Union Architectural Hardware is set to open its latest Union Design Centre (UDC) -  the fourth such facility to be established in the region - in Qatar this month. The centre will be located in Salwa Road, Doha.

The UDC concept came about as the result of Union's takeover by Assa Abloy, a world leader in locks and door security solutions, in 2000 when Union was established as an architectural  'driver' brand.

Following extensive branding, packaging and product development, Union then focused on how to bring the new range to market through a policy of extensive branding, packaging and products development.

The result is the U-Design Centre concept whereby Union is moving from the classic manufacturer-distributor-customer model to a partnership and consultancy relationship model, delivering integrated service and solutions to professionals in the project sector. 

Says Robert Voss, regional manager Middle East for Union: 'Ultimately we want to become the solution provider and thinking pad for the project market - architects, consultants and end-user contractors.'

'Today you are not in sales anymore - you have to become a consultant and problem-solver for your customers and clients and if you do that well, then the order will follow.'

The Union Design Centres will be materially the same throughout the region with consistent Union branding and standardised equipment including audio-visual computer equipment to facilitate customer and client training on Union's products and its proprietary 'U-Schedule' door scheduling and specification software. The staff of the new UDC has successfully completed an intensive 10-day specification training Course at Union's UK factories.

This allows architects, consultants and contractors to sit down with qualified staff of the UDCs and build a door schedule on the system using expert advice on the most appropriate locks and key systems for the project at hand. The facility is expected to do away with the headaches currently experienced in specifying systems and save vital time.

Ultimately Voss wishes to extend the Union Design Centre and U-Schedule concepts to form Union Service Centres, whereby lock, cylinder and master keying systems can be specified and assembled on site in the service centres.