Taking Stock
Clearview Hardware ReportCarl F Groupco, the new hardware supply operation that has united two of the industry's longest established distributors, is an amalgamation that sets the company on a path for growth. The recently launched organisation provides customers with an enhanced fittings portfolio. In this report for Clearview, longstanding popular lines are highlighted along with latest product initiatives. An insight is given into the rationale behind the popularity of established hardware and the predicted markets for new introductions.
Fuhr favourites:
Carl F Groupco combined two hardware distribution organisations which both have a partnership legacy with Fuhr that dates back over 20 years. With a strong reputation for practical, quality locking solutions that pre-empt industry requirements, Fuhr products continue to feature heavily in the new organisation's portfolio.
With a pedigree of high design standards for its product offers, Carl F Groupco reports that Fuhr ranges stand the test of time and the brand will remain significant for the new organisation. As a result, all established lines will continue to be offered, along with latest product developments.
Longstanding Fuhr favourites include the 856 type 3 lever operated multi point lock - this one piece product features two hooks, two rollers, latch and deadbolt with a 16mm face plate. Recent variants incorporate serrations at either end of the faceplate providing the opportunity to add shootbolt or hook extensions to increase security.
Another established Fuhr line is the 881 electro mechanical multi point locking system. The electronic door lock addresses the difficulties that can be experienced by the elderly or infirm when using conventional lever handles and turning a key. This also satisfies the demand from the high end of the market for a more sophisticated, secure door lock. The lock can be operated by a choice of access options, including remote control, finger print or iris recognition.
New Fuhr products added to Carl F Groupco's portfolio include 'Multisafe Compact' door bolts which have been introduced in two versions designed to fit in the same routing detail as leading competitors. Featuring rollers located outside the hooks on the faceplate, the bolts provide excellent compression at the corners. Serrations on the new bolts allow extensions to be fitted, providing additional security opportunities.
A third new Fuhr door bolt meets demand for convenience, speed and economy. The faceplate on the Multisafe Trade' door bolt is only 1780mm long so can be used full length without the need for cropping, even on short doors. A four roller design ensures that the product will also appeal to manufacturers seeking a reliable budget lock.
Trojan technical innovations
Also listed on Carl F Groupco's portfolio are Trojan products. With an established reputation of technically innovative design solutions, Trojan's manufacturing philosophy is aligned to Fuhr's with development of window and door hardware products designed to make customers' lives easier and to add value to their product offering.
Latest Trojan hardware innovations supplied by Carl F Groupco include a new 'Patriot T-Hinge' for doors, designed to satisfy demands for extreme security. Manufactured from stainless steel, the T-Hinge comes with a 20 year guarantee. Trojan Sparta door handles have also been introduced in the stainless steel finish offering a 25 year guarantee. The patented spring cassette to maintain the function of the lever has been carried forward from the standard Sparta door handle.
Carl F Groupco offers a portfolio of over 6,000 products from more than 100 manufacturers. The new organisation has the processes in place to move forward with a new generation of hardware lines backed by long-standing ranges that have stood the test of time with the UK's hardware market.
Business Development Manager, Bruce Bradshaw
