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Here you will find interesting announcements, statements and essays around automated safety and ASO company news.
2024 marks a significant year in the history of ASO: we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. Our journey began in 1984 in Salzkotten, Westphalia. Back then, the company consisted of just four employees, but they pursued a clear vision right from the start: the development and production of sensor technology that meets the high demands of the industry and the market. By focussing on quality, safety and innovation, ASO quickly succeeded in making a name for itself in the door and gate industry.
With continuous growth, the location in Salzkotten was soon no longer sufficient. After several extensions, we then decided to take an important step in 2014: the move to Lippstadt, where we were not only able to expand our production capacities, but also open up new business areas.
Our endeavour: To manufacture products that are individually tailored to customer requirements. Our test centre in Lippstadt enables us to develop products that not only meet today's normative requirements, but also fulfil these customer-specific demands.
In order to be able to respond to the growing demand for safety technologies in a wide range of industries, production was expanded in Lippstadt in 2019. In addition to the expansion of the company headquarters in Lippstadt, international expansion was also an important milestone in our company history. ASO Safety Solutions, Inc. was founded in New Jersey, USA, back in 2004. Our subsidiary was a decisive step towards better serving the North American market and at the same time strengthening ASO's global presence.
This was followed in 2019 by the establishment of a sales company in Nanjing, China, to further expand the Asian market. We now employ over 200 people in total.
In addition, our Europe-wide partner and dealer network enables us to provide customers in various countries with customised solutions quickly and reliably.
To coincide with our company anniversary, this year we launched our new product ‘LISENS scan’, an electromagnetic sensor technology that enables even more precise control of security and access systems such as barriers and gates. The product is based on advanced FMCW radar technology, which makes it possible to detect and categorise both vehicles and people from a distance. Depending on the area of application, the system can define different warning zones and a so-called safety zone.
However, ASO sensors are not only used on barriers and gates, but in principle wherever automation harbours potential dangers for people - on machines, in driverless transport systems, in robotics and in public transport. They also play a central role in agricultural automation and on the apron.
In addition to focussing on markets and products, the training of our employees is equally important to us: with now 10 different apprenticeships, we offer young people the opportunity to complete a qualified apprenticeship in a promising field.
In a nutshell: We proudly look back on 40 years of innovation and growth and are ready to shape the next 4 decades just as successfully. Let's go!
We are proud to announce that our colleagues Ali Saki (process mechanic) and Sebastian Jeronski (industrial clerk) have successfully completed their apprenticeships.
Our managing directors Helmut Friedrich and Daniel Verhufen, as well as trainer Dennis Hillemeier and training manager Kim Stember, congratulated them on their graduation.
We are delighted to offer them both permanent employment contracts and look forward to many more successful years of working together.
This week we had the pleasure to welcome six of our new trainees and next week another trainee will follow. After a short introductory event, we had a pizza with all trainees and trainers to get to know each other.
This was followed by a fun rally through the company. Here, teams had to compete against each other and answer difficult questions with the help of our departments.
We are delighted to inform you about an exciting change happening at ASO Safety Solutions regarding our KS4-PRO assembly accessories. Starting from July 3rd, 2023, we will begin delivering our resistive plugs and plugs with connecting cables in a striking red color.
These red plugs will replace the previous black ones and come with several advantages. The contrasting color against the contact profile and sealant enhances the visual control during the assembly process. Rest assured, this update does not affect the plugs' geometry or the materials used, ensuring that all the product's features remain intact.
Please note that the transition will be gradual as we exhaust our existing stock. Additionally, the red plugs are fully compatible with the previous black plugs, allowing for combinations of both (concealed by the end caps).
At ASO Safety Solutions, our customers are our top priority, and we want to keep you well-informed about this product adaptation. If you have any questions or concerns, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to assist you.
We are excited about this development and believe that the new red plugs will further enhance our customers' satisfaction. Thank you for your continuous support!
Your ASO Safety Solutions Team
This year again, 2 of our trainees successfully completed their apprenticeships. Nico Klein, now officially electronics technician for devices and systems, and Maximilian Schipke, technical product designer, were duly celebrated.
CFO Daniel Verhufen, trainer Julian Kisker, apprenticeship responsible Kim Stember and trainer Sven Bürger thanked them for their dedication and commitment.
Both will now be taken on as permanent employees. Nico, Maxi - we look forward to continuing to work with you!
With 5398 trade visitors from 55 countries and thus an increase in visitors of 27.7 percent compared to the previous event in 2020, the seventh Perimeter Protection ended last week more successful than ever.
200 exhibitors, including ASO, informed the audience about the latest solutions in outdoor and building security.
At the 48m² booth of ASO Safety Solutions, which was presented in a revised design, the expert visitor could discover high-quality solutions for perimeter protection.
The proven quick-assembly system for safety contact edges was particularly well received. The revised technology now offers increased protection (IP 67) and an even easier assembly process.
The ELMON wicom radio transmission system again attracted great interest. The system offers the fastest transmission times - always in the optimal frequency range with permanent self-testing.
Dirk Danzebrink, Head of Sales Europe of ASO Safety Solutions sums up: "We were able to make many new contacts and also had very interesting discussions with a large number of our long-standing customers. We received very positive feedback on our products throughout."
With the world's largest portfolio of safety contact profiles, the new generation drive controls, the LISENS light curtain and the ELMON wicom and ELMON inductive signal transmission systems, ASO offers its customers a complete portfolio of safety solutions for all automatic doors and gates.
ASO is already looking forward to the next Perimeter Protection, which will take place in Nuremberg from 14 to 16 January 2025.
The preparations for Perimeter Protection 2023 are already in full swing.
After a pandemic-related break, we are looking forward to participating again next year in what is probably the most important trade fair for perimeter protection and building security.
From 17 to 19 January 2023, the trade fair will take place as usual in Nuremberg.
On our 48m² booth we will present proven and new safety solutions for perimeter protection.
Visit us in hall 1, booth 400!
This year ASO participated for the first time in the FMB, the trade fair for mechanical and plant engineering.
More than 300 exhibitors presented their latest products and services around mechanical engineering.
The highlight at ASO's booth was a robot arm equipped with ASO's switch-active sensors.
Frank Meier, Senior Sales & Segment Development at ASO, draws a positive conclusion: "With increasing automation, the demands on safety for man and machine are rising. The demand for safety solutions for machine automation is correspondingly high. Our tactile, i.e. touch-sensitive, sensors are of great relevance here. We were able to make a lot of interesting contacts at the trade fair and still see a lot of potential for our product portfolio in the mechanical engineering market."
The next FMB will take place from November 08 to 10, 2023."
From September 13 to 15, ASO participated in the GSE Expo Europe in Paris, a new trade show format that revolves around the topic of "Ground Support Equipment", i.e. all vehicles and equipment that is involved in ground handling.
Around 150 exhibitors informed the visitors about the latest developments in autonomous GSE, ground handling safety and "Green Aviation".
The highlight at ASO's booth was its "Collision Avoidance System", a retrofit solution for ground support vehicles specially developed for the GSE industry, consisting of tactile and proximity sensors as well as a control unit that serves as an interface between the sensors and various signaling devices and stores all relevant data on accidents by means of GPS signals. The system was demonstrated on a GSE model approaching a replica aircraft fuselage.
Other talking points included the irrigation station demonstrating the durability of safety contact bumpers and video sequences on ASO's GSE product portfolio.
"New trade show formats usually come with a certain amount of uncertainty, especially with the pandemic not yet fully behind us. Since we already serve customers from the GSE segment, we naturally approached the trade fair with a corresponding level of expectation - and were not disappointed. Both intensive discussions with our existing partners and interesting new contacts have confirmed that collision avoidance is more than ever in the focus of GSE manufacturers and operators and therefore let us look positively at the future development of our position in the GSE market," says Head of Sales Europe Dirk Danzebrink.
The next GSE Expo Europe is scheduled to take place in 2024. Date and venue are yet to be announced.
ASO is pleased to welcome six new apprentices this year.
Managing director Daniel Verhufen welcomed the new employees together with Kim Stember, responsible for apprenticeship.
"The apprentices are in for an exciting and challenging time. It is important to us to train the young people ourselves according to our standards, to actively support them and to bind them to ASO in the long term," said Daniel Verhufen.
During a production run in the coming weeks, the newcomers will have the opportunity to get to know the products, processes and colleagues.
Welcome to ASO! It's great to have you with us!
ASO is pleased to announce the final patent grant for a new generation of SENTIR edge® safety contact edges. Nick Klause, Head of Product Management & Engineering, explains: "This SENTIR edge® was developed specifically for certain gate applications and offers further potential for ASO. With the granting of the patent, we have now paved the way to the market.
After the US patent was already granted some time ago, ASO has now also received the positive decision from the European Patent Office.
After 3 years, the ASO Partner Event finally took place again in Lippstadt.
25 sales partners from 16 countries came to the meeting to exchange information about current projects and common targets.
After a 3-year break, the main focus was on the economic situation, but also on product innovations and upgrades.
The team-building evening was themed "Schützenfest" - a German tradition that was visibly appreciated by the partners from the other European countries. With the strong support of a brass band, king and queen were crowned at the end of the evening after an exciting competition.
The fact that the ASO Sales network is characterised by many years of trustful cooperation was proven by the numerous jubilarians who were honoured by Head of Sales Dirk Danzebrink and CEO Helmut Friedrich with a big thank you as well as a certificate and small gift.
Contra from Austria and Tritecnica from Italy have been official ASO sales partners for 25 years. Our British partners from EasyGates and our Belgian partners from AB-Matic have both been part of the ASO family for more than 10 years.
Conclusion of the long-awaited reunion in Lippstadt: The ASO family has successfully mastered the challenges of the pandemic so far and looks positively into the future.
We are happy to welcome two new employees to our Product Management Team.
They have just completed a 3-week company tour to get to know our processes, products and colleagues. Now both start at their new workplace: Mike Thielisch will be responsible for ASO's opto-sensor and control technologies whereas Stefan Goebel will be in charge of our tactile portfolio. Head of Product Management and Engineering Nick Klause is pleased about the new manpower and looks forward to a good, long-term collaboration: "With Stefan and Mike we have two experienced project managers on board who are a perfect addition to our team."
Three of our trainees have successfully completed their training at ASO.
Mona Richter (technical product designer), Sascha Wöstheinrich (industrial clerk) and Leonard Soumi (electronics technician for devices and systems) have completed an important stage in their lives and laid the foundation for their future careers. This will now be continued at ASO: all three will be taken on as employees.
At the ceremony, CEO Helmut Friedrich and CFO Daniel Verhufen, as well as training manager Andrea Greifenhagen and trainers Sven Bürger and Julian Kisker congratulated warmly.
ASO is thrilled about the growth in the team and wishes them much fun and success!
ASO now is an official sponsor member of the Gütegemeinschaft Metallzauntechnik (Metal Fence Technology Quality Association).
Head of Sales Dirk Danzebrink is happy about the membership and explains: "The association makes a valuable contribution with regard to the quality and safety of metal fences. The RAL quality seal offers consumers reliable support in the decision-making process. As a manufacturer of safety sensors for, among other things, gates that are integrated into fence systems, it is important for ASO to support this quality association and to make our know-how available when needed."
After more than 11 years with ASO, our colleague Hubert Stroop has now taken his well-deserved retirement. At a small farewell party in the circle of his closest colleagues, CEO Helmut Friedrich and Head of Product Management and Engineering Nick Klause thanked him for his work over the past years.
Initially working in product development, he was then responsible for the development and implementation of standards.
For this work in national as well as European standardization, he will still be available to ASO on an hourly basis.
We thank Hubert for the good cooperation, his commitment, as well as his open collegial manner and wish him all the best for his retirement!
ASO is the first and so far only sensor manufacturer to receive the BAS.T quality seal.
The seal distinguishes products with properties that exceed the legal and normative requirements. Thus, the BAS.T quality seal is the sign that makes the existing "certificate jungle" more transparent and unambiguous.
The requirements for certification are divided into company level and product level. The focus here is on proof of safety, durability and sustainability.
BAS.T is an association of leading manufacturers of door operators, radio systems, safety equipment and door control systems. The member companies - including ASO - guarantee their customers maximum safety, reliability and quality.
We are pleased to have successfully completed the ISO 9001 re-certification.
As a global company, this certificate is essential for ASO to meet the requirements in the supply chain and to ensure the quality of the safety components .
A big thank you goes to our Quality Manager John Wallace and all colleagues involved for the preparations during the last months!
Pictured: Head of Compliance Melissa Roß and Quality Manager John Wallace are happy about the certificate.
ASO proudly presents 2 newly qualified safety engineers.
Henning Kreuz and Xaver Kuznik have successfully passed the training to become functional safety engineers.
Head of Product Management and Engineering Nick Klause explains:
“Henning and Xaver are mainly involved in the development of programmable electronic safety components. Their current project is the latest generation of our DRICO drive controls. The qualification is necessary in order to design our products in compliance with the international standard IEC 61508. We are proud of them and look forward to continue working together.”
There is a longtime trustful partnership between ASO and HERAS, expert in perimeter protection. For multiple gate types HERAS uses both safety contact edges and drive controls from ASO.
Besides continuous improvements in product developments, further enhancements, be it production-, logistics- or sustainability-oriented, are of interest for both parties. Nowadays sustainability is becoming increasingly important for all of us and thus for companies as well.
Packaging is an important component to ensure the functionality of the product, in this case ASO’s SENTIR edge® safety contact edge. But how to save on packaging without jeopardizing its intact arrival?
ASO and HERAS accepted the challenge. The outcome is a zero-waste solution: A transport cart that offers space for about 170 ready-to-mount safety contact edges. Previously single packed, the new transport solution now saves 100% packaging material. The design of the cart also ensures the integrity of the products and speeds up the use in HERAS’ production lines.
After the installation at different gate types the transport cart goes back to ASO for the next delivery.
We are looking forward to many more years of cooperation with HERAS, characterized by trust, innovation, success and sustainability.
By the way: ASO’s SENTIR edge® safety contact edges are made of 100% recyclable TPE material, making them the most sustainable product in our portfolio.
When young people bring their knowledge and skills to a project and it is also technical in nature, ASO is in the game.
With our sponsoring we supported the OWL Racing Team, a group of students of the Technical University Ostwestfalen-Lippe, in the construction and production of an electric racing car.
The team has been participating in “Formula Student”, an international design competition for students, since 2009. The goal is to develop a vehicle prototype including a business plan.
This year's vehicle is a further development of the team’s first electric racing car presented in 2019.
From self-developed electronics (drive controller, wiring harness, CAN bus system) to a self-built chassis (steel lattice tube frame, aerodynamic package, etc.) - the students put all their knowledge and experience into the latest prototype. The result: 80kW of propulsive power with a net weight of 234 kg get the vehicle from 0 to 100 in just 3.5 seconds.
ASO is thrilled by so much innovation, commitment and creativity and wishes the team continued success and a safe ride all the time!
Today 5 young adults started their apprenticeship at ASO. Till Bertelt (warehouse logistics specialist), Melina Pugliese (technical product designer), Daniel Lamert (electronics technician for devices and systems), Sebastian Jeronski and Max Ebel (both industrial clerk) were welcomed by CEO Helmut Friedrich, CFO Daniel Verhufen, trainee manager Andrea Greifenhagen and the trainers Sven Bürger and Dennis Hillemeier. After lunch together with all ASO trainees, they were able to gain their first impressions of the company during the "ASO Rallye".
Tomorrow, the serious side of life begins: Like all new employees, they start with a production run to get to know the products, but also their new colleagues.
A warm welcome and lots of fun in the new phase of life! We are also looking forward to Ali Saki, who will start his apprenticeship as a process mechanic for plastics and rubber on 01.09.2021.
In total, ASO now employs 19 trainees in a total of 7 different job profiles. High-quality training is very important to us: internal further training measures, external training courses and a lot of practical experience prepare the trainees intensively for their professional life and often enable them to be taken on as permanent employees if they perform well.
Our longtime proven KS4 assembly system for SENTIR edge safety contact edges has been upgraded!
The system is characterized by an even easier handling, which makes our tool-free assembly even safer.
Visually, the system is distinguished by a recyclable protective cap that protects the seal and contact pins until use.
The 100% compatibility with all previous KS4 systems, including the SENTIR edge contact profiles, enables a smooth and flexible changeover.
When professionally assembled and installed, the system achieves protection class IP 67 and can therefore withstand even extreme environmental conditions.
For further information please contact us!
Once again ASO Safety Solutions exhibited at R+T Expo - but this time everything was a bit different: From February 22 to 25, interested visitors could visit the booth virtually, because the world's leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors and sun protection presented itself in digital format. Over 300 exhibitors as well as numerous presentations informed about the newest trends and developments of the industries.
During the entire trade fair, ASO’s team was available via live chat or video meeting to present the latest developments as well as the proven product portfolio to the visitors. In addition, a wide range of e-papers as well as video material informed about ASO's variety of products and services.
ASO looks back on a completely new trade show experience, which Head of Sales Europe Dirk Danzebrink sums up as follows: "We are glad that we could participate in this new trade show format and thus gain valuable experience. For the future, the digital aspect can definitely be a valuable addition to a face-to-face trade show."
We are already looking forward to R+T Expo 2022, which is planned again as a presence trade fair in Stuttgart from February 21-25, 2022.
Only one week left until the world's leading trade fair for doors and roller shutters presents itself in digital format.
ASO participates again and looks back on interesting and successful events.
Not only visually the presentation of ASO has changed over the years, also on product level we can look back on exciting developments.From the proven safety contact edge SENTIR edge to the latest wireless transmission system ELMON wicom - the presentation of our safety solutions at the world's leading trade fair for doors and gates is and remains an essential part of our market participation.
Of course ASO can also be found at this year's R+T, for the first time in the form of a virtual booth. Via live chat, our staff will answer all questions of the digital trade fair visitors.
We are looking forward to a completely new experience!
R+T - the world's leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection is breaking new ground with the first digital trade fair in spring 2021.
From 22nd to 25th February 2021, participants at R+T digital will have the opportunity to present newly developed product innovations on an international platform and to transfer knowledge within the industry.
ASO will of course be there and is currently preparing the digital presentation of both new and established products.
We are looking forward to a new and exciting task!
In February, our colleague Simon Mersch completed his studies in industrial engineering at the Hamm Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences as best of the year.
The product manager for tactile sensor technology has been employed at ASO since 2007. 4 years ago, Simon decided to further educate himself with the aim of obtaining the Bachelors degree in the field of industrial engineering. He achieved this besides his job and within the regular study time. And also to be awarded as the best of the year is an outstanding achievement, in our opinion.
The Hamm-Lippstadt university of applied sciences awarded him a book prize and a certificate.
Congratulations, Simon!
Dear business partners and friends,
the developments around COVID-19 are increasingly leading to uncertainty in the population and to restrictions in daily life and business. Of course, the health and well-being of all employees, business partners and fellow human beings is also our highest priority and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure and support this to the best of our ability.
As an international company with offices all over the world, we too are currently facing the challenges of travel restrictions, transportation restrictions, supply chain restrictions, quarantine restrictions, and daily interaction restrictions.
At the present time, our companies have not been affected by COVID-19 infections and we therefore see only minor impairments in our operating facilities, so that our production and administration facilities are still in operation. However, since we will be taking further measures and possibly cannot currently foresee any impairments affecting us, we would like to take this opportunity to point out that there may in the next few weeks may also lead to reduced reaction times and increased delivery times.
Should you, for your part, be restricted in your processes, so that you cannot accept deliveries of goods from us, for example, please inform us in good time so that we can react accordingly.
We will of course inform you about any changes in our situation at short notice.
Once again, ASO attended the biggest door show in North America (USA and Canada). At their booth, Helmut Friedrich, Simon Rockel and Olaf Grobe presented ASO's state-of-the art safety packages for sectional and rolling steel doors, featuring their brandnew safety edge with built-in retainer SENTIR edge 25.45 ST, SENTIR edges made with translucent material and built-in LED strips for enhanced safety and of course ASO's Plug'N'Sense System for the quick and easy self-assembly of safety edges on-site. "Our new and unique safety edges attracted a lot of visitors to our booth and were the starting point for a lot of good talks. IDAExpo & Fencetech as always provided great opportunities for networking within the garage door industry. Again, we managed to make new connections which are going to lead to great success", says Olaf Grobe. ASO is looking forward to next year's IDAExpo & Fencetech which will take place in New Orleans, LA, from April 20 to 24, 2021.
For the fourth time, ASO Safety Solutions presented proven and new products from the fields of safety sensor technology and gate control systems at the Perimeter Protection, the international trade fair for perimeter protection, fence technology and building security.
With a total of 4,200 trade visitors in 2020, a growth of around 16% compared to the previous year, and 166 exhibitors, the fair came to a successful close on Thursday, 16 January, 2020.
At the new, approx. 45 sqm exhibition stand, ASO consultants welcomed numerous visitors and customers and presented new developments as well as the proven ASO product portfolio.
The live demonstration models of the new wireless signal transmission system ELMON wicom as well as the new generation of the door control DRICO generated great curiosity. But also the successful Plug'N'Sense system from ASO for a quick and easy self-assembly of the safety contact edges met with great approval and could be tested by every visitor to the stand. Especially a new, foldable version of the SENTIR edge, which no longer requires a separate mounting profile, impressed many visitors.
The trade fair feedback was suitably very positive. "We were able to make many good and new contacts and have promising conversations. But also our long-standing customers were enthusiastic about our newly presented products", says Dirk Danzebrink, Head of Sales Europe of ASO Safety Solutions.
With the proven but also constantly improved safety contact profiles and controls, the LISENS light curtain and the new wireless signal transmission system ELMON wicom, ASO offers its customers a complete portfolio of safety solutions for all automatic doors and gates.
ASO is already looking forward to the next Perimeter Protection at the exhibition centre in Nuremberg from 18 through 20 January, 2022.
The initial batch of SENTIR edge 25.30 TsB, ASO's first fire-resistant profile, is going to be produced this month in response to a project enquiry from a pilot customer.
Fire protection doors are subject to special regulations and the requirements for installed materials are very high, especially with regard to flame retardance. Various materials have already been tested in advance and verified with SENTIR edge 25.30 for manufacturability. The result is a classification and certification of SENTIR edge 25.30 TB / TBLa and TBLL according to relevant standards and regulations.
Thus the raw material is classified according to UL94V-0 (tests for the flammability of plastics) in the best category of its class.
SENTIR edge 25.30 TB /La and LL belong to the flame-retardant building materials according to B1 according to DIN 4102-1 (fire behaviour of building materials), also the best value in its class.
A required certificate is already available. Even if it is a German standard, a corresponding classification according to DIN 4102-1 is often required internationally.
In addition, the profile variants mentioned above have also been tested and confirmed in accordance with ECE R118 Appendices 7 and 8 (product testing of materials for use in motor vehicles).
Other profile types can also be manufactured with the material on request. Certifications or confirmations of the fire classes require prior agreement.
ASO has another reason to celebrate: Right on time for the 35th company anniversary the project "production expansion" has been completed: With the doubling of the production and storage area to 8000 m², all signs now point to process optimisation.
For last two and a half years, the writing has been on the wall: The production area of ASO's European headquarters in Lippstadt, which the company only moved into at the beginning of 2014, was no longer sufficient to be able to handle the good order situation. It was high time to expand again. After five months of preliminary planning, the go-ahead was given at the beginning of March this year: the excavators finally moved in to remove the previous parking lot. Concreting work, reinforced concrete skeleton with sandwich panels, roof, hall floor and the installation of a high-bay warehouse as well as three state-of-the-art loading bridges followed.
The cooperation with Bremer Bau again went smoothly: The building extension was completed ahead of schedule. In the coming months, the interior work will follow, partly with new machines and systems, as well as the installation of a PV system.
The extension forms the foundation for ASO to remain competitive for the world market at the Lippstadt location. The additional space provides sufficient space to shorten working distances, optimize inventories and thereby streamline processes and increase outputs.
In addition to increasing efficiency, the expanded production area also makes it possible to manufacture product innovations that are needed for growing new markets.
35 years ago, the rapid development of ASO Safety Solutions was not yet foreseeable. After the company was founded in Salzkotten by four partners, Helmut Friedrich took over sole responsibility for the company in 1997 and led it as owner and managing director to the USA, England, France and since 2019 to China as well. After an initial expansion of the production area in 2009 was quickly exhausted and there were no possibilities for expansion, the company settled in January 2014 in Friedrich's hometown of Lippstadt. In 2016, Daniel Verhufen was appointed commercial director in order to help shape the future course of the company.
ASO is proud to be able to call itself the world market leader for tactile sensors and to sell these and other products such as non-contact safety sensors and controllers internationally.
An important part of the successful existence are of course the 200 employees, of which meanwhile almost 20% have been with ASO for more than 10 years. The continuous further qualification of the personnel in cooperation with personnel development association PEPP has a high priority.
With deliberate investments in machines and international patents, ASO also ensures that it remains competitive and thus secures the company's location in Lippstadt.
We are looking forward to at least 35 more years of ASO Safety Solutions!
From 8th to 11th October ASO Safety Solutions presented safety solutions for ground support equipment for the first time at inter airport Europe, the world's leading trade fair for airport equipment, technology, design & service. More than 650 exhibitors informed almost 15,000 visitors about innovative solutions for interconnected airports.
Not only the proven SENTIR bumper safety bumpers and SENTIR edge safety edges for automated, mobile maintenance platforms, scissor lifts and other equipment were exhibited at the ASO stand. Special attention was paid to the specially developed GSE model, which is equipped with proximity sensors. Video sequences illustrated the function of the proximity sensor and offered an overview of the ASO product portfolio. Another highlight of the stand was an irrigation station for durability testing of safety buffers.
"From the first to the last day of the fair, visitors to our stand showed great interest in our safety solutions. The GSE model equipped with proximity sensors was an absolute eye-catcher and led to many good discussions. We also noticed that the topic "No-Touch-Policy" is becoming more and more important and therefore also our leading sensors" says Dirk Danzebrink, Head of Sales. "The show provided us with a variety of opportunities to exchange information on the latest requirements and technologies with representatives from GSE and AGV manufacturers, the aircraft service and maintenance industry and the airports themselves".
In addition to the industries mentioned, ASO also met with representatives of well-known airlines. They face the challenges of safety on machines, aircraft and operators on a daily basis and are therefore very interested in the latest developments.
ASO can therefore look back on a successful trade fair and is already looking forward to the next inter airport Europe.
DIN EN 12453 must be applied when it comes to the safety in use of power-operated doors.
As early as 2017, a revised standard DIN EN 12453:2017 was published by DIN as „state of the art“. Now, three years later, there is going to be another amendment to the standard with the date 2020, in which further details will be specified. This DIN EN 12453:2017 prA1:2020 is currently in the European survey and it can be assumed that this revision will also be published as „state of the art“.
As in the 2017 version of the standard, the current revision also draws attention to the problem of retraction when travelling on horizontally moving gates. Whereas in the past a risk analysis was used to assess whether there is danger when travelling, the latest version of the standard now defines a test procedure by the stipulated test specimen 120x120x500 mm under Paragraph 5.2.2 and 6.2.2.
We at ASO have looked specifically at this topic and are presenting the essential requirements as well as a recommendation for action in this document. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
For 15 years, Pascal Stoop and his company VRD ASO France have been partners of ASO. At a working meeting last week, Head of Product Management Nick Klause presented Pascal with a certificate and a small gift. We thank you for the successful partnership so far and look forward to many more years of cooperation!
As every year in June, ASO was able to welcome numerous partners at the international sales meeting in Lippstadt at the beginning of this week. 26 partners from Europe and the USA as well as employees discussed successes, strategies and new market segments. Of course, this opportunity was also used to take a look at the current status of the production hall expansion. On Tuesday evening, the focus was on team building: partners and colleagues were introduced to the secrets of the barbeque and, together with the grill masters, took care of their own physical well-being. Chickens, salmon, ribs, burgers, vegetables and even a New York cheesecake were prepared on grill and smoker in the best summer weather.
This year, particular attention was paid to activities in market segments in which ASO sees great growth potential in the future. These include Ground Support Equipment and Agricultural Automation. In the course of a workshop, experience gained so far was exchanged, developments presented and the route set for the coming months.
Once again, the partners from the United Kingdom were won an award: Despite the uncertainties resulting from the threat of Brexit, EasyGates from Birmingham achieved the greatest business growth of all ASO partners. Tony Gooding and Stuart Roddy received a certificate and a small gift.
After two days of lively exchange, it was clear that the ASO family in Europe and the USA would continue to grow together and celebrate new successes. With renewed vigour, the aim is now to make the 2nd half of 2019 as successful as the previous one.
We gave them a challenge and they rose to it: The ASO apprentices were able to prove their skills and their creativity far away from the schedule. The task: The creation of videos about the company. The focus was on one of the main sales products, the SENTIR edge contact edge and the quality assurance processes at ASO.
The apprentices completed the project on their own responsibility and without any camera experience. Definitely not an easy task. From writing a screenplay, planning the shooting days to music selection and final editing - the result shows: with teamwork, perseverance, creativity and commitment, all tasks can be mastered.
This will not be the last apprentice project. At ASO, we place great value on cross-departmental knowledge, the promotion of self-employment and thinking "outside the box. We are excited about the videos, have a look at the results for yourself:
Once again, ASO attended the biggest door show in North America which had teamed up with Fencetech/Metalfab and NOMMA for the first time. Over the course of the two-day event with thousands of visitors and an estimated 430 exhibitors, they presented not only new and already well-known safety packages for every kind of door and gate, but also debuted the new booth design. ASO's proven Plug'N'Sense System for the quick and easy self-assembly of their safety edges was on display and ready for hands-on experience - and once again got high praise from new and existing customers. "We even had customers who don't buy directly from ASO stop by to say hello and thank us for a great product", says Olaf Grobe, Vice President Sales USA at ASO Inc. "We also had talks about products we're currently developing such as our light curtain LISENS grid, not only for the North American market but the European one as well, so we expect to be able expand our business and market presence in the U.S. and Canada even further. This year'S IDAExpo has once again been a great success." ASO is already looking forward to next years event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Soltekin from Spain has been a sales partner of ASO for more than 15 years. Of course, this called for a little celebration: Head of Sales Europe Dirk Danzebrink presented Manuel Gonzalez at the spring meeting in Barcelona the appropriate certificate and a present. To the next 15 years!
Good news for the end of the year: In January 2019, ASO Safety Solutions opens its first Asian subsidiary in Nanjing, China.
The foundation deed reached ASO a few days ago.
"We are proud and relieved to be able to adapt to the requirements and needs of our steadily growing Asian customer base", says Frank Lichtenfeld, Head of Sales Asia Pacific at ASO GmbH and from 2019 also Managing Director of ASO Safety Solutions Nanjing Co. Ltd.
From January 2019, ASO will be locally present to provide customer support, project and product consulting as well as direct deliveries via its subsidiary in China.
"The foundation is an urgently needed step not only to serve existing customers better, but also to generate further potential in the Asian market", Lichtenfeld continues.
Helmut Friedrich, owner and CEO of the German parent company, adds: "In the medium term, ASO will also open a production facility in Asia in addition to the trading company, in order to meet local requirements and offer even better service.
However, ASO is not only growing in Asia.
At its headquarters in Lippstadt, around 5 million euros will be invested in building extension and production equipment over the next 12 months.
Even the premises and production capacities in the USA will be expanded in order to improve the entire process chain, from production to delivery.
ASO Safety Solutions exhibited for the first time at the GSE Expo in Las Vegas from October 2-4, the only show in the United States dedicated to ground handling equipment at airports. 227 exhibitors, a 30% increase compared to 2016, and 2560 interested visitors were proof enough that safety for aviation ground handling equipment is becoming more and more important.
On display at the ASO booth were proven SENTIR bumper® safety bumpers and SENTIR edge® safety edges for automated moving maintenance platforms, scissor lifts and further equipment. Video sequences illustrated diverse application fields and the function of ASO's products. The booth's highlight was a sprinkler simulator for the testing of safety bumpers.
"The expo provided great opportunities to network within the Ground Support Equipment industry and exchange information on the latest technologies. ASO gained good insights into the operating conditions and requirements of ground handling equipment", says Olaf Grobe, Vice President Sales USA at ASO Safety Solutions.
In addition to the major OEMs in the industry, ASO also met representatives of established airlines. The airlines deal with the challenges of safety on machinery, aircraft and operators on a daily basis and therefore have a great interest in the latest developments in the industry.
ASO is already looking forward to the next show and is excited about this year's outcome!
ASO launches another extrusion line for the production of safety contact edges, thus increasing production capacities. In addition to increased output, the second system will also offer more opportunities for testing in order to optimise existing products and drive innovations forward.
In the past few weeks, the production facilities have been converted for this purpose, and further measures are already planned: In order to meet the increasing demand for tactile safety sensors, the existing production area will be expanded by approx. 2,500 sqm in the near future; planning and preparations for this are in full swing.
This year, ASO welcomed once again numerous partners to the international sales meeting in Lippstadt. 29 participants, consisting of employees of ASO GmbH, the US branch of ASO and ten European distribution partners, exchanged views on market trends and different sales strategies over two days. In order to strengthen working relationships among each other, the "ASO Olympics" were held near the Moehne Reservoir. In all kinds of activities, the participants were able to demonstrate not only their physical and mental abilities, but also their potential for teamwork. Afterwards there was a rich barbecue buffet for refreshment.
The main focus of the partner event this time was the current business development in the respective markets and market segments and a workshop with product training on ASO's new light curtain solution "LISENS". During the sales meeting, concrete results and recommendations for action were worked out in order to expand the market positions in the various countries, launch the new "LISENS" product series and develop the new market segment "Ground Support Equipment at Airports".
There was also reason to celebrate at the Partner Event: ASO CEO Helmut Friedrich and Dirk Danzebrink, Head of Sales Europe, congratulated three partners on the anniversary. Bibus Menos from Poland has been a Competence Partner of ASO for 20 years, AB Matic from Belgium for 15 years and EasyGates from Great Britain for 10 years now. The participating representatives of the partner companies, Michal Stankiewicz and Marek Palinski (Bibus Menos), Kris Vanduffel (AB Matic) as well as Tony Gooding and Stuart Roddy (EasyGates), each received a certificate and a small gift.
Conclusion after two days: A very successful and harmonious meeting of the European ASO family and the US branch with a lively exchange of ideas and information, at which momentum for the successful organization of the 2nd half of 2018 was gained.
Once again this year, ASO Safety Solutions presented proven and new products from the field of safety sensors and door controls at R+T 2018, the leading international trade fair for the door and gate industry. On the approx. 135 sqm stand, the exhibited products and ASO consultants were always surrounded by visitors. The numerous visitors to the ASO stand were particularly interested in the new modular control generation DRICO, including the associated APP, the newly introduced LISENS light curtain with which ASO enters the area of contactless safety equipment, as well as the ELMON Bluetooth transmission system, the first wireless signal transmission by security experts from Lippstadt. Of course, the visitors also focused on the broadest portfolio of contact profiles in the market.
Unanimous opinion: The new products optimally complement the ASO portfolio and set new standards for more comfort and safety.
The evaluation of the fair was correspondingly positive. We were able to establish significantly more contacts and hold promising discussions than at the last R+T. We are very satisfied with this result,"says Dirk Danzebrink, Head of Sales Europe at ASO Safety Solutions. Danzebrink continues:"With around 65,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors, this trade fair is the yardstick for innovation and the development of the industry. With our tried and tested contact profiles and controls, the LISENS light curtain and the new wireless signal transmission from the ELMON product range, we provide our customers with a complete portfolio of security solutions for doors and gates. The feedback from our customers and guests was consistently positive, so that we approach our tasks with a great deal of optimism and self-confidence".
The booth of ASO Safety Solutions presented itself for the first time in elegant anthracite with red colour accents and thus reflected the new corporate design, which was introduced together with the new website at the end of 2016. With interactive video sequences and iPad stations on the one hand and controllable gate models as well as product samples on the other hand, digital and conventional elements were combined to present the ASO products. Customers, partners and employees came to a clear vote:"The best exhibition stand ASO has had so far".
With the new SENTIR edge 30.70, ASO Safety Solutions fills a further gap and incorporates a new profile with a height of 70 mm into the safety contact edge portfolio. The profile has a width of 30 mm and is therefore predestined for door types with the necessity of an increased overtravel distance.
The new SENTIR edge is now available with the proven switching chamber and the corresponding Plug`N'Sense system for easy self-assembly. This contact safety edge is available in the versions SENTIR edge 30.70 TT, i.e. with T-base to fit into the corresponding ASO aluminium profile (or other commercial profiles) and 30.70 TTLa featuring a sealing lip.
Of course, individual adaptations can also be made according to your specifications in ASO's own extrusion line.
For further information on this new profile, please do not hesitate to contact our sales team at sales-eub@asosafety.com.
There are personnel changes at ASO GmbH Antriebsteuerung und Steuerungstechnik, which on the one hand reflect the growing requirements for communication and regulatory compliance and, on the other, the expansion of business into the Asia region. Melissa Ross is now Head of Communication and Compliance, while Frank Lichtenfeld is the new Head of Sales Asia Pacific / Strategic Business Development. For the Europe region, Dirk Danzebrink remains as Head of Sales Europe, while the North American market is managed by the subsidiary ASO Inc. in Rockaway, New Jersey.
Since joining the company in April 2015, Melissa Ross has worked as an assistant to the ASO Safety management team. In her new role, she is responsible for marketing and communication as well as compliance management. Frank Lichtenfeld joined ASO in early 2017 to reinforce the International Sales Team. Prior to this, he had worked for a large company in the automotive industry for many years, where he was responsible for international sales. His new role now includes the expansion of international sales, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and strategic business development.
"I have known and appreciated Frank Lichtenfeld for a long time, and I am delighted to be able to win him for ASO Safety Solutions. In Frank we have an experienced colleague who is well-versed in the Asia-Pacific market and will look after our existing and new customers." Melissa Ross has demonstrated her qualities in the relatively short period at ASO and, among other things, supported the website relaunch last year. For us, the appointment of Ms. Ross was the logical step to expand our communications activities and compliance management," says Managing Director Helmut Friedrich.
A few weeks ago we announced that our INDUS sets type "compact S" now come equipped with a new kind of steel cable featuring two additional wires. We are now offering remaining amounts of the previous model in our limited time Special Sale. The following sets from our previous INDUS series are now available at a discounted price of .... Euros each:
- INDUS compact classic 74-312 Set S
- INDUS compact rail 71-242 Set S
Special price: EUR 111,00 (valid for purchases of 9 and x-times 9 sets)
Offer valid from 01 to 31 July, 2017 – orders can be placed immediately.
Call now, our Sales team is looking forward to advise you!
At the end of last week, our latest intern from overseas, started his long journey home: After three months in Lippstadt, he is now returning home to Perth, Australia. Alex studies Mechatronics at Curtin University. His internship was arranged by the International Offcie of HSHL University of Applied Sciences Hamm-Lippstadt. At ASO, Alex first got to know the production - as it is custom - and the assisted the R&D department, especially with data sourcing in the area of non-linear simulation.
Alex carried out simulations and took high-speed photographs to compare theory and practice. During the last part of his internship, he looked into optimisation possibilities of our products, based on his simulations. "I've learned so much here and got a lot of hands-on experience which is going to help me a lot in the future. It was great fun and I've made a lot of new friends," he says.
CEO Helmut Friedrich and Head of R&D Markus Horstkemper bid farewell to Alex - and presented him with a few souvenirs: An illustrated book about Lippstadt, a box of chocolates made in Lippstadt for mum and a bottle of spirits. And because Alex was so successful in helping ASO with simulations, we are looking forward to welcoming another international intern later this year.
ASO Inc. announced today that President Helmut Friedrich has appointed Simon Rockel and Svenja Sperlich to join him on the executive board. Simon and Svenja are taking over from Tom Polistina who has gone into retirement, but will still support the company with his expert knowledge.
Simon assumes the position of Executive Vice President and will act as representative of the President, especially in association activities. His responsibilities also lie in Technical Sales.
Svenja has been appointed Vice President Administration & Finance, leading the administrative departments, as well as Human Resources and Finance.
„Simon and Svenja both have been with ASO Inc. for more than three years and during this time have been key players in greatly enhancing our business performance“, says President Helmut Friedrich. „I have great confidence they will lead the company to even greater success.“
We wish both of them good luck!
ASO is glad to welcome new people in the company:
Dirk Danzebrink is the new Head of Sales Europe and leads the ASO Sales department, Oleg Matis strengthens ASO as Software Engineer, Egbert Broermann is technical Product Designer and supports the Documentation department and Annette Benstem joins the family as commercial clerk.
Earlier this year Klaus Kleiner joined ASO as new Quality Manager and Philipp Rother as Purchaser.
We warmly welcome you all and wish you all the best for your new jobs!
Good news from ASO: At the beginning of the year 2016 Daniel Verhufen was appointed CFO and is now part of the managment board.
He is taking responsibility for the operating fields Purchase, Finance and Sales whilst Helmut Friedrich is responsible for the fields Operations and R&D.
We wish Daniel Verhufen all the best and much success!
The first generation of the Plug´N´Sense System was launched in 2012 and started a little revolution. Intense training was not necessary anymore to assemble a safety contact edge. After reading the instructions and a practical try one was enabled to assemble a complete and well-functioning contact edge. Since then several imitations failed regarding simplicity, compactness and reliability.
Even more bad news for the competition: the new Plug´N´Sense System with KS 4 plug is available for order at attractive prices from now on. The two contact edges SENTIR edge 25.30 and 25.45 are available with the Plug´N´Sense System.
In the course of the year, further SENTIR edge designs will be launched, that also work with the new system. In the medium-term the whole SENTIR edge range is supposed to be available with the Plug´N´Sense System.
From January 12-15 ASO Safety Solutions will exhibit at FenceTech in Nashville, Tennessee. FenceTech is organized by AFA (American Fence Association)and is the major show for fencing equipment in the USA.
ASO will present its safety components for sliding gates.
If you would like more information, simply visit www.americanfenceassociation.com/fencetech/.
On October 15th, exactly 30 years ago, the ASO GmbH was founded in Salzkotten (Germany). At this point nobody could foresee ASO´s development in the present.
Three decades later Managing Director Helmut Friedrich can look at an eventful company history: Today ASO Safety Solutions develops, produces and distributes sensors and drive technology for the door, gate and mechanical engineering market at 5 locations all around the world.
A special milestone of the recent company history is the relocation of ASO´s headquarter from Salzkotten to Lippstadt at the beginning of 2014. The relocation emphasizes the positive development of ASO.
The next important step will be the R+T 2015 in Stuttgart. R+T is the most important trade show for the worldwide door and gate market and ASO expects it to be as successful as in the past years!
The GSC is coming closer and closer. On October 14 one of the leading door & gate symposiums will open its doors at Village Hotel Dudley (near Birmingham). Register quickly and secure your place: www.gate-safety-comference.com.
Attendees will be able to listen to both, interesting and helpful lectures from companies and institutions like DHF, Nsi, HSE, GTE, ASO and EasyGates. Therefore the who-is-who of the UK door & gate market is represented, a great chance for beginning and experienced networkers to keep in touch.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!