ARGE

ARGE Conference News

Next conference
The next annual ARGE conference will take place at The Dorint Hotels and Resorts Düsseldorf (formerly known as: The Intercontinental Hotel and Congress Centre Düsseldorf). This event will take place from 14 to17 September 2011. Please see the Congress 2011 page for details regarding the business sessions, plus the background social programme for partners.

ARGE news

ARGE Topics
1. Main working topics of ARGE in the past and today a) National and European standardisation During many decades Manufacturers knew only their National Technical Standards. With an increasing globalisation, international Standards, that means performance standards became necessary and were required. International Standards shall eliminate trade barriers and contribute to easier exchange of products from country to country. But International Standards like CEN shall be harmonised and be tested according common rules and mutual recognition is also required. b) Development of Security and Safety products Requirements from the market for high security products were permanently increasing. Not many Manufacturers were spared of this development and they were obliged for their surviving to create and to develop new security products or to co-operate with partners. Access control became more and more important and has been a part of our hardware business. All these high security products need performance standards and testing requirements in various security classes according to the need of the market. 2. Main working topics of ARGE in the future • To establish a common view on how a Pan European Trade Association may use its strength to increase the profitable sales of hardware manufacturing companies who are members of their national association. • To use all reasonable and legal means to protect its members from incorrect policies and practices of governmental organizations or trading companies. • To respect any minority views expressed by members of ARGE. • The issues on which a common view is necessary include: The implementation of European Product Standards The Regulatory position on matters relating to fire and security. The awareness of, and publicity of, the existence of unfair trading practices including fraud, passing-off. The exposure of issues relating to the patent infringement and copyright issues. • To act by whatever means which are legal, practical and affordable to protect ARGE members from the issues highlighted in points 1, 2, 3 and 4 above. • To inform members on issues, which are important to them in terms of standards, codes of practice and of legislation. • To provide a framework for individuals within the industry to exchange views and acquire knowledge.
European Guideline No. 2: 2011
Controlled Door Closing Devices and Systems will be available in the documents section from April 2011.

News of interest

New General Secretary
We are pleased to announce appointment of a new General Secretary Joachim Kieker. We have also appointed Alessandro Brunelli as ARGE Technical Consultant. Joachim Kieker has had 10 years experience as a Director of an umbrella organisation for building materials. In this position he has gained valuable knowledge on matters such as standardisation, building regulations and building energy consumption. Joachim has strong links to CEN, ISO and relevant people in Brussels. Alessandro Brunelli has a university degree in engineering and has worked 30 years, as R&D manager, for building hardware Italian and American manufacturers. Since 1989 Alessandro has also been an expert representing Italy in a few CEN/TC33 and CEN/TC 127 task groups responsible for the drafting of standards covering doorsets and building hardware.

New General Secretary

We are pleased to announce appointment of a new General Secretary Joachim Kieker. We have also appointed Alessandro Brunelli as ARGE Technical Consultant.

Joachim Kieker has had 10 years experience as a Director of an umbrella organisation for building materials. In this position he has gained valuable knowledge on matters such as standardisation, building regulations and building energy consumption.

Joachim has strong links to CEN, ISO and relevant people in Brussels.
Alessandro Brunelli has a university degree in engineering and has worked 30 years, as R&D manager, for building hardware Italian and American manufacturers. Since 1989 Alessandro has also been an expert representing Italy in a few CEN/TC33 and CEN/TC 127 task groups responsible for the drafting of standards covering doorsets and building hardware.