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.

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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

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Protecting players and spectators alike

The obvious benefit of installing spectator railings around your football pitch is the additional safety element they provide.

Whatever level of football is being played, players and fans must be safely separated. Robust rails and purpose crafted sports fencing provides that separation. It means spectators can watch and enjoy the game in comfort and from a safe distance while allowing the match to unfold without fear of fans inadvertently appearing on the field of play.

By adding mesh infills to the rails, you can enhance the sense of security around the pitch, with the further benefit of fewer dashes across the park to retrieve the ball.

Improving pitch quality

From an aesthetic point of view, the addition of a quality constructed, beautifully finished, and durable railing can elevate the football pitch above and beyond your ‘standard’ park pitch. It can create more of an event-type feel for those watching the game while enhancing the players’ environment and overall match experience.

On a practical level, they also help with pitch maintenance and protection. With secure fencing in place, there’s less likelihood of unsanctioned use or access from people and pets, helping to maintain a higher standard of playing field.

Zaun quality spectator rails and sports fencing

To maximise the benefits from your spectator rails around your outdoor football pitches or any other sports field, then you need to invest in a quality solution.

At Zaun, we’re specialists in providing rails, and sports fencing specifically crafted to meet the demands and legal requirements, providing your club with a safe, attractive and long-lasting solution. Thus, helping maintain a safe playing environment and healthy pitch for years to come.

Want to find out how we could help? We’d love to hear from you.

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1. Electrified fencing

Some sites need strong deterrents that can stop intruders in their tracks. Electrified fencing provides a physical barrier that can also give miscreants a painful, incapacitating shock if they attempt to scale it or cut it. Consequently, it is one of the most effective deterrents available. It can be used to protect isolated storage facilities that contain valuable commodities and out-of-the-way private properties. It can even be used around farmland to stop intruders disturbing livestock or interfering with crops. However, as we have discussed in previous blog entries, it cannot generally be deployed in built-up areas or on sites used by large numbers of people, as it poses a danger to anyone who happens to contact it.

2. Mesh fencing

Mesh fencing is a very structurally resilient fencing option. It is flexible enough to absorb and dissipate significant levels of physical force but is also tough enough not to break apart when subjected to pressure for sustained periods. Mesh fencing is beneficial for protecting sites and buildings where valuable commodities are stored and need to be accessed by many workers or consumers. This is because it is a very secure option that doesn’t pose a hazard to individuals who use the site. Therefore, it can be used to protect certain businesses, warehouses and similar locations. It can also be used to prevent members of the public from accessing potentially dangerous locations, such as construction sites.

3. Railings

While railings don’t offer the same level of protection as mesh fences or electrified fences, they are secure enough to protect most homes and small businesses. They are also more stylish and unimposing than other fencing options, making them ideal for protecting public buildings and spaces.

4. Integrated mesh solutions

Most types of fencing have to be set up around the perimeter of a site. Integrated solutions, however, can be incorporated into the architecture of the building that needs to be protected. This makes them ideal for protecting properties in crowded areas where there may not be space to establish a proper perimeter.

Whatever type of fencing you need, Zaun can supply it. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

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Zaun Limited supplies the perimeter security for two prestigious booster stations in Oman for Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the foremost exploration and production company in the Sultanate. It accounts for more than 70% of its crude oil production and nearly all of its natural gas supply.

PDO operates in a concession area of about 100,000 sq km, one-third of Oman’s geographical area; has more than 125 producing fields; more than 5,000 producing wells; and a workforce of about 6,000 PDO staff and more than 35,000 contractors. It is 60% owned by the Government of Oman with Royal Dutch Shell (34%), Total (4%) and Partex (2%) the other shareholders.

Zaun is supplying the Oman pilots with almost 9km of HiSec 358 fencing and a large number of PAS 68 crash rated entry and exit gates, which will fill 24 40-foot containers, of which half have already left Zaun’s UK manufacturing base.

Zaun’s premier British-made fencing, embedded operations in the region, and superior customer service won them the pilot projects.

The fencing and gates will be integrated with razor wire, PIDs and CCTV to form inner and outer cordons around the Hubara oil booster station in the south of Oman and its sister Nahada booster station in the north, about 400km from Muscat towards the Saudi border.

The purpose of the booster stations is to pressurise the crude oil in pipes buried under the Omani desert as it is fed from the fields into the main oil line for export.

Work is proceeding apace at the Nahada site though they have had to overcome on-site challenges, such as the formation of wadis when rivers spring up in flash floods in the desert and violent sand storms that can shred the coatings on the fence panels.

Jeremy Knight, head of Middle East operations for Zaun, said: “Even though these are only pilot projects, they constitute a sizable contract for our Middle East operation. PDO is an extremely important and influential client for Zaun as they are well known in the region for setting the benchmark for the industry.”

Work on both sites is expected to complete later in 2014 when PDO has plans to roll out security on further sites across the country.

Featured products:

• HiSec

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Perimeter fencing serves a hugely important role yet is not always recognised for the intrinsic value it generates for businesses. Not only does it serve as a crucial crime deterrent and potential safety barrier, but it also functions as a required solution for a wide spectrum of uses, from high-security applications to school railing systems.

Advanced perimeter systems are concerned; no two are the same, placing huge demands on businesses operating in the sector to provide flexible, durable and cost-effective solutions to their client base. As part of this journey, product innovation is crucial, particularly if businesses remain competitive in the current economic climate and look towards a strategy of increasing domestic and international market share, developing products that exceed customer requirements and industry standards.

Zaun Ltd has been providing high-quality steel fencing products and solutions since 1996. Over the last 18 years, it has developed a strong reputation for bespoke, customer-focused service, catering to many clients in the UK and worldwide.

Since its inception, the company has grown significantly, starting by importing twin-wire fencing solutions for UK-based customers in 1996. It now operates from a 100,000 sq ft purpose-built manufacturing facility in Wolverhampton, providing a complete service solution, from concept to completion, including installation and maintenance.

In addition to its headquarters in the Black Country, the company has extended its global reach, opening an office in Paris to serve customers across Europe, and in Dubai, for Middle Eastern projects.

While Zaun’s engineering prowess can be seen in its flexibility to provide tailored products to its customers, its product range will continue to expand based on site requirements, location, and landscape. Current solutions include electric and security fencing and perimeter fencing, ornate fencing and school and play area fencing, including sliding and swing gates and railings and access control systems.

It has just secured a patent for its MultiFence mobile high-security Hostile Vehicle Mitigation fence assembly, which is created especially for the London 2012 Olympic Games by mounting its PAS 68 MultiFence into Multibloc concrete blocks to resist attack 7.5-tonne vehicles driven straight at it at 40mph.

It uses anti-climb mesh fencing with posts mounted in concrete blocks using a unique bolting method which allows the panels to follow a curve or go from a flat surface to an incline with ease. The mounting of the fencing on the blocks also means that a considerable amount of space is saved using separate roadblocks and temporary fencing.

The system is ideal for utility plants, as no below-ground foundations are required and can be used on soft and hard standing.

Zaun also makes the highest security fencing solution available in the UK market, ArmaWeave®. This is already used at several high-profile maximum-security installations across the UK and has achieved Secured by Design accreditation, the official UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of ‘designing out crime’.

Steve Roberts, Marketing Manager at Zaun, confirmed: “Our product range is well established, and with demand strong in the UK and abroad for our expertise, the prospects are looking good for the future. However, as a business, we are committed to R&D to develop the capabilities of our existing designs and promote the innovative advancement of new perimeter solutions. We can’t rest on our laurels as competition is fierce.

“One of the advantages of manufacturing in the UK and other strategic locations is that we can respond quickly to the needs of our customers by producing solutions that are uniquely tailored to individual circumstances. Our innovative approach means that we can react quickly to market conditions and customer requirements, meeting and exceeding expectations and winning new business as a result.”

Featured products:

• Bow Top Urban Railings
• Bow Top Play Railings
• Solid Vertical Bar Railings
• Hollow Vertical Bar Railings
• MultiFence
• RDS
• ArmaWeave

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The PM’s office asked Zaun to comment for news outlets on trading conditions and other high profile business leaders in the West Midlands.

Zaun co-founder and director Alastair Henman said: “Trading conditions have been tough over the last few years. Customers expect more and demand a high level of service whilst opportunities are scarce. So we have had to innovate and add more value to keep ahead and busy. Those efforts are really starting to pay off as the activity level starts to increase.

“Both home and export markets are exciting and actual. We have recruited to move back to 24hr operation and employed new technical staff to ensure we make the most of our resources. 2014 is looking very exciting indeed. I hope the government recognises the need for not just a mixed economy but a mixed manufacturing base – not everything needs to be high-tech, but there is a need to strive to be world-class in your sector and to invest for success.“

Paul Noon, UK Trade & Industry’s Regional Director for the West Midlands, said: “The last year has seen a dramatic rise in the export of goods from the West Midlands. In 2012-2013, the region exported goods worth £22,640 million. Already this year (2013-2014), exports from the region have reached £19,350 million. This fantastic success is being led by the likes of JLR and JCB but with many smaller companies contributing to the continued improvement in our export figures. We are confident this trend will continue, especially with an increased effort to work with a wide range of local partners and encourage more mid-sized businesses (MSBs) to improve their export efforts.

“We’ll continue to support businesses of all sizes to grow through exports and have market visits planned across the globe, including USA, UAE, China and Brazil.

Andy Street, Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership Chair, said: “There is a feeling our businesses are fighting back and are gradually turning the corner. While we are always cautious about putting too much faith in statistics presented in isolation, the continuing downward trend in unemployment in Greater Birmingham is encouraging.

“If we look at this alongside Greater Birmingham’s success in attracting inward investment and our recent figures that show 19,000 new private-sector jobs were created in 2011-12, we see plenty to provide us with cautious optimism. With the work were are doing as an LEP and the exciting proposals being developed as part of our submission to the Local Growth Fund, we have longer-term job creation plans that will take us further.”

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The two-day trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi forms part of efforts to meet UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) target of increasing bilateral trade with the UAE in goods and services to £12bn by 2015. Current trade and investment levels are on track to meet those targets, reaching £10 billion in 2012.

In Dubai, Dr Cable will also meet some of the 170 UK businesses exhibiting at the international fire and security show, Intersec, including Zaun, the Wolverhampton based manufacturer of perimeter security systems.

Dr Cable will also speak to His Highness Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, about high-value opportunities for UK business in the aerospace sector.

On the first day of his trip, Dr Cable will encourage businesses in the UAE to invest in the UK by launching a new UKTI Gulf Investment Team, sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The task force will be headed by accountants’ firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and will find 100 new investment opportunities, which will lead to 15 concrete investment projects from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE by the end of March 2015.

Dr Cable said: “Growth remains our country’s top priority. Encouraging firms to export more to emerging economies has formed a key part of the government’s industrial strategy – helping us stay ahead of the competition in key sectors where we are global leaders.

“UK exports of goods to the UAE were up 11 per cent until September last year, generating over £6 billion – a major success story for our commercial partnership.

“The UAE’s long-term prospects remain strong, and I am looking forward to meeting businesses and key decision-makers to take forward British interests in my first visit to the country.”

The creation of the UKTI Gulf Investment Team follows the development of two British Business Centres in the UAE (Dubai, due to open this March; and Abu Dhabi, due to open this October). They will include business support hubs that will give advice, IT support and office space to businesses looking to set up in the UAE. This will help British companies looking to bid for some of the £1.2 billion of business up for grabs a competitive edge to win and deliver the site of the upcoming world fair ‘Expo 2020’ in Dubai.

Zaun co-founder and director Alastair Henman said: “After only our second visit to Intersec in 2012, we opened an office in the Emirates Towers in the heart of the Dubai business district after unprecedented interest in our products from the Middle East construction industry.

“Since then, we have supplied our premium British-made products to Dubai, the UAE, Oman and Kuwait with the help of UKTI, who have used us as a British trailblazer on trade delegations overseas since our work on securing the London 2012 Olympics.

“UKTI has helped us set up overseas opportunities, helped us liaise with foreign embassies and provided the platform for Zaun to talk to governments, event organisers, security services and customers across the globe.

“We have presented and exhibited as part of UKTI delegations at the LAAD Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; SportAccord in St Petersburg, Russia; and numerous Middle Eastern conferences to drum up more business and bang the British drum.

“Throughout, our UKTI international trade advisor Terence Madkins has been a constant support to Zaun, giving key advice through his experience of dealing with overseas markets. This, along with the Omis reports and Passport to Export and Gateway to Global Growth programmes, gives us huge confidence of expanding our exports in the Middle East and beyond.“

In Abu Dhabi, Dr Cable will also attend the World Future Energy Summit, where he will promote UK interests in oil and technologies and participate in a global leaders panel discussion on ‘the business of clean energy.

A survey of Middle Eastern perceptions of trading with the UK is being launched to coincide with the trip. It found key strengths include political stability, the banking and financial system, stable and effective regulation and the education system.

Business representatives from the Middle East also ranked the UK fourth best for investment and saw it as a key destination for accessing Europe. Still, high costs and taxes coupled with low growth were seen as particular barriers.

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Zaun has become an ADS member, the premier trade organisation advancing UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries globally, and the European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA).

ADS was formed from the Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers, the Defence Manufacturers Association and the Society of British Aerospace Companies in October 2009. ADS also encompasses the British Aviation Group and Farnborough International Limited, which runs the Farnborough International Airshow. Together with its regional partners, ADS represents over 2,600 companies.

EFIA was established in 1982 as a not-for-profit trade association serving the needs of the fencing industry. Members include fencing product manufacturers, stockists, installers, and other individuals and organisations with a professional interest in the fencing industry.

It exists to promote safety, quality, and professionalism throughout the fencing industry, provide business opportunities, industry news and technical information to its members, encourage inter-member trading and collaboration, and raise the fencing industry’s profile and image.

Zaun has joined a number of trade bodies over the years, showing support to the industry.

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The HiSec Super SR2 fencing system from perimeter protection specialist Zaun has been certified by BRE to LPS 1175: Issue 7, Security Rating 2, certificate number 1164a/01.

BRE Physical Security Certification Scheme Manager Richard Flint presented the accreditation certificate to Zaun co-founder and director Alastair Henman at the opening day of the Counter Terror Expo at Kensington Olympia.

Zaun technical and production director Henman said it was a fantastic achievement to achieve the SR2 rating with a single layer fence.

He said: “Other mesh panels that have achieved SR2 have had to employ double layers of mesh with extra reinforcment. The single layer Super10 gives better through-visibility for security patrols and CCTV, is kinder on the eye and is as simple to install as our standard 358 system. These benefits give us the commercial and performance edge.

“The product testing and factory controls are very vigorous and sets our product and quality apart from the mass of products available on the market which look similar but in many cases fail to perform or last to the customer’s expectations. To maintain the rating there are regular independent audits so customers can be assured long term that the product is built to the same exacting standards as the tested product.“

Zaun manufactures its HiSec Super range in-house with 6, 8 or 10mm vertical wires at 76.2 or 50mm spacing. Zaun’s unique in-house capability has enabled it to manufacture Super-10 panels to achieve the SR2 standard.

Henman added: “This has been possible due to our unique in house manufacturing capabilities at our West Midland HQ. We produce our own mesh, a claim many infer but do not do. Our doors are always open to potential customers who would like to see for themselves where the product is made and how its quality is assured.“

The close tight mesh of HiSec Super is hard to climb and difficult to cut through, which mitigates the need for double skin systems to reduce the cost of both production and installation, while offering a high level of resistance to attack.

HiSec Super was developed in consultation with the Home Office to protect high profile and sensitive sites. The system reduces attack options to vulnerable vertical wires and introduces increased delay from attack by hand and power tools.

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