New door and hardware federation formed

The Door and Shutter Manufacturers Association (DSMA) and the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (ABHM) have amalgamated to form the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).

The new federation has been formed to reinforce the two associations' authority both within the industry and at government level, as well as providing added benefits to members.

The association's chief executive Derek Smith said: "When the merger was first discussed last year we took the view that as doors can't exist without hardware and vice versa, there would be an obvious and beneficial synergy between the two organisations.

"Now we have taken that to its logical conclusion by forming the DHF which will present a combined, cohesive and much stronger voice in our dealings with the government and Europe over standards and legislation and all the other issues which affect our industry," he added.

The names of the two long-established trade association will not disappear with the formation of the DHF.

For the foreseeable future, both will retain their existing identities, in particular for the work they carry out in their specific sectors.