About us
ARGE - The European Federation of Locks and Building Hardware Manufacturers
ARGE focus in the past and today
National and European Standardisation
Over past decades manufacturers knew only their National Technical Standards. With an increasing globalisation, International- like CEN-Standards have been developed with the aim of bringing down trade barriers and enabling trade between European countries.
These International Standards must become harmonised and introduced into each of the members national building regulations in order to be accepted across the EU.
Development of Security and Safety products
Over the years, manufacturers have had to respond to market needs and create new, higher performance security and hardware products. In addition, new product markets like access control, have grown rapidly. New Product Performance Standards have had to be prepared to meet the needs of a changing and evolving market.
ARGE focus in the future
ARGE focus in the future
- To establish a common view on how a Pan European Trade Association may use its strength to increase the profitable sales of hardware manufacturing companies who are members of their national association.
- To use all reasonable and legal means to protect its members from incorrect policies and practices of governmental organizations or trading companies.
- To respect any minority views expressed by members of ARGE.
- The issues on which a common view is necessary include:
- The implementation of European Product Standards.
- The regulatory position on matters relating to fire and security.
- The awareness of, and publicity of, the existence of unfair trading practices
including fraud, passing-off. - The exposure of issues relating to the patent infringement and copyright issues.
- To act by whatever means which are legal, practical and affordable to protect
ARGE members from the issues highlighted in points 1, 2, 3 and 4 above.
- To inform members on issues, which are important to them in terms of standards, codes of practice and of legislation.
- To provide a framework for individuals within the industry to exchange views and acquire knowledge.
"There is a common view amongst many people working for manufacturing companies, who are members of ARGE, that a lot of money has been spent in product development and testing costs to meet the CEN Standards. But, Government, Specifiers and Trade, lack the knowledge and commitment, to utilise these very standards.
ARGE has worked hard to remedy this problem, and with some success. Its endeavours still need to be reinforced through the support of its individual country members."
ARGE's Honorary President