At Axis Entrance Systems, we invest a significant amount of time and money into building and developing our customer relationships. We nurture existing relationships and are always looking to build new ones. But did you know…we attach the same critical importance to our supplier relationships too?

This approach has resulted in very strong supplier relationships with world class partners, built on trust and many key benefits – for us, for our suppliers and also for our customers.

The Benefits  

• Effective, transparent communication
• Expectations set realistically and met
• Reduced issues on availability, quality and delays
• Issues resolved more quickly and smoothly
• Reduced risk through mutual trust and respect
• Efficiency improvements from idea and feedback exchanges
• Innovations through collaboration

Opportunities to build, develop and maintain supplier relationships

The way we go about this important aspect of our business is by spending time with our suppliers and potential suppliers. The more time we spend together, the better we understand each other and what we each require and can give to the relationship.

BAU, Munich, 13-17 January 2025

A perfect opportunity to build, develop and maintain supplier relationships presented itself in January, when our MD, Rob Brunero visited BAU in Munich, the World's Leading Trade Fair for Architecture, Materials and Systems, which takes place every two years.

Here’s Rob’s account of his 3-day visit to BAU:

I am always excited for trips like this!

BAU is an event where everyone involved in the international community for the planning, designing and construction of all types of buildings comes together, to share and show new ideas and products, make new contacts and catch up with existing ones.

And that’s exactly why I was there too! However, with 18 exhibition halls, 2,600 exhibitors and 190,000 visitors, it’s safe to say; I didn’t see everything and everyone I would have liked to during my 3-day visit.

While I met some great new contacts, here are some of my highlights, from catching up with existing suppliers and seeing their innovations for 2025:

DOORSON – in addition to the very popular 300 series of automatic doors, which you can peruse here – Doorson 300 Automatic Sliding Door range - Doorson used the exhibition to launch their new 330 energy efficient range, which was exceptionally well received!

As per the 300 range, there will be three formats, single slide, bi-parting and telescopic - all of which will be available in the UK later this year, through us at Axis. For a little teaser, check this out –  Doorson 330 Energy Efficient Automatic Sliding Door

The models include thermally broken frames that will accept triple glazing (thermal conductivity of up to 1.0 W/m²k) and RC3 (according to EN 1627) security rated systems - all elegantly designed with clean lines, a feature Doorson is renowned for. 

In addition, the award winning 500EFS fire rated automatic door with breakout facility was also on display. For more details and videos, click here – Doorson 500 EFS Fire Escape Automatic Sliding Door

Patrik and Aleksander along with their colleagues were very busy on their stand, so I was delighted they were able to afford me time over the three days for some very worthwhile discussions.

FACE – exhibiting their very attractive range of products with the usual panache and design that Italian manufacturers are well known for, helped make my time on their stand very enjoyable.

We have successfully installed their SW80 swing door operators on quite a few projects now. Here’s a link – FACE SW80

Excitingly, FACE are launching a 2^nd generation of products and their new SW70 swing door operator was on display and at only 70mm high is a very slim unit that offers a smooth and quiet operation. Another product to look forward to later in the year! Here’s the tutorial video for the SW70S that FACE released at BAU – FACE SW70

HOTRON – we have enjoyed a very longstanding relationship with David and his team, who always provide a warm welcome and are very attentive – no wonder their stand was a networking hotspot, where I was able to catch up with several other contacts too!

Hotron’s stand was very well-designed with many of their excellent, tried and tested products on show – here’s their latest product video for the SSS 5 swing door safety sensor – Hotron SSS5

BEA – here was another company we have worked with for a long time, who were exhibiting a superb range of activation and safety sensors, taking laser technology into the future. I was happy to receive a demonstration on the Orascan sensor for automatic sliding doors, described as the “ultimate piece of mind” – here’s a link – BEA Orascan

I also saw their new intuitive swing door sensor in action, using what I can only describe as a dazzling interactive dance floor to demonstrate it! By following the illuminated directional path to a pair of automated doors, you could witness how the operation of the doors adapted to the angle and speed of your approach, while determining if one or both doors should open. The operation of the doors adapted to any deviation in your movements, to provide and ensure safe passage. All very clever stuff!

NEW CONTACTS AND PRODUCTS – I enjoyed meeting my new contacts too and seeing the potential of their new products – some very innovative that I will be considering for our portfolio, once all the appropriate testing has been completed.

IN SUMMARY – a very worthwhile and enjoyable visit, giving me a lot to think about – just what I like!

For more information on BAU Trade Fair & The value of strong supplier relationships talk to Axis Entrance Systems Ltd