The event and factory tour were arranged by The Black Country Chamber of Commerce to allow Heathrow to meet one of their supply chain members in the form of Zaun. Heathrow spends almost £100m every year in the West Midlands via their supply chain. Nigel was able to see how Zaun has been innovating and decarbonising physical perimeter security fencing and gate systems that are deployed at Heathrow.

From all electric Forklift trucks to a 330mw Solar Array and British Manufacturing, Zaun were able to share part of their journey to ‘greener security’. Nigel Milton said, “Heathrow relies on SMEs up and down the country, and it is fantastic to come out and meet with the companies that keep the UK’s hub airport flowing.”

The tour was hosted by Alastair Henman (Founder and Managing Director), Jack McGinty (Operations Director), and Steve Bailes (Business Development Manager) for Zaun. (Pictured left to right – Gail Arnold (Black Country Chamber of Commerce), Steve Bailes (Zaun), Alastair Henman (Zaun), Jack McGinty (front- Zaun), Dave Goss (back – Fernden Construction), Sarah Ralphs (Heathrow), Paul Bovington (Fernden Construction), Nigel Milton (Heathrow)

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Safety and Security with Perforated Fencing

Safety is a top concern for specifiers and fencing contractors. Traditional laser-cut fencing poses a risk due to sharp edges. Picture-perf fencing eliminates this hazard with its perforation process. This method creates intricate designs without compromising the metal’s integrity, resulting in a smooth, safe surface for everyone around the fence or gate.

Unmatched Strength and Durability for Long-Term Protection

Specifiers require fencing solutions that can withstand the elements and resist physical challenges. Picture-perf fencing by Zaun delivers exceptional strength and durability. The perforation process removes minimal material, preserving the structural integrity of the fencing. This stands in stark contrast to laser-cut fencing, which weakens the metal by removing sections. Consequently, picture-perf fencing offers superior resistance to impact, vandalism, and harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable long-term security solution.

Beyond Security: Unleash Your Design Potential with Perforated Fencing and Gates

While safety and durability are crucial, specifiers often seek fencing solutions that complement a project’s aesthetics. Picture-perf fencing by Zaun surpasses expectations in this regard. The perforating technology facilitates the creation of a vast range of designs, from intricate geometric patterns to photorealistic images. This allows for seamless integration of the fencing or gate into the project’s design, transforming it from a functional necessity into a visually striking element.

Applications for Perforated Fencing and Gates

The versatility of picture-perf fencing makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Schools and Playgrounds: The safety features and ability to incorporate colorful designs or mascots make picture-perf fencing ideal for securing schools and playgrounds.
• Public Buildings and Spaces: Perforated fencing with intricate patterns or building logos can elevate the visual appeal of public areas.
• Commercial Properties: Businesses can leverage picture-perf fencing to enhance their brand image by incorporating logos or other design elements.

Beyond Traditional Applications: Perforated Fencing for Unique Needs

• Zoos and Wildlife Parks: Picture-perf fencing can be incorporated as hero panels within existing fencing systems, showcasing the animals directly on the fencing!
• Healthcare and Hospitals: With perforations less than 8mm, picture-perf fencing offers zero finger traps, making it ideal for seclusion gardens or hospital garden screening.

The Future of Fencing is Perforated

Zaun’s picture-perf fencing and gates represent a significant advancement in fencing technology. By prioritizing safety, durability, and aesthetics, this innovative product offers a solution that surpasses the limitations of traditional laser-cut fencing. With its limitless design potential and superior functionality, picture-perf fencing is poised to redefine expectations for fencing applications across the UK and Europe.

The post Perforated Fencing and Gates: A Secure and Stylish Upgrade appeared first on Zaun Limited.

We are pleased to annouce that Zaun has passed Cyber Essentials Plus. This means our IT systems have undergone a hands-on technical verification passing the following five technical controls:

1. Firewalls
2. Secure configuration
3. Security update management
4. User access control
5. Malware protection

Cyber Essentials is an effective, Government backed scheme that helps to protect organisations, whatever their size, against a whole range of the most common cyber attacks. Certification gives peace of mind that your defences will protect against the vast majority of common cyber attacks simply because these attacks are looking for targets which do not have the Cyber Essentials technical controls in place.

Cyber Essentials Plus still has the Cyber Essentials trademark simplicity of approach, and the protections you need to put in place are the same, but for Cyber Essentials Plus a hands-on technical verification is carried out.

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In an otherwise up-to-date network, the breach occurred through a rogue Windows 7 PC that was running software for one of our manufacturing machines.  The machine has been removed and the vulnerability closed. 

At the time of the attack, we believed that our cyber-security software had thwarted any transfer of data. However, we can now confirm that during the attack LockBit managed to download some data, possibly limited to the vulnerable PC but with a risk that some data on the server was accessed.  It is believed that this is 10 GB of data, 0.74% of our stored data.

It is well known that Zaun is a specialist in high-security perimeter fencing and has supplied fencing to many high-profile sites.  Sites where our products are used include prisons, military bases and utilities.  These fencing products are generally used to separate the public from the secure asset and as such are on public display and in the public domain.  Full details of all our products are also available on our website and available for unrestricted purchase. As such it is not considered that any additional advantage could be gained from any compromised data beyond that which could be ascertained by going to look at the sites from the public domain.

Zaun Limited would like to issue the following statement.

“We are aware of an attack upon our servers by the Lockbit Ransom group at the beginning of August. Our cyber-security systems closed the attack before they could encrypt any files on the server. However, it has become apparent that LockBit was able to download some data from our system which has now been published on the Dark Web.

LockBit will have potentially gained access to some historic emails, orders, drawings and project files, we do not believe that any classified documents were stored on the system or have been compromised. We are in contact with relevant agencies and will keep these updated as more information becomes available. This is an ongoing investigation and as such subject to further updates.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has been contacted and we are taking their advice on this matter. The ICO has been contacted as well with regards to the attack and data leak. Zaun is a manufacturer of fencing systems and not a Government approved security contractor. As a manufacturer of perimeter fencing, any member of the public can walk up to our fencing that has been installed at these sites and look at it.

Zaun is a victim of a sophisticated cyber-attack and has taken all reasonable measures to mitigate any attack on our systems.”

Should you have any questions with regards to this update please direct all enquiries to Stewart Plant, Head of Sales and Marketing via email at info@zaun.co.uk

The post Zaun Data Breach – Update appeared first on Zaun Limited.

The ability to offer protection through innovation has always been at the heart of all our product designs and HiSec Super 10 is no different. The world’s first single skin fencing system rated to LPS 1175 B3 (SR2) and Secured by Design was designed in January 2013, since then it has gone on to protect projects and assets around the globe. So let’s talk a little more about HiSec Super 10.

The secret is in the Verticals

Maybe we shouldn’t tell you this but the secret to our HiSec Super 10 is in the vertical wires on the fencing panel. Manufactured at our factory in the West Midlands on our own in-house rigid mesh machine, 10mm hot rolled then cold drawn coil is straightened and cut into lengths matching the height of the fence. These wires are then electro-welded to the horizontal 4mm wires to form the 358 mesh design.

These 10mm vertical wires form the backbone of the panel, delaying any form of attack by a would-be intruder using toolset B from Issue 8 of LPS 1175. This includes attack tools such as bolt cutters, drills, hammers, hacksaws and cutting pliers.

But what about the single skin

Well, that too is down to the 10mm vertical wires. With the added delay from a 10mm vertical wire at 76.2mm wire centres across the width of the panel, the need for another panel or any additional clamp bars and hardware to delay an attacker is obsolete. Not only does this help reduce the cost of protection in manufacturing but can also help to reduce installation costs on site.

Installation is at least 30% quicker than similar double-skin B3 (SR2) fencing systems in the marketplace because only one panel needs to be installed. The single-panel design also offers greater visibility and aesthetics as it allows ease of sight for CCTV and other detection systems which can be mounted to the rear of the panel.

Well that all sounds great but anything else

Actually yes, by manufacturing all the components ourselves HiSec Super 10 benefits from a lower embodied carbon than other systems. Our rigid mesh machine is run entirely by our solar panels that produce more electricity than we use so we are net positive on our electrical use during spring, summer and autumn. By bringing all the materials into the factory we are removing a major carbon footprint from the manufacturing chain in the form of onward transport to others of a separate panel as we supply the entire fencing system directly to our customers straight from our own manufacturing which reduces the carbon miles of the fencing system.

HiSec Super 10 is a Made in Britain fencing system that helps to support and generate social value through the employment of a local workforce that adds wider financial and nonfinancial value back into the area creating social capital. By specifying and using HiSec Super 10 on your projects you are helping to promote UK manufacturing, greener construction products and raising security to a tested and approved standard.

The post Let’s Talk – HiSec Super 10 appeared first on Zaun Limited.

We were on the tarmac at Berlin and Munich #airports addressing the causes of climate change.
With fossil fuel subsidies for aviation, it would be easy to make local transport affordable.

The police were informed in advance. There is no danger from us – but from #DeadlyPolitics! pic.twitter.com/KdZ9skrRlx

— Letzte Generation (@AufstandLastGen) December 8, 2022

On 26^th November a group of six activists cut through the physical perimeter of BER Berlin Brandenburg Airport to gain access to the taxiways. In the 16 minutes that they had uninterrupted access before the Federal Police arrived, they managed to glue themselves to the tarmac. Their actions resulted in fifteen incoming flights being rerouted and five others grounded.

Two weeks later on 8^th December, the same group carried out an identical intrusion into MUC Munich International Airport and again at BER. Gaining access again by ‘cutting through’ the active perimeter fence line allowed them to superglue their hands to not only taxiways but one of the active runways. Last Generation claims to have informed the Federal Police about their plans and documented the protest across multiple social media channels.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sibylle Fendt (@sibyllefendt)

In both incursions, the airport’s physical perimeter and detection systems failed to protect the airport from unauthorised access. Standard chain link fencing had been installed with barbed wire hostile security topping to prevent scaling. The threat from cut-through appears to have not been considered and so the adoption of tested and certified fencing systems such as LPS 1175, Secured by Design, or fencing ‘Approved for Government Use – CPNI’ seems to have been discounted in the threat analysis.

Zaun has worked with a number of major airports to secure their perimeters against attacks over the years. With this ‘proven’ disruption seeming to work in Germany, is it now time for other airports to readdress the threats to their estate from climate protesters?  

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With the launch of Trust and Productivity: The private sector construction playbook we wanted to look at some of the key areas raised in the new playbook and how they relate to physical perimeter security and external works.

Historically, the UK construction industry has been characterized by a lack of openness, poor productivity, and a failure to invest in innovation. Whilst much progress has been made in addressing the problems, efforts have been focused solely on the public sector. Lessons learned through the supply chain in dealing with these issues help to form part of a new look for the private sector.

One of the biggest lessons learned in terms of physical perimeter security and external works has been the early engagement with the supply chain and the drive to standardisation. Lets us break down why these two areas are so important not just in delivering productivity within the construction process but also in additional value opportunities.

The following example demonstrates the difference between early engagement and without it.

Early Engagement

Project A has a need for a security-rated fencing system that offers a 3 min minimum delay against attack. They want the system to be cost-effective through savings on materials and installation. They expect the fencing system to be designed, manufactured, and supplied within a set time frame due to site security requirements.

Project A team puts out an open call to all fencing manufacturing companies to present their solutions with added additional value. They conduct an open day where they learn the following:

• There are multiple solutions in the marketplace.
• Some solutions are double skins and some solutions are single skin, they can demonstrate quicker installation from a single skin system which reduces overall project costs. They discover that the fencing system needs to be LPS 1175 B3 (SR2) to deliver the required security rating.
• By using a standard industry height they can remove excessive design work and material waste in the manufacturing process so reducing the embodied carbon on the system as well as reducing the lead time for manufacturing.
• They discover that as there are multiple systems they can maintain competitiveness which can drive cost efficiencies in the project.
• Through early engagement they are able to prime the manufacturers for the scale, scope, and time frames required for the project.  With the early selection of the system, they are also able to vest the manufacturing materials to hold the price of the raw materials and manufacturing costs.
• They are able to discuss standard widths for their ingress and egress solutions so that they can use ‘stock’ widths that require less design time and speed up the manufacturing process.
• Project A team feels that they have a solution that matches their needs, wants, and expectations as well as delivering added additional value to the project.

Without Early Engagement

Project B has a need for a security-rated fencing system that offers a 3 min minimum delay against attack. They want the system to be cost-effective through savings on materials and installation. They expect the fencing system to be designed, manufactured, and supplied within a set time frame due to site security requirements.

Project B team decides against any early engagement and decides to work on the project alone, leaving it to the subcontractor when appointed to deliver the required security-rated fencing system on a supply and install price. Project B sets a price per linear metre (PLM) as a budget cost based on current prices in the marketplace and selects fencing heights and gate widths based on what they think they need.

Project B team discovers the following when it comes time for the fencing system to be installed.

• They have one solution that is offered to them by the subcontractor
• The price they budgeted for the project no longer covers the rising costs in material prices and the fencing and gates are now over budget.
• The height of the fencing system was nonstandard and resulted in more manufacturing waste in its production which has increased the embodied carbon as fencing panels needed to be cut down to size for the project.
• Due to nonstandard heights and widths, excess design time was required across the fencing and gate systems which resulted in a longer lead time for design and manufacturing. This has had an impact on the timeline for the project.
• Project B has delivered the needs for the project but has not delivered added additional value and is unsure if the ‘best’ solution has been used. They have paid more for the solution than Project A team

Both of these are actually real-world examples of projects that Zaun has seen over the last 26 years as the last British in-house manufacturer of woven and welded mesh fencing systems.  However, Project A has tended to be Public Sector Projects, Utilities, and Frameworks whereas Project B has always centered on Private Sector projects.

The private sector construction playbook outlines the following for market engagement:

Engaging with the construction supply chain ahead of a formal procurement process enables clients and contractors to plan and allocate resources, and lets suppliers become familiar with the project.

Ask the supply chain as soon as possible about the mechanics of the procurement process, how the works should be taken to market, and buildability, logistics, material availability, and programming. Involvement of the supply chain in this way will provide technical and specialist design input at the earliest stage of the project and encourage innovation.

Likewise, it allows the project team to ask key questions to assess the capability of the supply chain, such as:

• Does the supplier/manufacturer have a proven track record and ability to manage the nature and risk profile of the project?
• Does the supplier/manufacturer have the capacity as a business to take on a specific project?

You can read the full document here – https://media.bethebusiness.com/documents/5195_Construction_Brochure_SinglePgs.pdf

So how will you work with the supply chain moving forwards? With you be Project A or Project B?

The post The Private Sector Construction Playbook : Trust and Productivity appeared first on Zaun Limited.

So why a new brand for Zaun?

One of the main areas in which Zaun stands above the rest of the industry is in its design and in-house manufacturing. However, over the last few years this has also been the same area that Zaun has failed to convey to its clients and customers.

Zaun is the last in-house manufacturer in the United Kingdom of woven and welded mesh fencing systems, and that is something we need to be proud of and promote. Our ability to create new products that protect people, assets and events drive the innovations that have seen Zaun continue to challenge the industry on what sports and security fencing manufacturing should mean.

How do you represent all that in a brand?

First, we had to break down what problems we solve for our customers and clients. Sitting down with the internal team and customers aided us in exploring a full SWOT analysis of Zaun, not only as a company but as a brand. Our excellence in British manufacturing was the biggest strength which continuously repeated itself across everyone who responded.

With this in mind, we added the visualisation of a Union Flag to represent British manufacturing in the design of the new logo. Whilst this might seem just a simple addition it draws a line in the sand. We are Zaun and we are proud to be the last in-house British Manufacturer of Woven and Welded Mesh Fencing Systems.

With all these changes why didn’t you change the typography of the logo?

It was one of the first things we discussed at the concept design meeting. Do we change the typography and go with something new? However, this led to a second question; what does the logo already mean to the industry?

Zaun has been well respected over the last 25 years for manufacturing high-quality products for the sports and physical perimeter security industry. Since its launch on November 6^th, 1996, problem-solving and innovation is at the core of Zaun’s continued investment in manufacturing machinery. Customers and clients recognise Zaun as a leader in quality and excellence.

The typography has been the one constant throughout our growth. Customers and Clients connect as soon as they see it, they feel secure that Zaun is a leader. Likewise, the history of the typography; first chosen by Alastair Henman (Managing Director and Founder) has woven itself into the core of the business, the internal team, and the local community.

Everyone loves a good tagline, why did you pick “Protection Through Innovation”

From ‘Zaun… means Fencing’ to ‘Zaun Makes Perfect Fence’ we have seen some interesting ones over the last quarter of a century. However, our new tagline isn’t just an easy marketing win. Protection Through Innovation displays our mission right at the heart of what we do.

Our investment in British Manufacturing is second to none. It forms one of the cornerstones of our five company values; Problem Solving, Excellence, Investment, Teamwork, and Trusted Partners. Through continued investment and the ‘Right People in the Right Places’ across our business we can offer solutions that stem from innovation to offer the highest levels of protection in sports and physical perimeter security.

What about the future?

The future has never been brighter for Zaun. 2021 was a year of reflection after coming out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2022 we started to put the customer experience at the heart of our business. The future? Well as our new tagline says Protection Through Innovation.

The post Protection Through Innovation… appeared first on Zaun Limited.

Where is the Black Country?

The Black Country isn’t a region that can be located on a google map. It’s actually part of the West Midlands and commonly refers to all four of the Metropolitan Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Typically used to promote the West Midlands region to the north of Birmingham.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The expression dates back to the 1840s. The Industrial Revolution saw the area become one of the most industrialised parts of Britain, with coal mines, iron foundries, brickworks and the like producing a high level of air pollution. The area is believed to have got its name from the soot that was produced during this time. However, a sense of shared history and tradition in the area has kept the term in use today.

The region was described as ‘Black by day and red by night’ by Elihu Burritt, the American Consul to Birmingham, in 1862. From Charles Dickens to William Shenstone, other authors refer to the intensity of manufacturing in the Black Country and its effect on the landscape and its people.

The flag

The flag is a regional flag representing the Black Country, and the design was chosen by public vote in 2012. The red and black colours were inspired by Elihu Burritt, who once said that the region is ‘black by day and red by night. The white triangular shape represents the glass cones common in Black Country architecture, while the chains symbolise something that the area is well known for.

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Safety in the Use of Abrasive Wheels Training

Andy Moore, Des Ellits, Tom Fedulins, Richard New and Thomas Slade have all completed and passed their Safety in the Use of Abrasive Wheels course. A course designed and structured to provide training in the safe use of abrasive wheels and meets the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) and the Health and Safety Executive HSG 17. “Safety in the Use of Abrasive wheels”.

Concerning abrasive wheels, PUWER 98 requires, among other things, that all machinery is suitable for its intended use and is properly maintained and that employees, including those using, mounting and managing the operation of abrasive wheels, are fully informed and properly trained in their safe use.

Overhead Crane Handling Training

Lawrence Sinabgani, Alec Callear, Stuart Banks, Kevin Lloyd, and Andy Moore have completed and passed their Overhead Crane training course. This training allows the employee to carry out routine inspections of the machinery/lifting tackle and recognise the causes of load instability.  They can also operate the crane using safe and correct procedures in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and good practice.

Fire Marshall Training

Kevin Lloyd and Sharnie Tanner have completed and passed their fire marshall training course, the nominated emergency response personnel. This training provides staff with the knowledge and skills to fulfil the role of a company Fire Marshal. In particular, prepare them to respond promptly and positively in the event of a suspected or actual fire and facilitate the safe evacuation of premises.

Well done to everyone involved!

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