FAAC

5 DECADES, A STORY THAT
CHANGED HISTORY.

1965/1974

AN INDEGENIOUS SPIRIT OF OBSERVATION!

In 1965 Giuseppe Manini, then a building contractor, noticed the gates of blocks of flats were always left open. You needed to get out of the car to open them, but no-one ever went back to close them afterwards.

THE SOLUTION? HE'S GOT IT.

In keeping with the great inventors that preceded him, Manini crafts little masterpieces of hydraulic technology himself. The result is the forebear of the FAAC product family:the 750 underground operator, the first automatic gate movement system.

The 750 is followed by the 400, the first on-swing-gate model, and the main products in the current hydraulic range, which necessitate the creation of a genuine sales network for their distribution.

1965/1974

THE IDEA'S A REAL HIT!

These were the years of the first great "gamble", when our company's original small-scale production system wsa transformed into an industrial mass production system capable of maintaining high quality standards.

The 402 was the first product created by the new series production. Die-cast aluminium moulds were introduced, new materials like POM for valves were developed, and Gerotor pumps, quieter and more efficient than gear pumps, were adopted: these and other components all helped improve performance and product innovation.

EXPANSION AND CONSOLIDATION.

The first subsidiaries opened. Connected directly to the central plant, they ensured distribution of products abroad.

The first training courses began in parallel. These were essential for building and above all "educating" the first specialised sales force.

Success extended outside Italy and led to the opening of two affiliates. At the same time, in Zola Predosa, what in future years was to become the headquarters of an increasingly forward-looking group was opened.

1985/1994

THE START OF THE ELECTRONIC ERA

The development of electronics and the implementation of technologies previously only found in the field of personal computers heralded a new era for FAAC products. The introduction of microprocessor electronic control cards permitted the development of installations with far more functionalities than simple opening and closing.

PRODUCTION CROSSES THE CHANNEL

FAAC's quest for quality in all areas led to the start of electronic component production in Ireland, where the world's best components were produced, serving the needs of some of the largest international players in the electronics market. This same period saw the arrival of BLUE LINE, the first ever range of accessories with a standard design.

NEW SOLUTIONS AND YET MORE PATENTS.

The introduction of electromechanical products extended the user base by offering cheaper technology without compromising on quality. In parallel, FAAC continued to protect its ideas with a long list of patents, including a doubly futuristic transmitter with Self Learning technology (today's SLH).

This invention made it possible to equip systems with transmitters to eliminate the need to introduce rolling codes on site. The automatic generation of these codes by algorithm made it far harder to duplicate the transmitter, significantly improving system security.

1995/2004

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, COMPACT DIMENSIONS.

With the arrival of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) electronic control cards, as well the products that used them, became a lot smaller. Miniaturised transmitters paved the way for the pocket size remote controls we are so familiar with today.

Major investments in design led to the development of increasingly complex and smart control cards as well as the technology needed to manufacture them. The BUS 2easy two-wire system for dialogue between control cards and accessories was introduced, dramatically simplifying the installation of systems and peripherals.

WELCOME TO THE 3D AGE

Commitment to quality demanded greater control over the product design process. The introduction of a 3D CAD system speeded up prototyping and the development of tools for components. It also became possible to calculate and avoid potential points of interference on assembly, something that was simply not possible with the old 2D design system.

2005/2014

INNOVATION AND SAFETY.

The implementation of 24 V technology not only improved motor control but also allowed systems to conform to the latest safety standards without the need for additional safety devices.

BEYOND QUALITY

Fitting hydraulic actuators with 24 V control technology led to the development of the new HYBRID range, combining performance and safety in the one product. Energy saving was not yet considered a pressing requirement when FAAC's patented CYCLO system increased the efficiency and reduced the consumption of gearmotors. This resulted in a concept destined to guide development in the near future: SAFE & GREEN, later applied also to 230 V systems.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

Though extremely efficient, mass production was no longer able to satisfy the growing demand for customised products. FAAC therefore adopted the TOYOTA SYSTEM. Production lines were organised according to the ONE PIECE FLOW principle. Each product was assembled in a single cycle to the benefit of better flexibility, higher quality and greater production capacity.

SMART LOGITSTICS

Logistics were reviewed in a similar way: the small warehouses dotted around the country were replaced by larger units capable of stocking more products and processing requests more quickly.

2015...

WHEN IDEAS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

Innovation, expertise and the courage to pioneer new roads: these values have characterised the entire history of the FAAC Group. Every step has been typified by a forward-looking approach and a pioneering spirit � essential attributes for a company committed to building a solid future.

50 YEARS OF SUCCESS

50 years after its formation, FAAC wishes to pay homage to these values by celebrating the life of Giuseppe Manini, the first to seek out new horizons and the first to adopt the approach that now characterises our company, our employees and our partners.

COMPANIES

1979

• FAAC Switzerland

1981

• FAAC France

1984

• FAAC GMBH

1985

• FAAC U.K

1988

• FAAC U.S.A.

1989

• FAAC Electronics (NAL)

1990

• FAAC Spain

1994

• Genius

1999

• Spazio Italia

2002

• FAAC Poland

  FAAC Scandinavia

  FAAC Benelux

2006

• Altron

2007

• DAAB

  FAAC Australia

  FAAC Dubai

  FAAC Turkey

  FAAC Russia

2010

• Clemsa

2011

• Kemko/DSS

2012

• Rossi Industrias

  Eletromecanica

PRODUCT LINES

1995/2004

• Access control range
• The 930 was the forerunner of our current range of AUTOMATIC DOORS.
• Roller shutter motor range

2005/2014

• The FAAC City range was launched (precursors of our current J range of bollards)
• Tubular motors

 

products

 

• GATE AUTOMATION
• Swing Gates
• Sliding Gates
• DAAB

• AUTOMATIC BARRIERS
• FAAC Barriers
• Magnetic Barriers

• AUTOMATIC DOORS
• Automatic Pedestrian Doors
• Garage Door Automation
• Folding Doors
• Revolving Doors
• Specialist Door Products

• BOLLARDS
• Bollard Range

• PARKING
• HUB Parking Technology

• ACCESSORIES & CONTROL BOARDS
• Accessories
• Control Boards

• ACCESS CONTROL
• FAAC Access Control

SERVICES

• Magnetic Pedestrian Access

 

SAFETY

Gate Safety at FAAC

 

Overall gate safety is of paramount importance when installing swing and sliding gates and equipment. The entire FAAC range of sliding gates, swing gates and accessories have safety at the forefront of their design. FAAC actively promote safety wherever possible and endeavours to provide installers with all the information necessary to assist them in carrying out each installation safely, meeting the guidelines and regulations of the industry, whilst also ensuring the safety of end users.

Automated Gate Safety for New Installations

Automated electric gate safety relies not just on regulation and good design but adherence to manufacturer installation guidelines. When installing electric gates, safety requirements should always be first. We provide robust documentation to installers to ensure that electric gate safety legislation is followed and that each product being installed is operating according to our guidelines. When all these procedures are followed and installations properly tested, FAAC products are among the safest on the market. For more information please download our gate safety information pack.

Automated Gate Safety for Existing Installations

Technology and safety requirements are constantly evolving and FAAC are constantly developing their products to take advantage of new and evolving hardware and software with respect to product safety. With that in mind, we recommend that site managers and health and safety officers regularly review their swing and sliding gate installations to ensure they meet the highest safety standards. FAAC are constantly developing their range of gate safety accessories and add-ons with a view to making their installed base of products as safe as possible throughout their working lifespan. To carry out a gate safety audit please download our gate safety information pack which will help guide a full review and audit of any existing installations to ensure they meet the highest levels of safety. Our safety devices page and safety edges page contain further information about the products  and accessories available. You can also contact our sales team to discuss your requirements or for gate safety advice.

Free Gate Safety Training Courses

Free training courses are offered to all FAAC registered installers with a course specifically dedicated to safety, standards and force testing. We cover topics such as: an explanation of the machinery directive and relevant British standards & euro norms, installer responsibilities, technical file requirements, CE marking and declaration of conformity, types of safety edges and their controllers, force limitation requirements and a practical force testing demonstration

Gate Safe

Gate Safe was set up in 2010, in the wake of the tragic deaths of two children crushed by automated gates, in separate accidents. Gate Safe brings together representatives from companies and trade and safety organisations to improve understanding of safety guidelines and petition for stricter safety legislation to prevent further accidents. FAAC conforms to the Gate Safe supporters ‘Code of Conduct’.

For further information please visit the Gate Safe website:

 

Door & Hardware Federation

FAAC is a member of the DHF. The DHF represents the interests of manufacturers and installers of industrial, pedestrian and garage doors. It provides professionals a single source for technical expertise with the aim of assuring progress and maintaining standards throughout the industry. FAAC participates in promoting the DHF Guidelines and training programme.