November 13, 2024

Leading the way: Sentry Doors unveil new look Knowles

Sentry Doors is never content to stand still. As the UK’s leading manufacturer of timber fire safety and security doors, it is constantly innovating and improving its product range to ensure that it meets customer needs whilst remaining at the very forefront of the industry.

Sentry Doors’ recent acquisition of E&SW Knowles Company Ltd is a case in point. The extensive Knowles product range now sits within the Sentry Doors catalogue of market-leading products, giving customers access to a complete range of fully certified fire doors, which are suitable for all markets.

Following the acquisition, Sentry Doors is pleased to announce the launch of a new look Knowles range, which sits perfectly within the Sentry family and reflects both brands shared vision for the future.  

As a result of the brand transformation, E& SW Knowles Company Ltd will now simply be known as Knowles.

The new branding uses familiar elements of the Sentry logo and encases them around the Knowles range. This cradling effect is symbolic of the safety and protection that the company has built its reputation on.

Bespoke, sector specific solutions

As part of Sentry Doors, production of the Knowles range will take place at the 60,000 sq ft facility in Birmingham, where the focus will be on manufacturing specialist timber internal doorsets with fire rated, acoustic and PAS 24 security certification. The 100-strong team in Birmingham offers bespoke, sector specific solutions that meet the exacting requirements of its commercial, healthcare, education and leisure customers.

The acquisition added many new, complementary products to Sentry Doors’ already well-established range of fully certified bespoke timber fire and security door sets, designed for the social housing, public sector, commercial and residential markets.

Sentry Doors’ reputation for quality and certification is what makes it a UK leader, and now that it can cater to all markets, the organisation is able to provide an even wider, bespoke range of products.

Largest UK fire door manufacturer

The newly expanded business continues to be headquartered in Doncaster, where Sentry Doors has an additional 40,000 sq ft facility. This takes the company’s total footprint to 100,000 sq ft across the Birmingham and Doncaster branches, both of which are fully equipped with the latest manufacturing equipment.

Sentry Doors also benefit from having all the skills and capabilities required to manufacture its products in-house, and since the acquisition it has invested £1.2m to support the expansion of production capabilities in Birmingham. This gives the organisation complete quality control at every stage of production and demonstrates that it is truly a centre of excellence and expertise. It also enables it to offer a complete, end-to-end service, consistent lead and delivery times and a first-class customer experience.  

Made in Britain

The expansion has provided Sentry Doors with the opportunity to pursue further innovation and growth, whilst maintaining its ongoing commitment to being the UK leader in timber fire and security doorsets, at the forefront of compliance and regulation. Sentry’s products are tested and certified to the highest industry standards, giving customers complete confidence and peace of mind.

In addition, Sentry Doors are proud to have obtained the official ‘Made in Britain’ stamp. As the only official, protected mark which certifies that a product is made in Britain, the mark gives confidence to customers that Sentry is a trusted and transparent manufacturer.

Known and trusted for over 130 years

The transformation of the brand also coincides with Knowles’ centenary year. This major milestone means that it now has over 130 years’ collective experience in manufacturing specialist doorsets.

Sentry prides itself on its unique approach, which seamlessly blends traditional, time-honoured techniques with modern manufacturing methods. While Sentry is rightly proud of its combined history, heritage and reputation, this brand transformation and expansion provide an opportunity for it to look to the future.

Ty Aziz, Sentry’s Chief Executive, said: “Together, Sentry Doors and Knowles have an incredible manufacturing heritage, while our complementary products and skills make us a formidable company. We’re very happy to be marking this acquisition with a new look and a logo that reflects our shared vision and goals, while cementing our status as a known and trusted brand.

“The rebrand marks a key milestone in the growth strategy for our businesses and advances our ambition to be UK leaders in this sector.”

The new look Knowles will be unveiled at the Fire Safety Event, at Birmingham NEC on 25-27 April. Showcasing the latest products, technology and solutions in fire safety, this event is dedicated to supporting industry practitioners, professionals and organisations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management.