Company Announcement - An oft heard complaint is that the least expensive product becomes the most expensive, and this applies across a wide range of industries and products. With many companies being under pressure to save costs it is understandable that buyers shop around for the best price. There is, however, a major difference between buying a well-priced product and one that is incapable of doing the task for which it has been purchased. This is according to the managing director of Apex Strip Curtains & Doors, who says that selecting a fit-for-purpose solution for doorways and other openings is not always as simple as it would at first appear.

“An informed purchasing decision that weighs up all factors must be made to ensure a solid return on investment,” Dessing cautions. “There are a number of important factors that should be taken into account when reviewing available options.” The most important factor is whether the door or closure will serve the purpose for which is selected within its environment. Dessing explains that while the type of business will dictate the type of doorway as well as the position of the opening that needs to be served, other factors need to be considered such as the type of traffic that will pass through the opening.

“Some doorways only service pedestrians, while others have to accommodate vehicular or motorised traffic such as forklifts, golf carts, pallet jacks and trolleys. And in some instances, the traffic moves in both directions which often necessitates a double doorway solution,” he explains.

Companies often make a decision based on an online catalogue without undertaking a locality or situational assessment and this, says Dessing, is where issues arise. Not all doorways are suitable for a solid door solution but this is often something which can only be determined by a site visit. “A skilled supplier will know what to look for and what questions to ask,” he continues.

Questions to ask include whether the entrance point orientation is straight and readily accessible, or whether traffic needs to negotiate sharp or narrow turns. The frequency of use of the doorway is also important as well as the number of hours the opening will be accessed during any given day as this information will directly affect the choice of door closure. The practicalities of environmental influence, such as heating or cooling, need to be factored in to ensure that customer goals are met. Some work environments are prone to dust and other airborne pollutants so one needs to determine in advance how the doors or closures will be cleaned, in order to provide a solution that lends itself to hygiene while concurrently not becoming a high maintenance issue.

“Finally,” Dessing says, “the aesthetics of the closure also influences the choice of product. We have a range of products to suit all applications, and each can be customised based on predetermined factors including productivity, environmental control and employee comfort.”

Where unhindered traffic flow remains a primary concern, the Apex range of high speed doors offers both functionality and performance. These semi-automatic doors are able to cope with the intensive demands of heavy and continuous traffic. The design features the integration of the actuator, controls, safety devices and balancing systems in one unit for cost efficiency and a reduced footprint.

The Apex SR 9000 insulated impact traffic door, in a choice of six colours, combines functionality with longevity in areas where the movement of pedestrians and goods is particularly high. The door, manufactured from a 3 mm ABS skin which retains its physical properties down to temperatures of minus 40°C, is impervious to moisture, acids, petroleum products, animal fats, rodent, insects and salt solutions. The Apex SCP Traffic Doors provide easy access, without the wear problems typically associated with busy environments. The wooden core of the door panel is 18 mm thick and is covered with a full height high pressure laminate that is adhered to both sides. The mounting system used on the Apex SCP Traffic Doors is designed to strengthen the door jamb and is offered in a range of attractive materials and décor options.

At the other end of the spectrum is the Apex General Purpose Strip Curtain which provides a cost effective closure solution while also controlling the influx of hot/cold air, insects, dust or other pollutants. The patented Balledge® ensures optimum sealing, and reinforces and strengthens individual strips and allows easy access for people and goods.