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automatic door

New Transport Hub Opens with Effortless Automated Access (July 2026)

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TORMAX UK has delivered a complete door automation solution for Frostree Ltd at the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station, on behalf of Durham County Council. The installation incorporates a combination of TORMAX iMotion door operators to automate 12 key passenger access points, creating efficient movement from the bus station interior, through to external boarding areas.

The installation includes 8 iMotion 2202a single sliding door operators, 2 iMotion 2203 bi-parting door operators and 2 iMotion 2203 single sliding door operators. Specified for their robust engineering and compact design, iMotion drives are designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments where durability and ease of operation are essential.

Featuring intelligent door drive technology that allows precision control, the systems are designed to optimise energy efficiency. The iMotion motor’s gearless and brushless design reduces mechanical wear, minimises maintenance, and delivers consistent, reliable performance throughout an extended lifespan.

Funded through the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, secured by Durham County Council, the new Bishop Auckland bus station is part of an £11.8m investment in the town’s transport infrastructure, supporting improved connectivity and long-term regeneration. The modern passenger facility enhances the experience of bus travel by providing an accessible and comfortable environment for passengers before boarding.

As a busy public facility, the station needs to accommodate a wide range of users, including passengers with mobility challenges, wheelchair users, parents with buggies and travellers carrying luggage. The automated sliding door systems support inclusive design principles by providing controlled, effortless access whilst maintaining smooth passenger flow.

A Swiss company, TORMAX installed Europe’s first automatic door in 1951 and today designs and manufactures a complete range of automatic  door systems for applications

worldwide. The in-house engineered range of iMotion operators provide solutions that meet both the architectural aspirations and practical requirements of modern buildings.

Working alongside TORMAX on the project was Frostree Ltd, a leading manufacturer of architectural aluminium. With expertise in delivering bespoke glazing solutions, Frostree delivers high-quality fabricated systems for commercial and public-sector environments where precision, performance and finish are critical.

The Bishop Auckland bus station project shows how collaboration between fabricators and automation experts can deliver functional, durable access solutions that also improve user experience.

Cllr Tim McGuinness, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for rural, farming and transport, said: “Bishop Auckland’s new bus station is fitted with modern, up-to-date facilities and will be accessible to all passengers. The new station will play an important role in supporting the town’s regeneration journey, while serving as a positive welcome for visitors travelling to see the area’s growing culture, heritage and events offer.”

Axis Entrance Systems Case Study: Intensive Care Unit Redevelopment at Homerton University Hospital, in Hackney

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INDUSTRY: Healthcare

CLIENT: Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust Foundation

CONTRACTOR: Quinn London

ARCHITECT: Hunters

PROJECT:

The redevelopment and upgrade of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Homerton University Hospital, in Hackney, East London, to significantly increase the hospital’s capacity for accommodating critical care patients.

Working within the existing hospital footprint, this redevelopment and refurbishment included a reworking of the space to include:

• Six new isolation bed bays

• Areas for relatives

• A simulation suite

Our brief was to supply and install the doors to the six new isolation bays, as well as several glazed screens.

CHALLENGES:

The two big challenges for this project were the space constraints and working in close proximity to live clinical areas within this busy hospital.

SOLUTION:

Working closely with the project’s architects, Hunters and main contractor Quinn London, six Manusa bi-parting hermetic doors with integral blinds were specified.

The Manusa bi-parting hermetic sliding doors combine the advantages of an automatic door with the airtightness and hygiene required in clinical settings – perfect for healthcare environments.

Other features of these doors include:

  • The highest classification for air permeability
  • Maximum safety systems for people & operation
  • Obstruction-detection systems with automatic reopening & unlock for manual opening in power cuts

Additionaly, we fitted several glazed screens of various dimensions.

OUTCOME:

Our Manusa bi-parting hermetic sliding doors and the glazed panels supported the vision and work of the architects, Hunters and main contractor Quinn London by providing these significant benefits:

  • Excellent light transfer to maximise the feeling of spaciousness
  • Flexibility for clear patient/staff visibility or patient privacy withthe integrated blinds
  • Improved infection prevention with the hermetic doors
  • Improved protection from the door safety devices
  • An attractive, efficient & improved environment for staff, patients & visitors

“The Axis team was always at hand to engage with us as designers and explore appropriate solutions and the doors looked great”

Tim Ashton, Director at Hunters

T: 01604 212500         W: www.axisentrances.com

‘Touchless’ solution needs no helping hand

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A ‘touchless’ manual activation solution for automatic door operation from GEZE that is ideal for environments where hygiene is paramount is a major help to both mitigate health and safety risks and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 infection.

The non-contact proximity switch GC 306 meets the rigorous standards required in hospitals, laboratories, care homes and food preparation areas, and is also suitable in other buildings where ‘touch-free’ opening is desired.

Easy to install and perfect for retro-fitting the GC 306 hands-free switch totally eliminates the need for individuals to press the same spot on conventional activation switches.

Its non-contact activation can be set as required and has a range of 10 to 50 centimetres to open automatic swing, sliding, folding, revolving or curved sliding doors seamlessly.

The low voltage operation of the GC 306 conforms to radio equipment directives and can be used in the vicinity of sensitive medical equipment and IT server rooms.

Positioned at hand height, its structure permits simple and time-saving installation both in flush and surface mounted sockets. It can be fitted into walls, behind tiles, wood, plaster, plastic and glass without its activation range being affected, maximising protection from bacterial contact.

The GC 306 offers two switching modes – ‘pulse’ where the door closes automatically after the hold-open time, and ‘toggle’ where it remains open until the switch is activated again.

Said Adam Presdee, service director, of GEZE UK: “The GC 306 proximity switch is a great addition to our automatic door systems range. It provides non-contact and hygienic manual activation which is a vital to environments which require high levels of hygiene to prevent cross-contamination to patients or work areas, especially in the current climate.

We rate the switch so highly that every service technician now carries them on their van and are able to install immediately.”

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit www.geze.co.uk

 

TORMAX DELIVERS FOUR STAR WELCOME TO HOTEL GUESTS

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grosvenor-final-tormax-1As part of a programme of extensive renovation, TORMAX was specified to install a four-wing automatic revolving door to the main entrance of the four-star Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Chester.  Blending seamlessly with the eighteenth century building, the new revolving door successfully combines the elegance of a by-gone era with the convenience and welcome luxury of an automatic entrance.  Driven by the technologically superior TORMAX 5201 motor, reliability and smooth operation is assured for many years to come.

tormax-3The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa has been significantly upgraded since the family-owned, Nelson Hotels, assumed ownership of the property in 1994.  Main contractor on the most recent £1.5m project, HH Smith & Sons of Manchester, has been responsible for the construction of a stunning two-storey reception with new mezzanine floor above.  The impressive external glass wall at the front of the property was contracted to Glass & General Maintenance who worked with TORMAX to deliver a first-class automatic entrance.

grosvenor-hotel1-tormax-2With over 65 years of experience in the design, manufacture and installation of world-class automatic entrances, TORMAX was well placed for this prestigious job.  “Our operators have been engineered for performance and reliability at our HQ in Switzerland,” explains Simon Roberts, MD for TORMAX.  “Incorporating a high-torque motor, the 5201 revolving door drive has been combined with our ‘classic’ profile to create a high quality solution.”

The TORMAX 5201 operator incorporates a technologically advanced programmable logic circuit, allowing hotel staff to adjust all aspects of the door’s operation to reflect weather conditions, as well as changing levels of foot traffic.  This ensures the reception area is kept warm and welcoming at all times by minimising heat-loss from the building.

In addition, a self-monitoring function optimises door performance, automatically adjusting movement in response to factors such as wind resistance or a build-up of dirt for example.  If an emergency should lead to power failure, the Grosvenor’s revolving door can be used manually to ensure unrestricted egress.

“We are absolutely elated with every aspect of the new reception area,” comments Lucy Nelson, Sales & Marketing Director for Nelson Hotels.  “A spectacular central hub has been created in which we can greet and welcome our guests.”