Posted: 2nd September 2021
fds is pleased to announce the appointment of Loughview Timber, a joinery specialist, to its growing network of doorset manufacturing partners.
Based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Loughview will create opportunities across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It will meet demand for a robust and proven GRP composite fire door system in both new and replacement door markets.
Loughview was approved for the fds network due to its proven capability as a fabricator of composite pre-hung fire doorsets. Extensive manufacturing experience in support of social housing, commercial and domestic markets; dedication to quality; and an appetite for ambitious growth were also key factors.
fds insists that all stages of the supply chain up to and including doorset manufacture are third-party certified to the BM Trada Q-Mark Fire Door Manufacturer certification scheme. As such, Loughview was audited and met the non-mandatory requirements of Q-Mark STD 170. The family firm also met the stringent standards of Q-Mark PAS 24 and was granted the prestigious Secured by Design (SBD) status.
Over the past two years, Loughview has streamlined its product portfolio, focusing on doors, both internal and external.
Company director, Niall McCartan says:
“Joining the fds manufacturing network is a good strategic fit for our business. Pre-Grenfell, our composite fire door range was little more than an add-on, now, with the support of fds and after significant investment we have ambitious plans to grow this side of our business.”
The company directors anticipate significant growth in GRP composite fire door sales over the next five years, especially in support of replacement fire door schemes.
“We are working hard to develop awareness of the fds system; educating decision makers about the improved solutions available. So far, the pre-hung fire doorset has been extremely well-received, and we are already busy developing new opportunities with registered providers.
“We have been impressed by the support and assistance provided by fds from day one. A lot of people talk about being a partner but sadly, that’s not always the case. However, I’m pleased to say that our relationship with fds is genuinely working, it’s an excellent partnership. We are proud to be part of this progressive network and we are excited for the future.”
Andy Grogan, associate sales director for Distinction Doors, stockist and distributor of the fds brand, said:
“We are very pleased to welcome Loughview Timber to the fds network. They are a great business to partner with. By investing in the Q-Mark scheme, they are not only proving their commitment to fds but also to producing a high-quality, compliant fire doorset, consistently.
“There are a great many opportunities open to Loughview and we look forward to helping them realise this potential.”
Loughview joins established fds partners, Ashford Commercial, Hurst Doors and Nationwide Windows and Doors. More partners will join the network in 2021/22.
fds and several of its manufacturing partners will be attending this year’s Housing exhibition (7th – 9th September at Manchester Central). Visitors can learn more about the fds composite fire door system, Neuma fds, in-person by joining the team on stand E28.
