Brockhouse backs UK manufacture of movable walls

Brockhouse invests in UK manufacture of movable walls with further developments at their factory that include a research and development facility, testing laboratory and new Training Centre.

Neil O'halleran from Brockhouse explains why this has been welcomed by architects and specifiers.

He argues the importance of making movable walls and folding, sliding partitions here in the UK.

He says, "It not only makes good economic sense, especially when we need to support employment in the UK, but also address significant environmental issues".

"Sustainability is now an integral part of the planning process for of any new building".

"This means not just that the product needs to be right but also the manufacturing process".

"By making many of our products in the UK, we can monitor the environmental consequences of production, ensuring the carbon footprint is minimised".

"Our systems are made close to where they are installed, something that clients are asking for".

For example, BREEAM is now playing a major part in design.

It is a fundamental requirement by the DCSF that all new build and refurbishment schools projects undergo a BREEAM and Environmental Energy Assessment.

They need to achieve no less than a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating.

UK based research and development programme.

Brockhouse is committed to its own UK based research and development programme.

The new Acoustic Laboratory at its Nusing factory in Loughborough is already paying dividends in product improvements.

Tests are carried out under the guidance of its Laboratory Manager, Alan Turvey who is an Associate Member of The Institute of Acoustics.

Alan Turvey said, "We have the opportunity to test the real performance of movable walls".

"For example, we undertook testing for a large University project and results from the acoustic research improved the performance of door panels".

"Different seals were added after testing in their own laboratory".

"As a direct consequence, manufacturing methods were changed to incorporate these product enhancements"".

"Acoustics play such a vital part of new building regulations and the work being conducted by the team at Loughborough is helping to answer many questions at the crucial planning stage".

In another example, the Brockhouse technicians looked at the fundamental design of pass doors as these key to acoustic performance, and that work enabled a gain of 4dB, a very significant improvement.

On site testing is also offered as an integral part of the Brockhouse service.

Quality check list: 'Specifying a Movable Wall'.

Brockhouse produced an essential 20 point quality check list to help architects and contractors specify or purchase the right quality movable wall.

This has proved an invaluable aid, particularly at the planning stage.

This has been welcomed by architects and contractors, enabling them to specify the right movable wall for their project.

Training Centre welcomes installers and specifiers.

The manufacturing facility also boasts a purpose designed Training Centre which enables sales and support staff to keep up to date with product developments and improvements - for example new surface finishes, affects of acoustics, track design.

It also gives installers and others details on revisions to documentation, especially relating to changes in regulation.

Why is training a key part of the Brockhouse philosophy of UK manufacturing excellence?.

Neil O'Halleran explains: "When we design and manufacture specialised bespoke panels, have new product developments or provide technically challenging 10m high panels, we are able to provide factory training for contracts managers and fitting teams at our UK manufacturing facility".

"This not only ensures the engineering of the product is right but that the installation process is right first time too".

"Our Training Centre, built to British Standards at the factory in Loughborough also means customers, specifiers and architects, can come and see products in detail and can operate sample working panels in a rig".

"We also have a working version of the Easymatic, to demonstrate the advantages of this semi automatic system which is becoming increasingly popular".

Brockhouse CHAS accredited.

As part of its commitment to health and safety, and as a service to clients, Brockhouse is now CHAS compliant which means they are accredited to meet specifier's health and safety standards.

Local manufacture means local accountability.

Brockhouse offer long term service agreements that give maximum life to their products, plus extended warranty backed by national coverage.

Testing and certification for all products, plus experienced project managers means the installation process works well.

Brockhouse has also reduced its own carbon footprint by moving from paper based working to a secure server based file system throughout its estimating, contracts and sales departments.

It has also digitally archived all historical records for ease of access.

The final word to Neil O'Halleran: "The last thing an architect or specifier wants is problems with the installed walls, often at the heart of a hotel or school daily operational requirement".

"By manufacturing in the UK, Brockhouse take ownership of the whole process".

"We have been around the longest because we value customers".

"Our business is built on clients, specifiers and architects who keep coming back to us with new projects, confident that with Brockhouse they are getting the best engineered products, sustainably built here in the UK".

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