ASTRA DOOR CONTROLS

Astra Door Controls – A manufacturer of concealed hydraulic door controls specifically designed for the Architectural market. The research and development department, manufacturing plant and offices operate out of Astra Business Centre in Preston, Lancashire. Born out of the companies named Reilor Limited and Gibcloser Limited, Alister Reid and Philip Gallagher set up Astra Door Controls in 2005 with a vision to design and manufacture concealed door closers for the fire door market in the United Kingdom. In the beginning Alister Reid as Managing Director shaped the business to meet the demands of manufacturing and design leaving Philip (Technical ans Sales Director) to focus on developing the product range and certification requirements. As both directors are very “hands on” it soon became apparent that traditional overhead face fixed closers were not always wanted or desired. The requirement for a hidden or concealed self-closing device was an obvious missing piece of the modern fire door-set. The introduction of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 helped provide clear guidance on the requirements in fire safety in commercial buildings and blocks of apartments. Working with hinge manufacturers and door fabricators, alongside architects and architectural ironmongers the company is instrumental in providing solutions for self-closing fire doors. In 2013 Helen Hull joined the company as Operations Manager and has since been elected to the board of directors joining Alister and Philip. Helen has taken up the role of Operations Director and is responsible for the day to day running of Astra Door Controls. More recently the demand for door closers in residential housing has grown significantly. The concealed option is the desired choice for the architect, client and occupier. To this end Astra has designed a complete range now boasts the 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 series in its portfolio of hidden door closers. Utilising in house test rigs and testing equipment has helped develop Astra’s concealed door controls that operate with both concealed and butt type hinges. “As a manufacturer, it is important we develop products appropriate to the markets in which we operate. Quality, service, reliability and cost is critical to how we grow as a business. Understanding our customers’ needs and having the ability to react at short notice has defined Astra Door Controls in the architectural fire door arena. We will continue to strive to bring in new products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing whilst maintaining levels of performance attributed to the appropriate standards. Committed to manufacturing in the United Kingdom, we are able to deliver modern design with quality products at a competitive price whilst fulfilling the requirements of the relevant standards” Philip Gallagher, Managing Director.