The world’s two largest trade bodies in the architectural ironmongery and door hardware industry are entering into a major knowledge-sharing collaboration agreement to boost the continued growth of the sector in the UK and USA.
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI), which represents the non-residential, door and hardware industry in North America.
Maria Powell, president of the GAI, says: “Our aim is to build a strong, long-term relationship between our organisations based on reciprocity and mutual benefit to support and further the growth of the architectural ironmongery and door hardware market and its many customers throughout the world.
“We share many common goals and interests. We’re both committed to innovation and technical development, as well as education and training, developments in accreditation, certification and the conduct of the industry. These key elements will inform and drive the relationship forward alongside an exploration of the commercial advantages that can be achieved.”
Bob Maas, president of the DHI, added: “The MoU provides an excellent opportunity to leverage the synergies that unite us, as we concentrate on introducing new ways of working together on complementary initiatives, especially education, that can support the aims of both our organisations.
“By pooling our resources in this way, I’m confident that we will achieve even higher levels of value for all of our members.”
Under the terms of the MoU, the two organisations will consider collaboration opportunities between the UK and USA in areas such as advocacy, the improved specification of hardware, innovation and best practice.
They will also share and promote new ideas on education and qualifications, while supporting each other’s accreditation and certification activities and code of conduct.
The two organisations will also collaborate on communications opportunities, sharing publications of interest to each other’s memberships and discussing event ideas, topics and meeting agendas.
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers is the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry – architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Its qualifications, education and CPD programmes are widely respected in the UK and overseas, including the GCC and Hong Kong. Its technical information service is the most respected specialist service of its kind, providing GAI members with comprehensive advice on issues relating to the legislation, regulations and standards governing the use of architectural ironmongery and related hardware.
The Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) represents the non-residential, door and hardware industry in North America. With ancestry dating back to 1934, its membership consists of manufacturer, distributor and sales representative companies, as well as individuals and credentialed consultants, and industry stakeholders such as design professionals, building code officials, and facility managers.
