Uncategorised 17 September 2012

ARGE forges alliance with E.D.S.F.

arge-forges-alliance-with-edsf

The European Federation of Associations of Locks and Builders Hardware Manufactures (ARGE) and the European Door and Shutter Federation e.V. (E.D.S.F.) will be working closely together in the future. Both European associations will from now onwards be supporting each other in their activities. A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to this effect was signed in mid May 2012.

Following this MoC between E.D.S.F. and ARGE the associations will strengthen relations in technical and selected marketing related matters and activities. A priority is a common strategy regarding European Harmonisation and thus benefits members of both associations.

The E.D.S.F. is the umbrella organisation for Europe´s associations and manufacturers of doors, gates, shutters and components (drive systems). Founded in 1985 and based in the town of Hagen, Germany, E.D.S.F. was the main leader in development of EN 13241-1 – Product Standard for Doors. The federation now has 17 members from ten EU-countries with a growing network.

Founded in 1956 ARGE is the European umbrella association of locks and hardware manufacturers. It represents 15 National Associations within Europe, which serve of over 200 manufacturers. ARGE works on technical issues for the European Committee of Standardisation (C.E.N.).

ARGE is a Lobby institution with links to the European Authorities and Institutes. It aims to represent the interests of its National Associations, manufacturers and users of locks and hardware. With ARGEs and E.D.S.F. pan-European presence, both associations will be taken as an equivalent information platform for the European Commission.

Joachim Kieker, General Secretary of ARGE states: “After years of a good relation between both associations the cooperation with E.D.S.F. is a logical step due to common topics and visions”.

Cooperative activities will include:

  • Standardisation and technical issues (e.g. interpretation upcoming product standard “Fire & Smoke” – prEN 16034),
  • Marketing & PR activities (e.g. acting at common trade fairs),
  • Sustainability issues (e.g. promotion of the sustainable impact of their products), and
  • Market Surveillance (e.g. avoiding trademark piracy).

Christian Grabitz, General Secretary E.D.S.F., points out: “All common activities are to strengthen the voice of the door and hardware industry on EU-level to all market players and EU-representatives.”

For further information:

j.kieker@arge.org

info@edsf.com