FF Info 65-GB

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gB FlexiForce INFO magazine #65, June 2012 www.flexiforce.com

neW! The 656 “S” SerieSMarket drivers:

SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN CONVENIENCE SECURITY SAFETY

Why? How? What?Preview:

RSC residential system

Buying today

Helton Industries

www.flexiforce.com 2

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Why talk about price......when the end user is willing to pay hundreds of Euros more for LED-light bars that increase the curb appeal of a door? Or for increased burglar safety. For the convenience of automation. We mentioned before the “drivers” that move consumers in the market today:

In this INFO magazine we will mark as much as possible per page/product which drivers we think are satisfied with the new product or service.

SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITY DESIGN CONVENIENCE SECURITY SAFETY

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Editorial (Frank Goedhart)

Why?During a recent company training, I was inspired by a presentation from Mr. Simon Sinek, “How great leaders inspire action”. You can find it online on www.ted.com (search on his name). I really recommend it, it is worth the whole 15 minutes! In this video he explains that customers do not buy WHAT you sell, they buy WHY you sell it. Still most companies tell the customers first WHAT they sell, then HOW they sell it after which they expect automatically a buying action from the customer. Successful companies and entrepreneurs however, like for example Apple, start with explaining WHY they exist, WHY they get up in the morning, WHY they believe in offering the best solutions. Then they explain to the customer HOW they have put that “believe” into offering product features and advantages and they finish with WHAT products they offer. With the WHY in mind, customers recognize the passion and they like buying the product.

An MP3 player from Apple, the iPod, is not by definition the best choice available, but because Apple is great in sharing with you their believe, “Think different!”, customers like being a part of that. Apple confirms this WHY in all aspects of their communication. In Apple Stores, in product design, in presentations, etc.. Consumers not only like this, they are willing to pay a premium price for it! Open the packaging of an Ipod and it says “Lucky you!” This theory of WHY>HOW>WHAT is called “the golden circle”.

Now, trying to convert that into our industry to help us positioning ourselves in a market where price more and more seems to be the only buying and also selling argument. Instead of “I am offering you a door, it has a 500N motor and it is really cheap, want to buy it?”, this might work better: “My company believes in sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings (WHY). That is why we offer highly insulated doors with thicker panels, with thermal break sealing, operated by an energy efficient operator with low stand-by power (HOW). We help you saving energy by providing you a great door for your home (WHAT). This is just an example of how you can re-think the question that every sales person should ask himself: Why would the customer buy my product instead of that from my competitor?

Being self-reflective, it also forces us to re-think on the WHY, HOW, WHAT of FlexiForce. Of course you, as our customer, are really the only one to judge our offering. But we think it was clear already back in 1980 at the start of FlexiForce in the chicken shed and it is still alive and valid today:

“We, at FlexiForce, believe in the free door market. In small and midsized door producers, competing on a local or regional level with bigger, integrated, door companies. We believe in supporting this free market with the best possible products and services. Solutions for reducing total costs, increasing competitiveness and expanding market opportunities for our customers.”

In this INFO magazine, we share a lot of news with you to underline this. We also try to connect all our news with the four “market drivers” so you can recognize easily the goal served by the product. FlexiForce is, despite economical worries, in a growing mood. We present our new company in Turkey, our acquisition of Helton Industries in Northern America, new production lines in Poland (springs!) and Hungary and many new products and systems. WHY? Because it allows us to serve you even better in growing your business!

If you need more information, would like to share ideas or if you want to discuss more about this subject with me, do not hesitate to contact me. Enjoy reading!

Frank GoedhartGroup marketing managerT: +31-6-51519209E: [email protected]

http://nl.linkedin.com/in/nlfrankgoedhart

“ Customers do not buy WHAT you sell, they buy WHY you sell it.”

(advertisement)

FuTure poWer For moTionInterview with Katja von Raven22

news 6

NB! All mentioned prices are gross, list pricing, based on our price list 2012-Q2 valid till 1-7-2012. Your discount applies.The information presented in this booklet is of course subject to change. We often expand our product range with new items. Introduction is done

through our website, in our online catalogue, on our YOUTUBE channel FF-TV and in our Flickr-photo stream. To stay tuned to these updates, visit our websites regularly, follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/flexiforce) or “Like” us on our Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/flexiforce).

Content: #65, June 2012 3 editorial Why? Why talk about price...

6 news

14 FF-University 1+1 = 2 SAFETY WINDINGS (WRAPS)

17 Preview RSC!

18 oPening news

22 FUtUre Power For motion Interview with Katja von Raven,

Chamberlain Liftmaster

26 major savings in saFety comPonents

27 s-series

29 sUstainability: 60mm

30 bUying today Interview with Gert-Jan van Holland,

Group purchasing manager FlexiForce

32 sidesteP, doUblesteP

34 new ProdUcts

37 coloPhon

Content

previeWRSC!

FF-univerSiTy1+1 = 2 SAFETY WINDINGS

17

14

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FlexiForce has taken a next step in growing her business in the Northern American market, by acquiring the Canadian company Helton Industries. Helton Industries is based in Abbotsford B.C. and manufactures a complete range of hardware and window products for commercial and residential overhead doors, and also operates distribution and installation companies in Western Canada. The company employs 235 people, which brings the total number of people in the FlexiForce Group on 535.

“Helton Industries is another strategic step and a perfect fit to our expansion in North America” says Bert Fransens, President and CEO of FlexiForce Group. “We are keenly focused on expanding our North American operations through high quality and low cost. Helton is the market leader in North America when it comes to quality and reliability and has an excellent reputation in the market. Helton will provide us with access to markets in the Western part of North America where we are not so active today and will substantially enhance our product offering in the Eastern part of the country out of our Dixon, Illinois distribution facility” continues Bert. “I am very pleased to welcome Helton into the FlexiForce Group as a very attractive strategic addition to our competencies”.

Helton will become the headquarters for FlexiForce Group’s operations in North America and will also assume responsibility for FlexiForce LLC in Dixon, Illinois. “It’s amazing to see the similarities between our two companies” states Mike Rauch, Helton’s General Manager. “We are thrilled about the new combination and excited about the opportunity this creates for our customers. By combining Helton’s manufacturing operation with FlexiForce Group’s global supply chain, we will provide unbeatable value for North American customers from coast to coast”.

FlexiForce customers worldwide will benefit from this expansion, through synergies in purchasing, production and through an expanded product portfolio. We will keep you updated on the progression in these advantages.

“ We are keenly focused on expanding our North American operations.”

FlexiForce acquires Helton Industries, expansion in North America

Building Helton, Abbotsford, BC, Canada

Bert Fransens and Mike Rauch on IDA EXPO. (picture courtesy of Tom Wadsworth)

In a time when economic down turn seems to be the talk of the day, it is good to announce the start of a new company in the FlexiForce Group: FlexiForce Turkey. FlexiForce Turkey started in April/May this year, with offices and warehouse of 2.000m2, in the city of Gebze, on the Asian side of Turkey, close to Istanbul. Managing Director is Mr. Mert Kaptan, who has a wide experience in our industry.

Bert Fransens, CEO of FlexiForce Group: “I am convinced about the growth opportunities for

FlexiForce heads for Turkey and Central Asia

FlexiForce through this new company, not only in the Turkish market, but also in the Central Asia and Middle East region. This is another step in our consistent “close to the customer” strategy”. A warehouse in Turkey is providing customers more flexibility against lower costs. Smaller, more frequent orders and reduced transport costs will improve the competitiveness of our customers. We will inform customers personally about the planning of this new opportunity and on the product range that we offer from this new facility. Of course we wish Mert all the best in serving this region.

Torsion spring production in FlexiForce Poland. New production plantWe are pleased to announce that due to the explosive growth of FlexiForce in Poland, we have decided to start the production of torsion springs locally. We are now finalizing the launch of two advanced torsion spring production lines with sufficient capacity. The production line is completed with the installation of a high-efficiency oven (furnace) for the necessary heat treatment of the springs.

We are proud that through the use of specialized technology and the work of our experienced team of the production department in FlexiForce Poland, we will be able to meet the needs of our customers in Poland and the Baltic Countries even more efficiently and quickly. The Polish plant will produce in-house natural (black) and galvanized torsion springs. We will be able to supply standard lengths as well as fixed-to-size assembled springs. This last option eliminates the need for customers to have their own stock of springs. Outsource your spring assembly to FlexiForce Poland. Short delivery time, no cutting waste and any logistic solution that fits your operation. With this production power in FlexiForce Poland, we believe we can grow also the business of our customers. Contact our team in FlexiForce Poland for a specific offer!

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News

Mert Kaptan

FlexiForce Hungary invests in production capacityFlexiForce Hungary is investing in extra production capacity to follow the increased market demand for complete hardware sets, for both residential and industrial doors. We will be expanding the current building to provide industrial hardware sets, configured to order, higher volume production of powder coated torsion springs, pre-packing also flat-bed garage door sets to be handled in a more efficient way. Plan is to have this operation ready in the first half of 2013.

Introducing:

Kaizen project in FlexiForce NetherlandsDuring our continuous pursuit of improvement, we have done a Kaizen project at FlexiForce NL. A Kaizen is a project according to ‘Lean Manufacturing’ or ‘Continuous Improvement’ techniques and gives a 100% focus in one or two weeks.

Our focus was the order flow in production and we have identified several possible improvements, which we are implementing during the rest of 2012. One of the improvements is to change our production planning from batch planning (2 batches/week) into day planning and we expect that we will be able to reduce the level of order peaks and become a better and more flexible supplier to our customers.

Our sales team is reinforced with some new outside-sales account managers. You might have met them already, but to be sure, we are pleased to introduce:


magazine News

Margo Kubiscik (FlexiForce Poland)

Marco Monterenzi (FlexiForce Italy)

Christophe Walschaerts (FlexiForce Netherlands)

Bas van Steenhardt Carré (FlexiForce Netherlands)

FlexiForce goes mobile!In April we launched our FlexiForce websites in a mobile skin. This means that our website automatically adjusts to iPhone, iPad or any other mobile device. News, product catalogue and more fit for your smart phone! So instead of pushing tiny, unreadable links, the screen operates a new, compact menu-structure presenting the catalogue with all product information, the news line from the website, the Twitter feed, FF-TV and even contact addresses in the right size and format. Tap on a phone number and you are calling FlexiForce instantly. The screenshots below give you an impression, but we trust that working with it really shows you the advantage.

Online configuration: CREATE and SpringForce

springForce: We have introduced a beta-version of our new online calculation software for torsion springs: SpringForce! Until now, configuration and selection of industrial torsion springs could only be done “off-line” with our FFLogic software. Not anymore: Follow the link to SpringForce, try it, calculate the springs you need and order them digitally from FlexiForce. With your feedback we upgrade this beta-version into a final launch.

create update: Online configuration of residential (garage door) hardware sets was already available with our Create software on our website. Now we have updated Create with all new products (like the CR-covers, LM50K garage door opener, aluminium decals, 1085RB seal, etc.), new prices and with more pictures and explanations per product. Easier to use and increased number of choices. Use Create for making your own garage door hardware BOM (Bill of Material) or for ordering the complete set from FlexiForce.

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News

Thanks for your visits!

2012 is a busy year for us when it comes to exhibiting. Still to come is Equip’Baie in November in Paris, but looking back, we were very pleased with your visits to our booths in R+T Stuttgart and in IDA EXPO Las Vegas. Thanks for visiting. On both continents, the 3D printer was a major audience magnet. But of course, introducing new products to you and most of all, talking and listening to you was the best part of our presence. Below a selection of images and impression from both shows. See you in Paris?


magazine News

Why Facebook?

New releases on FF-TV:• Movie on CR-track cover system• SideStep introduction by Maeike Blauw• LM50K• Entrance Security with key-pad 9700V24/12• Drop test 440 3” cable break device• IDA EXPO company introduction

You do not need to worry about privacy issues when joining Facebook. It works like this:

Not joined Facebook yet?1. Go to www.facebook.com

and Sign Up. No privacy is in danger

because all you need to provide is: First Name, Last Name, Email, Pass Word, date of birth (need to be older than 13 years). This information will stay private if you want.

2. Almost ready now. Search for “FlexiForce”3 Click on the “I like” buttonFlexiForce news will from then appear in your news lines automatically. You can change the settings to “send news to email” so that the FlexiForce updates arrive in your email box.

NB! Most people don’t “post” anything on Facebook. They use it just as news source! Don’t like social media? Use FlexiForce page just as your news update!

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News

An impression on recent FlexiForce “posts”

Because we know that you like to be informed as much as possible on updates, changes and product news we recommend to you our Facebook fan page. For us the quickest way to give you daily news, product information, links to videos, photos, personnel updates, events. Etc. So, even without all the possible social aspects, you can use Facebook just as a “news source”.

Not about doors contest

It started with a soccer table game made by Jildert Gaastra (FlexiForce R&D). Once the thought to create something different with our product, something “not door related”, started, the ideas kept coming in. Also from our customers. Below you will find a collection of the “brainwaves”, coming from creative people. Thanks for your input! The winner of the contest is Mr. Tomasz Kubczak from Krispol Poland. Sending in 4 beautifully rendered creations. A nice bottle of wine is on its way to Poland!

See all ideas on flickr.com/photos/flexiforce


magazine News

DESIGN

1

4

5

7

10 11

8

2 3

6

9

Erik, Dutch-door (1), Matthias, A.R.T. Systemtechnik GmbH & Co KG (2, 3, 10), FlexiForce Italy (4), Marketing department Flexiforce (5), Tomasz, KRISPOL Sp. z o.o. (6, 8, 9), Sokolowski Serwis, PL (7), Robin, Indupart (11)

Spring matrix for garage doorsFor a garage door, 90% of the time equipped with an electrical door opener, the exact scientific calculation of the spring is less critical. We have calculated a matrix for you, in which for each door height and width (and weight), a spring is selected. This spring matrix allows you to limit the amount of different springs you need to cover all doors up to max wxh = 5 x 3m to 15 different spring sizes. That means you can stock these fixed springs, which makes you more flexible in the configuration and preparation of your garage door production.

Download these RES Spring Matrix sheets (for Kingspan, Epco, Thyssen panels) now from our download page chapter product data. More detailed information on our range, configuration and production of torsion springs (including an explanatory movie) can be found on the product system page: Torsion Springs

3D printerOn the R+T Stuttgart and in IDA EXPO, we demonstrated our 3D printer. Why? Just because not everyone was aware of the possibilities of this technology. And those who were aware of those, might have thought it was very expensive technology. Since we received a lot of “oohs” and “wows”, especially when we mentioned the price of this printer, and since we received request to supply them, we would like to inform you on where we bought it. You can buy one (maybe also in your own country) to have an easy and cheap

prototyping machine. The price for the Ultimaker 3D printer is Euro 1.194,- for the kit. Assembling and installation is no problem for any technician and the software is included. Outsourcing a rapid prototype will cost you easily 300 or 400 euro per piece, so the return on your investment is clear. buy it at: https://shop.ultimaker.com/

(NB! FlexiForce has no connection to this supplier and takes no responsibility! We are only recommending, free of obligation).

FlexiForce University

In our FlexiForce INFO magazine, we regularly go “in-deep” on more technical backgrounds and applications of our products and systems. We do this under the chapter FlexiForce UNIVERSITY. As a service to you, we have bundled all these articles into one booklet, which is now available online at www.flexiforce.com, in a read on screen version using “ISSUU” or for download. Click on enlarge for reading it on your screen or download (see icon). More details or support are of course always available from your sales team.

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FlexiForce torsion spring matrix for garage doors (wxh). PANEL: EPCO

W < 3.000 mm

2000 2250 2500 2750 3000Height (H)

Left VL45‐1‐390PP VL45‐1‐390PP VL50‐1‐530PP VL50‐1‐530PP VL55‐1‐690PP

Right VR45‐1‐390PP VR50‐1‐530PP VR50‐1‐530PP VR55‐1‐690PP VR55‐1‐690PP













W > 3.000 mm

3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 4750 5000Height (H)

Left VL55‐1‐690PP VL55‐1‐590PP VL55‐1‐590PP VL60‐1‐790PP VL60‐1‐790PP VL60‐1‐770PP VL65‐2‐790PP VL65‐2‐730P

Right VR55‐1‐590PP VR55‐1‐590PP VR60‐1‐790PP VR60‐1‐790PP VR60‐1‐770PP VR60‐1‐770PP VR65‐2‐730P VR65‐2‐730P








2250

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

2250

2375

2500

2750

3000

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

2375



Left VL55‐1‐670PP VL60‐1‐870PP VL60‐1‐830PP VL65‐2‐890PP VL65‐2‐890PP VL65‐2‐790PP VL65‐2‐790PP VL70‐2‐1010PP

Right VR60‐1‐870PP VR60‐1‐870PP VR60‐1‐830PP VR65‐2‐890PP VR65‐2‐790PP VR65‐2‐790PP VR70‐2‐1010PP VR70‐2‐1010PP



Springs needed for all doors: Conditions:1 VL45‐1‐390PP Calculations based on a panel weight, including hardware, of 11,0 kg/m22 VL50‐1‐530PP PP = Powdercoated Pre‐assembled (including fittings, stripe, grease and plastic bag)3 VL55‐1‐690PP For this residential application, the equal sized Galvanised (GP) or Black spring (NP) can be applied.4 VL55‐1‐590PP © FlexiForce. All rights reserved. 5 VL60‐1‐790PP6 VL60‐1‐770PP For precise calculations, we refer to our online door configurator CREATE at www.flexiforce.com7 VL65‐2‐730P8 VL50‐1‐630PP Explanation of spring codes:9 VL55‐1‐810PP VL = Left LHW, VR = Right RHW10 VL55‐1‐670PP 50 = wire diameter (5,0mm)11 VL60‐1‐870PP 1 = spring diameter (1 = 51mm, 2 = 67mm)12 VL65‐2‐890PP 610 = total spring length in mm13 VL65‐2‐790PP PP = Powder Coated, Pre‐assembled14 VL70‐2‐1010PP15 VL60‐1‐830PP

2500

2750

3000

VL50‐1‐610PP

17‐5‐2011

FlexiForce torsion spring matrix for garage doors (wxh). PANEL: KINGSPAN

W < 3.000 mm

2000 2250 2500 2750 3000Height (H)















W > 3.000 mm

3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 4750 5000Height (H)





Left VL55‐1‐670PP VL60‐1‐850PP VL60‐1‐850PP VL60‐1‐750PP VL65‐2‐810PP VL65‐2‐770PP VL65‐2‐770PP VL65‐2‐710PP2250

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

2250

2375

2500

2750

3000

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

FF Spring Matrix Garage Doors 2011 INNOVATIONS FOR OVERHEAD DOORS










Springs needed for all doors: Conditions:1 VL50‐1‐610PP Calculations based on a panel weight, including hardware, of 11,6kg/m22 VL50‐1‐510PP PP = Powdercoated Pre‐assembled (including fittings, stripe, grease and plastic bag)3 VL55‐1‐670PP For this residential application, the equal sized Galvanised (GP) or Black spring (NP) can be applied.4 VL60‐1‐850PP © FlexiForce. All rights reserved. 5 VL60‐1‐750PP6 VL65‐2‐770PP For precise calculations, we refer to our online door configurator CREATE at www.flexiforce.com7 VL65‐2‐710PP8 VL55‐1‐790PP Explanation of spring codes:9 VL60‐1‐990PP VL = Left LHW, VR = Right RHW10 VL65‐2‐810PP 50 = wire diameter (5,0mm)11 VL70‐2‐990PP 1 = spring diameter (1 = 51mm, 2 = 67mm)

610 = total spring length in mmPP = Powder Coated, Pre‐assembled

2375

2500

2750

3000

VL50‐1‐610PP

2250

FF Spring Matrix Garage Doors 2011 INNOVATIONS FOR OVERHEAD DOORS

FlexiForce torsion spring matrix for garage doors (wxh). PANEL: THYSSEN

W < 3.000 mm

2000 2250 2500 2750 3000Height (H)















W > 3.000 mm

3250 3500 3750 4000 4250 4500 4750 5000Height (H)










2375

2750

3000

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

2250

Door width (W)>

2000

2125

2250

2375

2500







Springs needed for all doors: Conditions:1 VL50‐1‐570PP Calculations based on a panel weight, including hardware, of 12,5 kg/m22 VL55‐1‐730PP PP = Powdercoated Pre‐assembled (including fittings, stripe, grease and plastic bag)3 VL55‐1‐610PP For this residential application, the equal sized Galvanised (GP) or Black spring (NP) can be applied.4 VL60‐1‐790PP © FlexiForce. All rights reserved. 5 VL60‐1‐690PP6 VL65‐2‐710PP For precise calculations, we refer to our online door configurator CREATE at www.flexiforce.com7 VL65‐2‐650PP8 VL50‐1‐550PP Explanation of spring codes:9 VL55‐1‐710PP VL = Left LHW, VR = Right RHW10 VL60‐1‐890PP 50 = wire diameter (5,0mm)11 VL65‐2‐890PP 1 = spring diameter (1 = 51mm, 2 = 67mm)12 VL65‐2‐790PP 610 = total spring length in mm13 VL65‐2‐750PP PP = Powder Coated, Pre‐assembled14 VL70‐2‐890PP15 VL60‐1‐850PP

2500

2750

3000

VL50‐1‐610PP

In the early nineties, FlexiForce decided to design a full new range of cable drums. We were convinced that we could improve on the existing, mostly US-type drums in several aspects. One important aspect was that the European legislation demanded for 2 Safety Windings (definition: Safety Winding = cable that will always stay “on the drum”, even when door is fully closed) on cable drums, with the main goal of decreasing the load applied on the cable connection. Thus making a door more safe in operation.

This had an impact on the market, because all worldwide suppliers had to invest in new, very expensive tooling for the die-casting drums, for only a limited market, being Europe.

Today the CE-norms indicate the use of two safety wraps, OR, one must ensure that the cable connection (cable thimble/stop) must be able to withstand 90% of the break force of the cable. In the latter configuration, proof is needed by practical testing to ensure the combination cable drum and cable connection. So, two safety windings are no longer mandatory. But, let us explain why we believe that it is today still the safest solution:

So, less load, less critical, thus more safe! But there is more to it than this. When applying drums with 1/2 safety wrap, the second rule of the CE-norms, the one about the 90% of the breaking strength of the cable, comes into play. This results in other issues that need to be solved. The cable stop needs to be of very high and controllable quality. The earlier aluminium versions are no longer possible, steel versions need to be pressed on with a strong and consistent press-machine. Two aluminium cable stops is not even a good solution in this! Another disadvantage is that the adjustable fixation of the lifting cable in the drum by means of using the available set-screw is not possible with 1/2 safety winding drums.

Why 2 Safety Windings?

1+1 > 2: The safest solution for cable drums on sectional doors.


magazine FlexiForce University

1/2 Safety Wrap (Winding)1/2 sw: As the pictures show clearly, the force applied on the cable (half the door weight) will result in a force applied on the cable connection in the drum, that is 50% of the initial value. So, a reduction of approx 50% by leaving half winding cable always on the drum.

1000 NForce on cable connection

-50%

2000 N (=200kg) weight(door hanging in cable)

“ We believe 2-SW today is still the safest solution.”

SECURITY SAFETY

2 Safety Wrap (Winding)2sw: The other picture shows that with two windings left on the drum, the force is reduced with 90%!

Conclusion is that the production of cable needs to be improved (read, gets more expensive) and the installation options are limited.

so, why does not every supplier offer drums with 2 safety wraps, like FlexiForce does? because:• these drums contain 2 extra rings of aluminium, making them a bit more

expensive, although often when you compare on lifting capacity (max door height), the extra price often disappears completely.

• most of the expensive die-casting tooling for drums, nowadays mostly in Asia, is made for the 1/2 winding drums, because those are sold on the biggest door market worldwide, the USA. Nobody wants to invest today in special drums for a smaller part of the market. Remember, tooling for cable drums is extremely expensive if you don’t have the volumes in sales yet.

Then last but not least: why does FlexiForce still provide drums with two safety windings? Because:• it is the safest solution in operation and installation.• we invested long time ago in a solid range of high quality cable drums and

since then we continuously updated and upgraded those products.• we think it will make the life of the door producer and installer more easy,

because cable connection and installation is less critical. Take into account that today not everybody is an installation expert anymore. Door installation needs to be safe and simple.

The fact that the biggest door companies in Europe also commit to the drums with 2 safety windings, confirms to us that we follow the right strategy. Better safe than sorry!

Are we blind for other opinions? No, we also provide a full range of drums for residential (less critical) and industrial overhead doors with 1/2 wrap. so, after reading our arguments, you are still free to choose of course!

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FlexiForce University

200 NForce on cable connection

-90%

2000 N (=200kg) weight(door hanging in cable)

meet our family of 2sw-cable drums:

(left to right) FFNL12, FFNL18, FFVL11, FFVL18(-125), FFHL164(-125), FFHL120, FFHL54, FFNL32(-125)

RIBBED

FLAT

ASYMMETRICAL

GROOVE

www.marcegaglia.com

Steel building the worldMarcegaglia’s experience as a leader in the production of insulated building panels has lead to its line of industrial and residential sectional door panels.

Produced on dedicated manufacturing lines, the Marcegaglia product range is constantly expanding and is already the choice of several European industrial and residential sectional door specialized companies.

Made from galvanized and pre-painted guaranteed quality steel, panels are also avialable with plastic surface coatings for a wide range of architectural fi nishes.

MICROW

AVED

(advertisement)

RSC, a new hardware system for residential doors, replacing RS200, RS70 and RESX. In the second half of this year we will introduce a complete new hardware set for garage doors up to 5x3m (wxh). We believe this system will make it easier for you to install, stock and configure sets or even buy them completely ready to add to the panel package.

Features:• one pre-assembled track set for torsion springs in front (TOF) and torsion

springs in rear (TOR).• headroom “built-in” with springs in front 160mm or 190mm• headroom springs in rear 75mm (manual)• new, very efficient spring break device: 656S-series• new, aluminium upper curve with burglar resistant feature• closed C vertical track, again burglar resistant• new, easier click system (hook-up) for easy installation• easier wall fixation with bigger holes and straight drilling into the wall• connected lintel system, with 1085RB thermal break seal• stainless steel floor bracket integrated in vertical track• tandem rollers (optional) with integrated 582CEN protection• choice for components, pre-assembled track-sets with components,

or even complete hardware sets in flat-bed packaging.

and in later phase:• torsion spring tensioning through drill bit• optional “SuperLight” hardware (w=40mm)

The components for this system will come into our stock starting from August. We will be ready to offer the complete system somewhere in Q4. Follow our news updates on Facebook or on www.flexiforce.com

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Preview: RSC

Preview: RSC!

RIBBED

FLAT

ASYMMETRICAL

GROOVE

www.marcegaglia.com

Steel building the worldMarcegaglia’s experience as a leader in the production of insulated building panels has lead to its line of industrial and residential sectional door panels.

Produced on dedicated manufacturing lines, the Marcegaglia product range is constantly expanding and is already the choice of several European industrial and residential sectional door specialized companies.

Made from galvanized and pre-painted guaranteed quality steel, panels are also avialable with plastic surface coatings for a wide range of architectural fi nishes.

MICROW

AVED

(advertisement)

CONVENIENCE SECURITY SAFETY

Opening news“ We all should avoid selling manual doors.”


magazine Opening news

CONVENIENCE

DESIGN

Today FlexiForce is ready to, potentially be your best total supplier for everything needed to build a door and everything needed to operate a door. Except panels of course. And except for the manpower to open/close a manual door, but we all should avoid selling manual door as much as possible since there is far more business in automated doors! I personally don’t like manual doors!

Being a total supplier for you as our customer raises the bar for us. We need to be the best in the fields of:• training and education• logistics• full and complete portfolio• market communication• pricing

Elsewhere in this magazine Katja von Raven, managing director of Chamberlain, the world’s largest supplier of professionally installed garage door openers talks about the major benefits of buying from FlexiForce. On top of that, I want to share some good “electrical” developments with you:

why? do we believe “total supply” is important?Our mission is to be the best supplier to the small and medium sized door producer all over the world. We are convinced that in that target group a company is better off by keeping his supply chain as simple as possible. So, one brand, one supplier, one price list, one invoice, one truck, one contact, is the best solution for focusing on the most important part of your business: Selling and installing doors. We can prove you that the combination of hardware and operators offers you the best result in total costs AND in unit price.

how? do we make it happen?Keeping the market drivers (convenience, sustainability, security, design) in mind is what you’ll see in all products presented on these pages and in our catalogue. You must be able to integrate our products into your doors to really respond to the drives of your customers. A product is not entered into our catalogue just because we can sell. No, it must bring you and your customer a benefit, integrating it in a total system, and enhancing your business.

what? are we actually talking about?Driven by the market need for safety/security, convenience, sustainability and design, we introduce to you some catching examples of our strategy:

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Opening news

bespoke led-bar service

Just like hardware sets for residential or industrial doors you can now also order your LED Bar in any way you like, configured-to-order. Choose between the number of LED’s, the length of the profile, colour of the light, colour of the profile and even on what side you want the cable entry for easy connection to a power outlet.

Offering you the LED-bar that exactly fits the project, without giving you the hassle of organizing or adjusting it. Making it really personal. Your customer will love it and so will you! Download the order form from our website or ask your sales team. Lead time is (depending on where you are located) two weeks, ex works. Try it!

Universal controllers for industrial operators

The heart and soul of industrial operators are really not the gear motors (heads) but the control panels (boxes). Many situations may call for availability of “controllers-only”: • repair of defective operators (without wanting to throw away

a perfectly well motor unit)• upgrade from hold-to-run to a more complete automated

operator• making existing operators compatible with newly installed

ones

Therefore we strongly recommend you to always carry inventory of some controllers, either in your factory or production area or in the service truck (of your customer).

CONVENIENCE

DESIGN

UST1KL F60AC-Control F90-140AC-BOX

security: Universal keypads, card readersTwo universal digital keypads with backlight are now part of the program. One for 12V and the other for 24V power supply. Both come with one magnetic card. Extra cards available from your FlexiForce warehouse in sets of 5. Cards can be programmed by a number or just at random. For larger buildings or sites with many users we recommend you to number them so you can also block users case of loss, theft or... failure to pay the rent.Several operation modes are possible: enhanced safety is guaranteed when both the card and the code are required for opening a door, gate, barrier or other entry. But also a choice between card and code is possible.Nice design at a very attractive price! Place your trial order from your FlexiForce subsidiary.

9700v24 24V > GDO’s etc. euro 69,00 p.piece(1)9700v12 12V > Gates, force60AC etc. euro 69,00 p.piece(1)9700card 5 extra cards euro 23,00 p.set(5) Promotion!

the residential promotion:Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/flexiforce) and get an additional discount on the LM50K garage door opener. For all FlexiForce Facebook “Likers” we offer a full pallet at net: € 1875,- (a net price of € 75,- per operator, ex works FF). If you did already “Like us” on Facebook, just mention that when placing the order and you automatically qualify for this extraordinary offer! (This offer is valid during the EC2012 only.)

the industrial promotion:Place an order for 5 units of NICE/Mtec industrial drives and receive the official European Cup Football for free. Regardless the performance of your country’s team you can still benefit and be part of the Eurocup!

safety: sg-series light curtainsThe most safe way to protect a door opening is with a light curtain. We carry two lengths for a door height of 2000 mm and 2500 mm (the maximum prescribed by the norms). If a low threshold pass door is integrated in the door, the very best way to protect it is by using a set of light curtains. Not the cheapest but the best way.

All other protector systems today do not comply to the current CE norms. Therefore we strongly recommend you to consider taking our SG14 into your standard offerings. Although we all hope they’ll never be activated, I am convinced your customer will be grateful if an incident occurs! Our light curtains are universal and do now have a change over contact making them suitable for both NC and NO situations.

“ ...block users wich failed to pay the rent.”


magazine Opening news

SECURITY SAFETY SECURITY SAFETY

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Future power for motionBy Frank Goedhart interviewing Katja von Raven


magazine Future power for motion

Katja, could you please introduce yourself and say a little bit about your background?Certainly. I have been with Liftmaster now for a little over a year. Before joining Chamberlain, I was responsible for a business supplying Facility Managers in Healthcare, Hospitality and Office Buildings across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I have always travelled extensively and also lived in Asia and in the US for many years and, of course, in Europe. My previous professional experience has been with both consumer durables and industrial goods across a spectrum of industries including power tools, home interior, chemicals and facility equipment. I find the automation industry particularly interesting because it is an industry “on the move” at this particular moment. I look forward to the challenges ahead.

is chamberlain/liftmaster the world market leader in gdo’s? in your opinion, how was this position achieved?Yes, we are the largest producer of garage door openers in the world. This position is mainly supported by our dominant market share in North America. Although I have not been part of the journey, I closely work with our US team, of which many have been with the company for a long time. They tell me that there is really no magic but a lot of hard work and effort that went into our leadership position: ensuring a world-class, top quality product while providing great service to our customers and being a real, long-term partner to them. Of course, this experience has helped us accomplish very efficient manufacturing over the past four decades and it is clear that our customers and customer’s customers value the reliable, quality product we make. In Europe and Asia, however, we have some catching up to do.

the home market of chamberlain, the Usa, is known for highly competitive pricing and preference for “big & noisy”. different from the european market in your perspective?

ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO, FLEXIFORCE INTRODUCED ELECTRICAL OPERATORS (DRIVES, OPENERS) INTO ITS PRODUCT

PORTFOLIO. WE FIRMLY BELIEVED (AND STILL BELIEVE) IN BRINGING MAJOR ADVANTAGES TO OUR CUSTOMERS IN

EUROPE BY OFFERING A ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR OPERATORS AND HARDWARE. TO BE SURE THAT WE COULD OFFER

RELIABLE, PROVEN PRODUCTS, WE PARTNERED UP WITH THE WORLD’S NUMBER ONE IN GARAGE DOOR OPENERS,

THE CHAMBERLAIN COMPANY, MAKER OF LIFTMASTER OPERATORS. TODAY, LIFTMASTER STILL IS OUR RELIABLE

PARTNER FOR OUR FULL RANGE OF GARAGE DOOR OPENERS AND ACCESSORIES. I TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT

DOWN WITH KATJA VON RAVEN, THE PRESIDENT OF CHAMBERLAIN IN EUROPE AND ASIA, TO HEAR FROM HER ABOUT

THE COMPANY, ITS VIEW ON THE MARKET AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE FUTURE OF AUTOMATION, IN WHICH THE

GARAGE DOOR OPENER WILL BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF TOTAL HOME AUTOMATION.

Of course, the US market is very competitive. It is a very large and homogenous market with big spending power and everyone wants a piece of that. I do see Europe becoming more and more the same as the single market becomes more and more unified and transparent.Most definitely, there is a big difference in product design preferences between the US and – not just – Europe, but really the rest of the world. In the US, consumers equate “seeing and hearing things work” with reliability and quality. In Europe, we prefer it smaller, sleeker and quieter. However, US design also has some benefits that all users really value:

it is usually very pragmatic and emphasizes ease of use. For example, we find that our installers all over the world love the simplicity of how our operator pairs with our transmitter. I believe it is a case of marrying the best design with the best technology, responding to local user preferences. In our new line of European operators, for example, you will find that we have kept the easy-install features but adapted the design to a much more elegant, small footprint. We have done extensive market research with installers and consumers in Europe to verify that our product features and design match their preferences.

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Future power for motion

“ ...we kept the easy-install features but adapted to a much more elegant design.”

Innovation and Design Centre in Elmhurst, IL, USA

you are relatively new in the company. last year new ceo, jim roberts joined chamberlain. is there a fresh wind blowing in the company? I do believe this company is undergoing a major transition. On one hand, the market is moving fast into more “integrated” product solutions with other products in consumers’ homes and garages. On the other hand, there is consolidation in the global door market going on. As a market leader, we certainly want to be ahead of the trend. Hence, we are putting a lot more emphasis on the development of breakthrough, integrated new products and solutions oriented in consumers’ wants and needs. It is amazing what you learn listening to consumers and installers.

what is the goal that you and new management have set for the future? Our goal is, in addition to making a great, reliable product and providing excellent service to our customers, to become an innovation leader globally. This means different things to different local markets. We are just now building an organization in Europe which can respond specifically to different European needs and deliver that promise locally. Our customers will benefit from products and solutions more tailored to their market place and from talking to a Liftmaster team that understands their local needs and provides them the appropriate service. This does not mean that we will suddenly want to sell to everybody. Quite on the contrary, we see our role as providing the best product suited to those needs and team up with long-term partners that have the right distribution in the market and the right know-how to market an innovative brand.

i have visited the new innovation and design centre of chamberlain in elmhurst (il, Usa). can you explain what is happening there?The people in that building are much, much smarter than I am, but I will do my best to explain what they are up to. We opened this facility in 2011 as a collaborative space where market researchers, marketers, engineers and designers and many more functions from all parts of the world collaborate on developing new technologies, products, solutions and services to really push the innovation frontier. For example, we have an Advanced Design group made up of many nationalities and backgrounds located there.

This group, on one hand, is researching new technology trends and thinking about how these could benefit our products and solutions. LED lighting technology, geofencing and voice control are only some topics on their list of investigation. On the other hand, they study the environment and applications in which our product is used to come up with better ways of solving installers’ and consumers’ issues, centred in the person, not the product. We have experts on machine-human-interfaces in the team who look at these issues through a totally different lens. I believe this approach is unique in our industry and will enable us to stay ahead of the curve.

the world of automation is changing rapidly. soon we will all be controlling our total home automation possibly through our smart phones. how do you look at that development? I do believe that technology will enable us to better control the world around us. However, we still have a lot of ground to cover to accomplish optimal interaction between technology and humans regarding home automation. A lot is already possible technology-wise, but the question is whether these solutions are also perceived by the consumer as something that makes life easier or safer. Our research shows that simple controls, like opening and closing a door via a smart phone, are still much preferred by consumers over more complicated home automation solutions that need a lot of pre-programming. One other aspect which home automation must deliver and which makes overly complicated solutions counter-productive is energy-saving technology. Low energy consumption is a must-have on all consumers’ minds.

what role can a supplier of gdo’s play in the total picture of home automation? how to integrate these products with f.e. locks, hvac-equipments, burglar-alarm systems etc? what will be the standard protocol for example?


magazine Future power for motion

“ It is amazing what you learn when listening to installers and consumers.”

innovation and advanced technology to that promise for the future.

what has the relationship with FlexiForce brought you and how do you see this in the future expanding?FlexiForce is a key partner for us across Europe and fits into the bull’s eye of our strategy to partner with a distribution partner that has reach and knows how to build a brand. FlexiForce has done this over the past five years very effectively, establishing a “new” position as a partner for hardware AND automation and thus providing a very compelling value proposition to its customers. I believe that, together, we can expand this successful position with existing Flexiforce customers by offering them an even better automation solution, but also into new segments, such as the industrial segment, and new markets.

The jury on who will be the best integrator and what integration technology will win is definitely still out. The garage, however, is a great place to start. For many consumers, the garage is actually the last point of contact when leaving home or the first point of contact when coming home. This opens a lot of options for controlling devices in the home before entering or when entering, such as lights, heating, alarm systems and the like. It is also the point at which the consumer is most concerned about safety. Is everything locked and secured? Are the lights off? From a technical perspective, the ability to control different devices via radio frequency is also very attractive: it has long range, is secure, cost-effective and easily integrates with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

last year you introduced the myQ system in the Us market. can you explain what that is?Although it has a lot of complex state-of-the art radio and Internet technology baked in, it is really very simple: MyQ connects the garage door opener via your regular home router to the Internet and via an App to any smart phone or tablet PC (Android, Apple or Blackberry). This makes the status of the garage door (open or close) visible to the user from anywhere in the world and enables them to open or close remotely, wherever you are. Apart from overcoming the “terrible-doubt-moment” (Did I close the garage door?) it also helps getting parcels delivered and monitoring the security of your home. Additionally, MyQ provides the technical capability to extend to other devices, e.g. lights. We will introduce the garage door connectivity in mid-2013 to the market.

your ceo stated that from now on “design does matter” in chamberlain. how and when can we see results of that in the near future?Design does matter at Liftmaster because installers and consumers have told us that it does. Like I said before, we are intent on doing a much better job listening to them. You will see completely new

designs not only in the operator but also in the transmitters in our new line of product launching in 2013. The transmitter actually matters even more, as this is the point of daily interaction with our product and it is something the consumer carries around and “shows off” on the key chain or in the car. We have drawn inspiration from remote controls, mp3 players and car keys but, most importantly, we have let our consumers pick the design they most prefer.But design is not just “looks”, it is also smart use of technology. Better design for us also means that our new operators save energy, with less than 1W of standby power, responding to a great concern that European homeowners have.

europe and northern america are mature door markets. how do you see emerging markets like china, india, brazil, russia etc? how are you going to approach these markets?Emerging markets are very attractive markets for us, although automation has a much lower adoption rate there due to low labour cost. We are already very active in the Gulf countries and China, where we are expanding our business and customer base every day. These markets, however, require different solutions than Europe or North America.

is there a threat that in the near future, all current gdo-brands will be beaten by cheap chinese import units?I disagree. There is a place for no-bells-and-whistles, economic operators, whether they are produced in China or other low cost countries. And there is also a place for brands that provide more innovation, more features and more service. A brand is, above all, a promise of something that it consistently delivers. Liftmaster already consistently delivers quality and reliability. It also provides safety to the installer that the operator is properly tested, certified and complies with all norms. This ensures what I would call a worry-free, never-return installation and means better business and reputation for the installer. We are currently working to add more

how it worKs

Internet-EnabledMobile Phone orComputer

Garage DoorOpener orGate Operator

LiftMaster InternetGateway™

Open/CloseGarage Doorsand Gates

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Future power for motion

“ LED lighting technology, geofencing and voice control are only some topics of investigation.”

“ A brand is, above all, a promise of something that it consistently delivers.”

DESIGN

SECURITY SAFETY

CONVENIENCE

Major savings in safety components


magazine Major savings in safety components

Safety components, like cable break devices and spring break devices, are really core products for FlexiForce. For two reasons:

1. Most important: They prevent a heavy door blade from falling down, so they provide critical user safety.2. Since we as FlexiForce were the “original innovators” of these products, we thrive to offer you always the most advanced and cost efficient versions of both devices.

With our recent introduction of the new line of 440 cable break devices, offering more features against a significantly lower price, we took the lead again in this product group.

440-600€ 42,27

440REGL€ 48,41

440 LOCK440 CAP 440 SWITCH

440€ 32,50

440 S€ 35,00

-23%

-28%

DESIGN SECURITY SAFETY

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S-Series

Now we step into another phase by introducing 656S. The S-version is a very clever and simple spring break device for residential doors. Tested and (CE-ITTR) approved up to 125kg per spring! Although the design of the system is simple, it is clever enough to be filed for a patent pending request. In the second half of 2012 available, in the following versions. Saving you massively in product price! Final pricing to be determined after summer holidays.

656sl/rHeadroom 190mm, h-to-h-67mm, key-wayed tube shaft, left/right

656stl/rHeadroom 190mm, h-to-h=67mm, tube shaft, left/right

656sctl/rHeadroom 160mm, h-to-h=54mm, tube shaft, left/right

new features:• All versions are now equipped with a “hook-on” hole for easy

installation to the new wall consoles (563S(C)L/R) and rear-consoles 340SL/R.

• The spring fitting is no longer fixed to the device, but “clamped” into it, saving material and installation time;

• The pall-wheel (ratchet wheel) fixation is, for the Tube-version, still done by pre-drilling a hole in the shaft (tube version, CE-legislation!), but now there is a drill-set-screw in place for easy fixation;

The S-version will replace the current line of product within the coming half year, depending on stock availability and on your “transition timing”.

656SCTL/R 656STL/R 656SL/R

PATENTPENDING!

S-SeriesSECURITY SAFETY

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With RVV and RVL types, EPCO off ers you two verti cally ribbed panels. Their design is approaching the one of double doors and allows you to imagine new soluti ons to diff er from your competi ti on.

RVL and RVV panels are available in colors 9016P and golden oak. Have a look at their data sheet on

www.epco.be

As all our fi ngersafe panels, RVV and RVL are B-class certi fi ed according to EN 13823.

Make the diff erence with !

VErtical linEs

RVL

RVV

With RVV and RVL types, EPCO off ers you two verti cally ribbed panels. Their design is approaching the one of double doors and allows you to imagine new soluti ons to diff er from your competi ti on.

RVL and RVV panels are available in colors 9016P and golden oak. Have a look at their data sheet on

www.epco.be

As all our fi ngersafe panels, RVV and RVL are B-class certi fi ed according to EN 13823.

Make the diff erence with !

VErtical linEs

RVL

RVV

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Sustainability: As the energy efficiency demands on buildings are growing, the need for better thermal values of overhead doors in general, but garage doors specifically, is increasing. Higher insulation and with that, higher energy efficiency, comes now available with the introduction of 60mm thick, finger-safe door panels by Epco and specially designed hardware by FlexiForce. The “package” that you could now offer to the home-owner is:

by epco:• 60mm thick, finger-safe panel

by FlexiForce:• 60mm end caps• 1035QSE60 bottom seal, entered directly into the panel shape• 1085RB-.... thermal-break side seal and top-seal (top seal on lintel)• 1036D top seal with double flap (top seal on door panel)

Distinguish yourself, away from commodity!

60mm• 2460N window• Aluminium Full Vision profiles, 60mm thickness, with THERMAL BREAK!• RS200H10-60, RS90H10-60etc, RSV10-60etc pre-assembled track sets• 421HZ60 intermediate hinge for 60mm panels• 421RZ60 side-hinge for 60mm panels

This is THE ideal, sustainable, offer to your customer, escaping from being compared to all other available doors in the market.

1036D

60PM500(W)

60mm

1038-60-... 421CZ10R

421RZ10R1085RB6090

1035QE60

(advertisement)Sustainability: 60mm

SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITY


magazine Buying today

let’s start with something that often annoys our customers: why do we need 4 price lists per year?I know that in the past, FlexiForce had only one price list, valid for the whole year and sometimes even two years. Those were the days! Steel prices were extremely stable, long term raw material contracts were available, currency exchange rates were less important and we were buying our products always in the same place, in Europe or in Taiwan. This all is today no longer valid or even possible, due to rapidly changing trends in all the mentioned areas.

Buying todayGERT-JAN VAN HOLLAND IS GROUP PURCHASING MANAGER AT FLEXIFORCE. THAT

MEANS HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR A MAJOR PART OF THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF

FLEXIFORCE, BECAUSE, BEING THE WHOLESALE COMPANY THAT FLEXIFORCE IS,

ALMOST EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON THE COSTS SPENT AT THE SOURCE: BUYING

RAW MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS. TODAY WE ASK GERT-JAN HIS VIEW ON “BUYING

TODAY”. WHAT HAS CHANGED, WHAT ARE TRENDS WORLDWIDE AND WHAT DOES

HE RUN INTO EVERYDAY.

For example, the steel pricing?Exactly. Steel pricing has become a worldwide game with many players and external factors that influence pricing. That means that based on demand and production capacity, the steel prices will be determined. But due to the economic crisis and to increased importance of Asia (as buyer and as producers of steel) it is no longer a fixed procedure where and when to buy steel most effectively. Today steel pricing in China is more expensive compared to USA pricing or European pricing. But tomorrow, that could be totally different. Also aluminium

“ Steel pricing has become a worldwide game with many players...”

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Buying today

has become a speculation commodity. That means that financial people are buying and selling aluminium only for money reasons. This is causing major and unexpected price-jumps over and over again. FlexiForce is working with quarterly contracts, in which we estimate our need of steel for that quarter and fix a price, always getting quotes from minimal 5 possible suppliers (worldwide). Almost each quarter, a different supplier has favourable pricing. Our strategy is buffering out high and low peaks in the spot pricing of steel.

spot pricing?That is in fact the price that you could buy steel for today, supposing that you have no current stock of steel, no steel in “ready products in stock” and no contract obligations with steel suppliers. The steel price that we use in FlexiForce is a “mix-price”, an average where spot price, pending contracts pricing, steel-in-stock price and ready products in stock pricing is calculated. Big advantage for our customers is that this method has a stabilizing effect on our cost price and with that on our list price. It means that we always have a delay in passing on price increases and decreases compared to the steel index curves that you can find on websites.

but why new price lists?That is more a question to sales of course, but what is clear is that today the increases and decreases in steel are way bigger than in the past. And again, the volatility of raw material pricing is high today. For example, for spring wire it is hard to get any pricing based on quarterly forecasts. That is almost daily pricing. This means that when the steel price increases, for example, with 10% in a quarter, FlexiForce, as a trading company that has a fixed mark-up on cost price, needs to pass this increase on to her customers. If we don’t do that, we could be out of business in two or three quarters. Of course, we do it consistently, already for 32 years, so customers recognize that price increases, but certainly also decreases are always openly communicated and implemented. We, in FlexiForce, know that we need to keep the costs of our customers as low as possible, to allow them to sell more doors. So there is no room for piling up margins in our model.

what is the best worldwide region to buy products today?Five years ago, this would have been an easy question: Low Labour Countries! Everybody, FlexiForce including, was shifting production or sourcing rapidly to China and Eastern Europe. Today, that picture is changing. China is becoming more expensive every month. Due to increased salaries, raw material pricing in China, taxes, exchange rate between the RMB and Euro and transport rates

(containers), for many products, depending on the level of manual work in a product, Eastern Europe and even the Netherlands are back into play with sometimes better overall pricing. Add to that the better control on quality, lead times and flexibility and you will not be amazed that on our new RSC-residential hardware system, over 80% of the parts are sourced or produced in the EU again. China is no longer “the promised land”.

where do you see opportunities?I think that in the door business, there is still a lot to gain on the right design of the product and on the material specification. Value added engineering, taking into account the total process of production of a product, can generate major savings, for example in eliminating waste in production. But also materials. Sometimes material is used that is “too good” for the application, and you can save costs by using a slightly lower spec steel. In other cases, you can use higher advanced materials, which make a product with the same application range cheaper. A good example of that is the 1 1/4” tube shaft 699GB that we introduce in this magazine. Using High Tension Steel, already common in the automotive industry, leads to reduced weight, reduced material, same application range and .... a lower cost price. Win-win for everybody I would say.

any advice to other buyers?Well nothing new, but what I apply in my daily business is to look at more than just the product price. As a buyer, you get the supplier that you deserve, often. That means that I am always surprised on the positive effect of working openly with a supplier on improvements. Gains in co-creation, more effective quality control, packaging, logistics and inventory, count for much more savings compared to a few percentages advantage in product price. A bad supplier, or many different suppliers, might costs you more in time and money than one consistent, reliable supplier that offers you good products in time and according to what was promised. Even for a higher piece-price. Oh, now I am selling FlexiForce again :-)

“ China is no longer the promised land for all products.”

“ Often you get the supplier you deserve...”


magazine SideStep, DoubleStep

SideStep We have understood that the name SideStep in the UK stands for something different that we had in mind when creating this Side Entrance Door. Still both SideStep and DoubleStep products are in stock now in FlexiForce and we are already supplying high quantities to our customers today. Apparently, we tapped into an existing demand! In these pages, you find the configuration rules and an exploded view of both systems. Your sales team in FlexiForce can help you in explaining more details or support you in your orders. Manuals and example BOM’s are available on our website. Side Entrance Door

1033K(T) (1x)

1033LD(T) (1x)

1033AL(T) (4x)

1033KF(H) (1x)

1033LDF(H) (1x)

1033LD(B) (1x)

1041TB(B) (1x)

40mm PANELS

1033LB(B) (1x)

1033LD(L) (1x)

1033K(L) (1x)

magazine

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SideStep, DoubleStep

DoubleStepDouble swing door

DESIGN

1033LC

1033LD

1033K

Now in stock: 2635, a very easy bracket system to connect the operator draw-bar to the connection (distance) profile (50SU... with bolts/nut or 215V... by adding 3022S click bracket) of the horizontal tracks. Thus preventing the need to connect and fix to ceiling or building construction. Fits on most types of draw-bars of any brand of garage door opener. Including fixation materials. Easy installation!

2635 Euro 2,28 p.piece(1)


magazine New products

1 1/4”

New Products1-1/4” Tube shaft 699GBOver the last couple of years, we have seen a growing demand in parts for bigger doors. For example a growing volume of 1-1/4” solid shafts. Once this got our attention, we decided to develop a very cost effective alternative for our current 699Z, solid galvanized 1-1/4” shafts. We introduce 699GB!A galvanized tube shaft with continuous key-way, made from 4mm thick High Tension Steel. The application range of this shaft is equal to the existing 699Z. But important for you is the lower price. -40%!

Needless to say we think this shaft will completely replace the solid version. If it is not because of price, it is because of the light handling weight. Introduction in Q3.

699gb3000 L=3.000mm Euro 69,78 p.piece(1)699gb6000 L=6.000mm Euro 93,10 p.piece(1)

2635 Connect any draw-bar to the trackCONVENIENCE

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New products

422S Light bottom bracketWhen we introduced “light” hardware, such as hinges with a width of 60mm, we left the bottom bracket 422 untouched. Now, we have rationalized the design in line with the hinges, which leads to a better look and lower price. Available now!

422s 2,14 euro/p.pair(2)

Heavy Duty track suspension:3021HL, 3021HFor our well-known and high-volume suspension brackets for residential doors, 3021 and 3021L, we now have a “Heavy-Duty” alternative in the range. 3021H (183mm) and 3021HL (380mm) feature a wider base, thicker material and stronger performance. For those double, wide doors that carry heavy (wooden) panels. Or apply when you want just a more heavy duty image on all your doors. The choice is yours. Reinforce with the 3021S strip to create the most rigid suspension ever! Available now.

3021h L=183mm Euro 0,85 p.piece(1)3021hl L=380mm Euro 1,49 p.piece(1)

3021HL

3021H

1085RB Thermal break side and top sealThis seal combines two functions: Thermal break between wall and steel vertical angle by applying a long plastic mounting flap. And to be used as lintel and side frame by installing it with vertical angle (915VB, RSV, RXV) and horizontal lintel (915VR) partly in the days opening. This allows more flexibility in door installation widths and heights. Black PVC and TPR co-extrusion. Now in stock in various lengths. More information and prices in our online catalogue and price lists.

SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITY

DESIGN


magazine New products

422CXZ Light universal side-hingeWith the introduction of this light, more residential look, side-hinge, we offer a replacement of the existing hinges for Epco, Kingspan and Thyssen panels into one hinge. So 422CXZ is a perfect and price efficient alternative for 423CZ10R (Kingspan), 425CZ (Thyssen) and 421CZ10R (Epco). Switch to this new hinge! Let us know your annual forecast to be ready to have your quantities in stock.

422cXZ Euro 1,43 p.piece(1)

Everybody in the door business knows about the challenge of getting the pre-assembled door blades (sections) damage-free to the site of installation. These brackets supports a vertical fixation of the sections to create a solid package in which you can also find room possibly to place the hardware box and door opener.

We introduce these two easy brackets for door section transport. You need 4 brackets per door. Fix them to the sides of the panel and re-use many times if you like.

wt470 470x40mm Euro 3,49wt600 600x40mm Euro 4,20

Panel and door transport brackets: WT470, WT600

CONVENIENCE

DESIGN

ColophonFlexiForce INFO is a news letter of the FlexiForce Group BV, issued 2 times a year to FlexiForce customers and relations.P.O. Box 37, 3770AA Barneveld, The NetherlandsT: +31-(0)342-427777, F: +31-(0)342-427723www.flexiforce.com

Frank Goedhart [email protected] Jeroen de Graaf [email protected]

lay-outwww.brayn.nl

advertisingJeroen de Graaf [email protected]

For address corrections please send an email to [email protected]

For general questions, remarks or information, please contact one of our subsidiaries. See www.flexiforce.com/company.

© 2012 FlexiForce Group B.V.

DisclaimerAll rights are reserved. Any information in this news letter is subject to change without further notice. The information contained in this news letter is provided as is and has been prepared solely for the purpose of providing information about FlexiForce Group B.V. and its products & services. This news letter has been compiled in good faith by FlexiForce Group B.V. However, no representation is made or warranty given, either express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of the information it contains. Information should always be verified before acting upon it. It must not be relied upon in connection with any investment decision. FlexiForce Group B.V. shall not be liable for any direct, incidental, consequential, indirect or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content of this news letter. All intellectual and other property rights in the information contained in this FlexiForce INFO are held by FlexiForce Group B.V. No rights of any kind are licensed or assigned or shall otherwise pass to persons accessing this information.

© 2012 FlexiForce Group B.V., Barneveld, the Netherlands.

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New products

2100S Door stopperThis is a new, clever piece of plastic, fitted in the horizontal track, which not only acts as a door stopper, but also allows to “capture” a manual door at a position where the door is almost 100% out of the door opening. Normally, a manual door slightly falls back in open position, but 2100S clamps the top roller in position. The set contains the left and right door stopper and 4 drill screws for fixation in the track.

2100s Euro 2,28 p.set

Alternative in two pieces: Low thresholdOur 1041L low threshold for SafeStep pass doors is well received and liked in the market today. Still, some customers, especially those that do not have milling equipment in their operation available, like to cut straight aluminium profiles when creating a pass door. For those customers, now we introduce the threshold in two pieces. 1041U3050 is the U-profile to contain the panel (40mm). Also available as 1041U42-3050 for 42mm thick panels. And the threshold itself, 1041LTB3050 or 1041LTB5050, now a flat profile, to be riveted on the U-profile. The advantage is, again, that you are more flexible to easily create the door opening and the door corners without the need to mill the aluminium.

1041U3050 U-profile, 40mm L=3050mm Euro 15,151041U42-3050 U-profile, 42mm L=3050mm Euro 15,311041ltb3050 Threshold L=3050mm Euro 38,361041ltb5050 Threshold L=5050mm Euro 63,58

1041L

1041U...

CONVENIENCE

DESIGN

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INNOVATION THROUGH TRADITION IN DOOR PANELS PRODUCTION

METECNO ITALIA S.R.L.Via Nazario Sauro, 80 - 33090 Travesio (PN)Phone +39 0427 591311 - Fax +39 0427 90168

[email protected]

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1+1 > double safety

One and one is more than two. That is really the case when we talk about cable drums with two

safety wraps. Having always two windings of lifting cable on the cable drum, reduces the applied

force on the cable connection with -90%! This is really the safest solution for door installation.

There is only one reason not to apply two safety winding drums: Saving costs. Since FlexiForce has

developed a full range of safe drums a long time ago and since we think that saving little cost over

safety is not a smart thing to do, we can only advise you one thing: Equip your doors with the safest

cable drums. Meet our family of 2SW-drums. Our sales team is happy to introduce you to our range.

i: www.flexiforce.com

e: [email protected]

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SECURITY SAFETY

Documents

FF Info 65-GB