Brian Sofley

Door Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has supplied a number of high security steel doorsets to Network Rail for the upgrade of its remote signal rooms. The project was commissioned through Kent-based trade customer Taylor Refit, who removed the existing doors and installed new high security steel doorsets certified to LPS 1175 security ratings from the Powershield range. Network Rail specified that the high security doors supplied needed to offer maximum protection to the remote rooms The upgrade comes as part of Network Rail’s plan to heighten the security level to its signal rooms following the recent vandalism. High Security Doors For Network Rail  Network Rail specified that the high security doors supplied needed to offer maximum protection to the remote rooms, while also providing a cost-effective solution. ABLOY Protec cylinders were also incorporated into the specialist locks throughout the sites. Due to the easy-to-install products, Taylor Refit was able to remove and install the security doors in just one day, resulting in minimal disruption to services. Superior Security Doorsets Chris Cole, Area Sales Manager (SE & London) for Door Group, ASSA ABLOY EMEA comments: “We are delighted that Network Rail gave us the opportunity to provide superior security doorsets to this project and we hope to build on our relationship in the future. We had to ensure that the doorsets we were supplying offered maximum security, as per the customer’s specifications" "We pride ourselves on supplying high quality products and we work closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and to provide specialist and tailored solutions. We had to ensure that the doorsets we were supplying offered maximum security, as per the customer’s specifications.” Door Group’s work with Network Rail follows a number of high-profile contracts with Transport for London and Crossrail Limited. Brian Sofley, Managing Director for Door Group, added: “We pride ourselves on our portfolio of well-respected clients that choose to work with us time and time again. We attribute this to our comprehensive service offering and expert advice throughout each project.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global provider of door opening solutions, has secured a series of high-profile contracts with Transport for London and Crossrail Limited. These contracts have included supplying and installing security doors for major London Underground redevelopments including London Bridge, Bond Street and King’s Cross, as well as station upgrades such as Victoria. ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has then gone on to secure multiple contracts within the Crossrail construction program. The new Transport for London-run Elizabeth line, built by Crossrail Limited, will open from December 2018 serving 10 newly-built accessible stations. Comprehensive Doorset Solutions Full doorset solutions have been delivered and installed to the new Elizabeth line stations at Canary Wharf, Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Woolwich and Custom House. They have also been installed at other sites along the route including Pudding Mill, Eleanor Street and Mile End, as well as at the Elizabeth line depot at Old Oak Common. Each project presented its own demands and challenges in relation to product performance requirements. Doorsets had to be fully compliant to achieve the latest standards and meet the specialist needs of each environment: Factors to consider included fire, acoustics, air tightness, high-security and pressure resistance. Decorative finishes such as vitreous enamel, stainless-steel and bronze cladding helped complement the aesthetics of the surroundings on doors that required a finishing touch, and many of the doorsets required installation in challenging conditions, being underground, with tight access and restricted working hours. Our experience working with London Underground provided us with the ideal foundation for supporting our working partners on the Crossrail project" Powershield & Prima Door Ranges Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “Our experience working with London Underground provided us with the ideal foundation for supporting our working partners on the Crossrail project for new Elizabeth line stations.” “Each contract brought its own individual challenges, but from the very beginning we worked closely with the architects and contractors involved to understand their requirements. This meant we could provide specialist and tailored solutions that met their exact needs. Solutions were carefully chosen from both our Powershield and Prima steel door ranges including cross corridor doors for high traffic fire escape routes, and pivoted fire rated platform doors to conceal station equipment rooms.” “We take great pride in our wide portfolio of well-respected transport contracts. It says a great deal that customers choose to work with us time and time again, and we put this down to our full-service offering, financial stability, and expert advice at every stage of the project, from specification to installation and inspection.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global supplier of door opening solutions, has launched a thought-provoking whitepaper focusing on the critical subject of fire door safety. The whitepaper covers key topics of fire door safety. These include the purpose and effectiveness of fire doors, fire door regulations, manufacturing and installation. The Grenfell Tower incident last year raised many questions surrounding how we can prevent the spread of fires in commercial and social housing buildings.  Fire Safety-Compliant Door Installation Fire doors are one of the most important and effective elements of a building’s passive fire protection. ASSA ABLOY Security Doors wanted to discuss how mandatory inspection and maintenance of fire doors can only serve to protect a building and its occupants. There is nothing in UK law or building regulations that states public buildings must maintain fire doors, even though they are a life-saving product The whitepaper discusses in detail how installing correctly specified fire doors can significantly reduce the spread of fire within a building. It then provides practical information which covers current fire door guidance, standards and accreditation. Fire Door Inspection It also calls for the UK government to adopt and enforce a mandatory fire door inspection and maintenance scheme. Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors and author of the whitepaper, said: “Proper fire doors save lives, but only if they are correctly manufactured and installed. However, there is nothing in UK law or building regulations that states public buildings must maintain fire doors, even though they are a life-saving product.” “This whitepaper provides information and guidance about fire door safety, and I hope it will prove useful for those involved in the construction industry as well as those lobbying to change fire door regulations in the UK.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, a provider of door opening solutions, is launching a new range of high-performance timber doors for the public, commercial & high-end residential market. The new SMARTec timber door range has been developed to offer a complete doorset solution of high-quality, high-performing doors and frames complete with all ironmongery solutions. The doors are suitable for an extensive range of applications, including offices, high-end residential buildings, education facilities, factory premises, mixed-use developments, healthcare environments and premium hotels. Certified Security Doors Doorsets within the SMARTec range can offer certified performance including fire resistance, security and sound reduction properties and are available to order in a wide range of aesthetically pleasing finishes and styles. With ASSA ABLOY Security Doors already offering Powershield and Prima steel doors, as well as Safeguard high-security timber doors, the launch of its SMARTec high-performance timber doors range ensures architects, specifiers and contractors can now source a complete doorset solution from one trusted single point of contact. SMARTec will meet the needs of all customers and specifiers by providing a durable solution which achieves performance demands Ensuring Health And Safety Compliance Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, explains, “We pride ourselves on the development, quality and performance of our doors, and our new high-performance timber range maintains this standard. We are confident that SMARTec will meet the needs of all customers and specifiers by providing a durable solution which achieves the performance demands required.” “Our portfolio provides a total solution of complete door assemblies in both steel and timber, which for fire safety products meets with the latest Government recommendations. We can deliver the entire process from start to finish, from initial specification to the manufacture of product, on site installation and after sales inspections and maintenance of our doors.” “Finally, our extended service offering—covering service, maintenance and fire door inspections—means we can deliver complete doorset solutions that remain fit for purpose and compliant with mandatory health and safety regulations at all times.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ new Area Sales Manager - Claire Boardman and Sales Director - Kevin Campbell ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has appointed a new Sales Director and Area Sales Manager. Kevin Campbell - Sales Director In his new role as Sales Director, Kevin Campbell will be responsible for developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, as well as managing and coordinating the ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ sales team and activity. With 27 years in the door industry covering sales and operations roles, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Claire Boardman - Area Sales Manager As the new Area Sales Manager for the Midlands and North West, Claire Boardman will be generating contract sales and creating partnership agreements for selected trade customers. Bringing an array of skills to her new role, Claire has 14 years’ experience working for Accent Hansen, where she held a position as a National Sales Manager. Innovative Growth Opportunities Kevin Campbell, Sales Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said, “I am excited to be working for the global leader in door opening solutions and looking forward to utilizing my industry experience to grow sales.” Claire Boardman, Area Sales Manager for the Midlands and North West, said, “I’m looking forward to building relationships with new and existing ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ customers, in order to introduce them to a host of innovative new products.” Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said, “Innovation is at the heart of our organization, so we are delighted to welcome Kevin and Claire to the team, who I’m sure will be able to use their extensive experience in the industry to bring some new ideas to ASSA ABLOY Security Doors. It is currently an exciting time for us, as we have a number of high profile projects underway, I’m looking forward to having some new faces in the team, to play their part in driving the company forward.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ BIM offering contains 72 door objects that can be used in standard applications such as corridors and offices As the first doorset manufacturers to launch a BIM offering, ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has begun to receive requests for its BIM objects, following the deadlines passing for both the use of BIM on all Government projects and the adoption of the Government Soft Landings process. BIM Applications ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ BIM offering contains 72 door objects that can be used in standard applications such as corridors, toilets, offices and fire exits. A data center for a well-known technology company has recently been supplied with a range of doorsets which have BIM objects attached. The BIM objects will aid maintenance activities in order to make whole life asset management possible. Government Construction Strategy Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “The successful delivery of the Government Construction Strategy (GCS) Level 2 BIM is creating the pathway to “Digital Built Britain” and the promise of BIM Level 3 in the future.  “As the journey towards the digitalization of the built environment progresses, we believe that as an early adopter of BIM in our industry, we are in a prime position to assist specifiers and contractors in using BIM as it was intended, to enable first time fit.  “As part of an international group with strong financial background, we have the capabilities to support the widespread BIM adoption and our future proof solutions help to mitigate risk across a wide range of end user markets, including the commercial, education, health, transport, retail and residential sectors.” Importance Of Doors Doors only form a small part of buildings and are often considered at a later stage of the build. However, any change in dimension or material to these types of products could have a significant impact on other structural elements of the build. The creation of a central model under BIM, which each discipline involved in a buildings’ design and construction has access to and can update, is crucial for specifiers of security doors.

ASSA ABLOY appoints Steven Cunningham as new Trade Sales Manager for South & Julian Knipe as the new Head of Trade Department ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has appointed a new Trade Sales Manager for the South and a new Head of Trade Department. Wealth Of Experience With ASSA ABLOY In his new role as Trade Sale Manager, Steven Cunningham will be tasked with generating sales in the South of England and London, through building new and existing relationships with customers. With ten years’ experience working for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors; starting in the factory stores, progressing to become an Estimator, and then growing the Trade Department to £4.3 million turnover at the end of 2016, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. As the new Head of Trade Department, Julian Knipe will be responsible for the trade function of the business and brings an array of experience to his new position. Julian has over four years’ experience as a planner for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, including being part of the team that supplied the new T2A terminal at Heathrow, which was one of the UK’s biggest construction sites, in addition to experience working for Acheson & Glover Limited. Developing Skills And Facing Challenges Speaking on his new position, Steven Cunningham, Trade Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’, said: “Having worked with ASSA ABLOY Security Doors since the beginning of my career, I’m extremely passionate about the business and want to help to ensure that Powershield doors remain the number one choice for steel doors in the UK. I believe my existing knowledge will help me and the customer when it comes to winning future orders and I’m looking forward to the challenge my new role will bring.” Speaking on his new role, Julian Knipe, Head of Trade Department at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, particularly being a member of the team that supplied the new T2A terminal at Heathrow, which is one of the biggest challenges the business has faced in its history. I’m looking forward to further developing my managerial skills, as a new member of the senior management team.” Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “It is an exciting time for the construction industry in London, which is currently being transformed with a whole host of new developments. Both Steven Cunningham and Julian Knipe have been valued members of our team for a number of years and we know that Steven will prove to be a great asset to major projects in the South, while Julian will be a great strength to the trade side of the business.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, go the extra mile to ensure that their deliveries arrive in prime condition, just as they left the factory. Pallet Caps Included On Top Among Deliveries  Pallet caps are included on the top of all ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ deliveries to safeguard the steel doors, so that they do not become damaged during transportation. The pallet cap is a yellow cardboard cone, which is attached firmly to all ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ deliveries. When a delivery arrives, if the cardboard cone is crushed, or not attached to the pallet, this is an indication that steel doors may have become damaged during haulage and the quality of steel doors could be compromised. The whole pallets are also shrink-wrapped to help protect the doors against wet weather conditions during loading and unloading and a steel strap secures the doors in place for transportation. In addition, polystyrene is included around the doors’ corners to safeguard against damage. Attention To Detail Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “We offer the UK’s leading ranges of proven security doors – Powershield steel doors and Safeguard timber doors. “We take great pride in providing high quality products, so want to ensure that the doorsets arrive to projects in pristine condition. The attention to detail that we give to ensure our deliveries arrive safely is unique to ASSA ABLOY Security Doors.” ASSA ABLOY Security Doors also ensures that its doorsets are not damaged as they are put onto and taken off delivery vehicles; a timber framework surrounds the doors in order to prevent forklifts from making direct contact with the products.

ASSA ABLOY supplied Powershield fire and personnel doorsets that features kick plates for added durability and a high-end finish Security Doors, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, has successfully completed a £5m design, supply and installation of Powershield steel doors to the new Terminal 2A at Heathrow Airport. The first flights arrived at The Queen’s Terminal at the beginning of June 2014, almost 60 years after the original Terminal 2 opened as the airport’s first passenger terminal. The £2.5 billion project is now home to 26 airlines and has 332 daily flights to 54 global destinations. The development includes the terminal building, associated satellite pier (T2B) and a new cooling station and energy center. Powershield Fire And Personnel Doorsets Installed To help provide the highest level of security for the project, ASSA ABLOY Security Doors supplied Powershield fire and personnel doorsets, all of which have special polyester powder coat finishes and full height wrap-around stainless steel push and kick plates for added durability and a high-end finish. Brian Sofley, Managing Director for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “The project was one of the UK’s biggest construction sites and one of the biggest challenges we have faced at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors. Working in airports presents huge logistical issues that are not normally found on other construction projects, such as delivery restrictions and the complexity and volume of other works being carried out during door installation, due to the large footprints of airport sites. We ensured that there was a full time management and supervisory team on site at all times to oversee the installation of the completed doorsets and to ensure that high quality, safe, secure solutions were delivered. “Our steel doors are extremely durable and provide a high level of fire protection that could prevent the spread of fire and create maximum evacuation time for passengers and staff in the event of an emergency – an essential safety feature in busy transport hubs like airports.” Powershield fire doors have been tested in accordance with BS EN 1634-1:2000 and are accredited under the Certifire Compliance Scheme. Heathrow, Head of Design Development Comments Barry Weekes, Head of Design Development, at Heathrow, said: “As the UK’s only hub airport, Heathrow required a high quality solution to meet our exacting security requirements. “The superior strength, durability and security of all the steel doors supplied to this project, combined with their relatively low maintenance requirements make them the ideal choice.”

Security Doors, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in opening solutions, has tested a new high-efficiency thermal door offering excellent insulation. The thermal door has achieved a U-Value of 1.6 W/m²K in both single and double door configurations, exceeding thermal energy efficiency standards referred to in Part L Building Regulations guidelines, which require external pedestrian doors to achieve a U-Value under 2.2 W/m²K. The U-Value refers to the amount of heat transferred through a material. A slow transfer of heat leads to a better insulating value, and a lower numbered U-Value. If required, the thermal door can be upgraded to achieve a higher thermal efficiency U-Value of 1.3 W/m²K, preventing heat loss further. The thermal technology is concealed in the door’s interior, making it door the same thickness and frame appearance of a standard door, so it is aesthetically appealing for both commercial and residential use. Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors said: “ASSA ABLOY is well-known for reliable, high performance products, and our new thermal door is no different. Suitable for use in private and commercial properties, occupants can benefit from its high insulating value. “On average up to 20% of heat loss is due to poorly insulated doors and windows. Our advanced thermal technology will contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings as well as saving the bill payer money. “Taking the correct measures to insulate a building, will help to create a comfortable working environment.” The thermal door will be fully CE marked, ensuring validity to be sold throughout the European Economic Area. Covered by a harmonised European products standard or a European Technical Assessment.

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors supplied its steel doorsets to London Underground’s Bond Street Tube Station ASSA ABLOY Security Doors has designed, manufactured and installed a range of high performance security doors for multiple specification projects across London. From the installation of innovative fire doorsets in the Shard, to supplying the London Underground’s Bond Street Tube Station with its specialist steel doorsets, the company has proved its ability to specify high profile projects. Working with some of the most respected contractors in the industry ASSA ABLOY Security Doors’ has utilised its value added service and consultancy skills for the range of specification projects. The company has supported the design intent of buildings such as Buckingham Gate, which was part of the regeneration of Victoria, Canary Wharf and Quadrant 3, one of London’s most ambitious West End redevelopments. Brian Sofley, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, said: “We are proud to have secured a vast number of projects that are a part of the progressive and exciting developments in the capital.” “Many of the buildings we have supplied are set to become iconic features of London’s skyline and we hope to continue to provide sustainable, robust and effective door solutions across the country.”