Continuing to innovate
Throughout one of the most challenging years for UK manufacturing in living memory, Yale explains how it has continually adapted to the changing climate by innovating in both its operations and its product range.
2020 has seen the company further invest in automation at both its Willenhall and Cheltenham sites, and also adapt to the fresh reality by opening up new communications channels in the midst of limitations on face-to-face meetings.
During recent months, Yale has been preparing its operations and functionality for a post-Covid era, rapidly gearing up for higher volumes and returning employees from furlough. With revised manufacturing and office layouts, new ways of operating, stringent cleaning, and hygiene routines throughout all of Yale’s sites, employee safety has remained the first priority throughout.
In addition, Yale’s team of technical experts have been working continuously on new product development to ensure the brand continues to meet market demand and customer requirements.
For example, this year has seen the launch of the new Yale Vertex range of decorative window hardware for vertical sliding windows, while the security hardware experts at Yale are also in the late stages of developing a new smart door and window product range, designed to fit into the frame with existing hardware.
In a time where hygiene and cleanliness are of the utmost importance, another innovation from Yale has been its venture alongside market-leading antimicrobial additives provider BioCote to launch the Quartus combi door handle range with a coating that will reduce up to 99.99% of microbes on its surface.
Proven effective against many common microbes including bacteria, mould and fungi, this technology protects the Quartus door handle from colonisation, and significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
BioCote antibacterial technology is manufactured into the Quartus handle, resulting in a piece of hardware upon which microbes simply cannot survive – with bacteria reduced by up to 86% in 15 minutes, 99.5% in two hours, and 99.99% in 24 hours.
Tested both in a lab and proven in real life, the BioCote-protected hardware is effective against microbes that stimulate rust and mould, which could negatively impact the handle’s performance. This, together with general upkeep and cleaning of the handle, will ensure a hygienic and durable piece of hardware.
Paul Atkinson, sales and commercial director at Yale, said: “2020 hasn’t been the year that any of us planned for, but we are pleased with how we have adapted swiftly to the changing situations and continued to focus on key product innovations like the Vertex, a brand new venture that we are extremely excited about.
“Our Quartus door handles are the first and last thing people touch as they enter and leave their homes, so, through our partnership with BioCote, it’s also extremely satisfying to be able to give consumers the peace of mind that their door handle compliments their own hygiene practices.
“The Covid-19 crisis is not behind us yet, but with the economy gradually picking up and hopes for a vaccine increasing, we are looking forward to helping our customers bounce back with further innovations in 2021.”