We talk to Force 8’s operations director, Lisa Mottershead, about how the company is redefining composite doors.

Force 8 is widely recognised for its seamless arched frames and uniquely shaped windows. Over the past 15 years, the company has also manufactured a range of composites doors, and more notably has successfully carved out a niche by specialising in the supply of unusual composite doors.

This unique focus is said to have propelled Force 8 into an emerging market, driven by increasing demand for solutions that diverge from the ordinary. Lisa Mottershead, the operations director at Force 8, emphasises the scarcity of competitors willing to venture into projects that deviate from their established processes.

“Most door manufacturers prioritise the mass production of standardised composite doors, inadvertently leaving a void in the market for bespoke one-off projects,” she says. “This is particularly evident with our arched and part-arched doors. The fact that we manufacture the frames as well gives Force 8 a competitive advantage.”

Force 8’s arched and part-arched door systems are unique in that they can also be supplied with the company’s seamless arch frame. These arched and part arched doors are crafted from slabs on two CNC machines, and come in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Specialising in this area has allowed Force 8 to design locking systems specifically for arched doors, such as auto-lock multipoint systems typically found on standard doors. It can even supply the arched trims for a perfect finish around the frame.

Demonstrating the niche market available, Force 8 recently supplied an array of distinctively sized composite doors to a local housing authority. These doors, significantly smaller in size, serve as crucial service access points within flats and apartments. The hallmark of Force 8’s capability lies in its comprehensive manufacturing facility, which allows the company to fulfil orders of varying dimensions according to precise specifications.

Crafted from standard door slabs, the composite doors were engineered to incorporate the standard security features and locking mechanisms inherent in conventional composite doors, while mimicking their style and colour.

The recent introduction of the new Force 8 ‘Door and a Half’ showcases the company’s innovative approach to the door market.

Traditionally, side panels on door frames remain fixed, limiting accessibility. However, Force 8’s Door and a Half integrates a hinged and locking system into the side panel, allowing it to open independently. This innovative feature significantly widens the entrance, easing access for individuals with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users. Additionally, it facilitates the delivery of bulky items such as furniture, simplifying logistical challenges for homeowners and businesses alike.

When it comes to finishing, achieving perfect colour harmony between composite doors and frames has long been a challenge, especially when striving for special finishes like a wood grain effect. Typically, composite doors and frames are painted at separate stages: the door arrives pre-painted at the fabricator’s facility, while the frame is painted elsewhere. Simply using the same RAL colour code at each location does not always ensure an exact match, as factors such as spray technique, temperature and drying time can significantly influence the outcome.

However, Force 8 boasts a unique advantage in this area. With composite doors and frames manufactured under one roof, and a state-of-the-art paint shop, Force 8 can paint both components simultaneously, guaranteeing flawless colour alignment.

This integrated approach offers more than just colour synchronicity. By sourcing both the door and frame from a single supplier, customers benefit from streamlined deliveries, eliminating potential delays and reducing the risk of damage or scratches. This also reduces administrative work and paperwork, simplifying the process by dealing with a single company rather than two.