway.
- International Chairman's Award: Shanghai Golden Jade of Shanghai, China.
Caption: (From left) Jiang Zhao, Jin Hong and Arthur Zhang of Shanghai Golden Jade, and Chao Chen.
Martin Video Now in Spanish
Martin Door is releasing a copy of its "Catch The Vision" video in Spanish. The 1998 video is geared towards dealers and is used to help motivate and educate dealers on safety and the installation of Martin doors.
Martin says it has significantly expanded its sales to the Spanish market with new sales in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Martin doors are sold in 62 countries.
Chamberlain Earns "Best In Show" at FenceTech
Chamberlain received the "Best In Show" Award for their new trade show booth unveiled at the 2004 FenceTech show held Feb. 25-27 in Orlando, Fla. More than 390 exhibitors from the U.S. and Canada displayed gate operators, security systems, gate and fencing materials, and related equipment.
The look of the 20' x 90' booth was created to reflect a synergy among Chamberlain's professional brands: Elite, LiftMaster, and Sentex. Chamberlain's booth was designed and fabricated by MICE DisplayWorks of Irvine, Calif. Marketing Support Inc., Chamberlain's agency of record, developed the graphics with Ron Mudge and Tina Stallone from Chamberlain.
The "Best of Show" award is presented to one exhibitor in two categories: small booth size and multi/large booth size. Chamberlain won the award for the multi/large booth size.
GarageGrids Offers Territories, Packages
From March to May 2004, GarageGrids offered garage door dealers exclusive territories within the U.S. GarageGrids is seeking to distinguish itself from high-end products and from low-end products available at big box distributors.
GarageGrids is now offering new optional packages:
- The GarageGrids Value package with the GarageGrids 480, covering 48 sq. ft.
- The GarageGrids Value Plus package with the GarageGrids 720, covering 72 sq. ft., and the GarageGrids 960, covering 96 sq. ft.
- The GarageGrids Premium package with the GarageGrids 1200, covering 120 sq. ft. of a two-car garage.
- These packages can be augmented with additional accessories as needed.
Gusmer Consolidates Lines to New Jersey
By Mar. 31, Gusmer Corporation was to complete the final phase of its three-step global restructuring. Gusmer is a leading supplier of high-performance mixing equipment for polyurethane foam and elastomeric protective coatings.
As part of the restructuring, the company's polyurethane operations were consolidated into a new 21,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Lakewood, N.J., bringing total manufacturing capacity to over 70,000 sq. ft.
Polyurethane foam can either be sprayed or poured through Gusmer equipment, which can also be used on the job site.
INTERNET
Trac-Rite Updates Web Site
In March, Trac-Rite Door announced an updated Web site at tracrite.com.
Visitors to the site can determine their door needs in a step-by-step process, and they can order up to two Trac-Rite doors online. Product information on Trac-Rite's new door models has been added.
The site now includes Work@Trac-Rite, allowing visitors to apply for available positions within the company. Plant Tour was also added, permitting visitors to tour the manufacturing plant.
Amarr Site Adds Dealers-Only Section
In May, Amarr announced several new additions to its Web site.
The update includes a Dealers-Only section that allows dealers to access technical, marketing, and credit information, and send an email to any of those departments. Items such as photos, logos, or wind load information are now available online. Dealers simply need a valid account number and a password.
"We recognize that many of our dealers are ... working on projects after normal business hours," says Teresa Lowry, director of marketing. "This gives our dealers access to pertinent information without having to wait until our offices are open."
Raynor Design-A-Door Revamped
In May, Raynor launched a complete redesign of the Design-A-Door feature at raynor.com. The revamped version launches quickly and uses realistic photography to showcase door choices.
The image of a regional-transcending home allows users to relate the design of their own home, regardless of their regional architectural style. The new version also invites users to select from three brick, five stucco, and five siding selections to best match their home.
Once the selection is finalized, the matching Raynor models are displayed. The user can then see a side-by-side comparison of each model's features.
Falcon Foam Web Site Debuts
The many applications for Falcon Foam expanded polystyrene (EPS) are now fully detailed in text and colorful graphics at a new Web site: www.FalconFoam.com.
The Web site includes technical data about ideal uses of Falcon Foam EPS. The new site also features a media gallery, literature for viewing and downloading, case studies, and related information.
INDUSTRY
IDEA Certification Launched in Toronto
On April 21 in Toronto, the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) conducted the largest certification testing session outside of the International Garage Door Exposition.
The testing, held at the Toronto Airport Marriott, involved several companies and 49 technicians. Of those, 47 passed the written examination and earned the designation of IDEA Certified Residential Door Systems Technician. The technicians were with McKee-Horrigan, Superior Door & Gate Systems, O'Brien Installations, Universal Door & Equipment, and Admor Door Systems, all in the Toronto area.
Many industry suppliers helped to offset the costs of the event. Contributions came from Manaras, Chamberlain, Doorlec, Wayne-Dalton, Service Door Industries, Clopay, Atlas Rolling Entry Systems, Super Seal, LDC, Micanan Systems, Elton Manufacturing, Richards Wilcox – Canada, Collier, Linear, and Marantec America.
The Residential Door Systems Technician Certification program is the first of a series of professional designations scheduled for release by IDEA. The IDEA Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification program began at Expo 2004 in May and will be followed by a Commercial Sectional Door Systems Technician program and others.
Following Expo 2004, IDEA and IDA will begin the Raising the Door Tour, a 62-city series of events to bring IDEA Accreditation, Certification, and Train-the-Trainer programs closer to dealers.
DASMA Accepted Into Homeland Security Committee
DASMA has been accepted into the newly created ASTM E54 Committee on Homeland Security Applications.
DASMA Technical Director Joe Hetzel says that DASMA interest focuses on the E54.05 subcommittee on Building and Infrastructure Protection. That subcommittee's focus will be to provide guidelines for the selection of anti-terrorism physical security measures. Once guidelines are produced, work will commence with developing performance and testing standards for security barrier components and systems.
Hetzel says one subcommittee task group will focus on building structure security barriers, including "vehicle doors" and related electronic security controls. A separate task group will focus on site perimeter security barriers, including "vehicle gates" and related electronic security controls.
The first meetings were scheduled for June 2004. Hetzel anticipates that DASMA will offer input to represent industry interests.
Texas Legislation Affects Installers
Early in 2004, Texas passed Senate Bill 1252, requiring licensing of certain "access systems" installers by September 2004.
Licensing requirements cover installers of "alarm systems," which are defined as including "electronic equipment and devices using a computer or data processor designed to control the access of a person, vehicle, or object through a door, gate, or entrance into the controlled area of a residence or business ..."
The new law, set to take effect on Sept. 1, states that affected installers "may be required" to hold a certification by a "commission-approved" training program to renew an initial registration. Sixteen hours of classroom study in a nationally recognized training program would meet this requirement.
Naomi Angel, DASMA legal counsel, suggests that the law will affect manufacturers and installers of garage door operators, gate operators, and accessible communication entry systems. She and Rick Sedivy, DASMA Gate Operator Committee member, have been actively working with a Texas representative of the American Fence Association to clarify how the law will affect our industry. Look for more information in future issues of D&AS.
Automated Gate Safety Video To Be Developed
Help is coming for dealers who are confused about the new safety standards for automated vehicular gate systems.
The Gate Standard Ad Hoc Committee is now developing a safety video to illustrate key automated vehicular gate related provisions from UL 325 and ASTM F 2200. The committee includes members of the American Fence Association (AFA), the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), and DASMA.
The video, intended for dealers and installers, will be funded by AFA and coordinated by Frank Hinds, committee chairman. No release date has been set.
UL 325 underwent substantial revisions that became effective March 2000, and ASTM F-2200 was first published in September 2002.