Union Locks and Hardware is going big at this month's Big 5 exhibition with the aim of building on its success at last year's show.

With 36 sq m of space at this year's show, the UK-based Union will showcase its complete range of products and services for architects, specifiers, traders and end-users.

"Union is committed to offering a complete package of products and services and to ensure they provide the most complete and professional commercial locking solutions," says a company spokesman.

"To achieve this, Union has developed a series of initiatives that will provide comprehensive support throughout the specification and building processes."

The spokesman says one such initiative is the Union Design Centre Network of architectural hardware specialists.

"Companies in key international markets will be invited to join the network and membership is inclusive but will be subject to strict criteria. As well as getting assistance from the Union specification consultants, the range of benefits open to the network will include the supply of key tools to be successful in specification," he says.

"Each Union Design Centre will be provided with a Door Scheduling Software Package (U-Schedule), a tailored and bespoke training programme (U-Learn), a new dedicated specification brochure (U-Specify) and access to a full database of Union products to specify from."

A redesigned and updated Union Product Catalogue (The Red Book) is also available, providing a comprehensive guide of Union products.

U-Schedule: The new U-Schedule is the smart way to effectively specify, says Union. A PC-based software program available to the Union team of specification consultants and members of the Union design network, the initiative provides the modern approach to getting it right every time, it says.

"Architectural hardware specialists will be able to quickly prepare door schedules. They can then be amended as necessary until everyone is happy and then viewed either by set, by item or by door. Add full stock listings, all your contacts, price the projects, prepare the documentation and even save your favourite schedules to favourites to recall at a later date," says the spokesman.

The Union Virtual Set also allows clients to see what the finished product will look like.

"Simply collect the chosen lever handle and door closer and drag them onto the door of your choice. View the door and hardware in a virtual set, change anything you need to and provide the modern approach to effective specification scheduling," says the spokesman.

U-Learn: This is a comprehensive training program pitched at two levels, says the company.

"Level 1 is targetted at the client or specifier to ensure they are up to speed with the latest industry requirements and what the key criteria are for effective specification," says the spokesman.

"Level 2 looks to the industry experts who can gain a greater insight into the Union product range and also refresh their knowledge in specification.

"The Union commitment to training is thorough and dedicated training facilities are available at its headquarters in England as well as on the premises of local main authorised dealers."

The company says it also offers four seminars covering major product categories within the lock and hardware industry for specifiers looking towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a stepping stone towards maintaining the knowledge, skill base and professional status.

U-Specify and The Red Book: U-Specify is an ideal reference point to gain an insight into what Union can offer. Each product category is shown and different products showcased. Information on the service offer is also included as is a summary overview of key control systems and some of the main European standards, says the spokesman.

The new, updated Red Book offers comprehensive technical details on products and dimensional information. It replaces the existing Product Catalogue and reflects the company's commitment to professionally present information on products in a clear and concise manner, says the spokesman.

"Each product is given a dedicated page within The Red Book and items such as application, operation, standards and guarantees are clearly laid out for ease of reference," he says.

The Union website will also be updated accordingly to reflect these two new pieces of catalogue information.

Meanwhile, Union says it will also be introducing a new stylish range of door furniture at the Big 5.

It says the new range includes three distinct levels of lever handle furniture, each offering specific features and benefits to provide total flexibility for a wide range of commercial developments.

"For specification applications requiring style and individuality, the top-of-the-range Union Artefact 3000 Series is available in 15 contemporary lever styles in a choice of polished stainless steel, satin stainless steel, polished chrome, powder coated or brass," says the spokesman.

"They are supplied as standard on round roes furniture. However, a unique feature of this range is that specifiers and clients have the option of designing their own backplates to a specific shape that complements the chosen design throughout a building.

"Complete with 'G25' which is an optional 25-year guarantee, the Artefact 3000 Series is compatible with the commercial range of mortice locks within the Union range. However, if a higher lever of security is required, the Union heavy-duty architectural range of 2D2 mortice locks are recommended.

"The Union 2000 Series range is made from solid 316 grade stainless steel and is the medium range of door furniture being introduced by the company.

''Offering 11 individual lever styles, they are suitable for most specification applications, providing excellent quality and durability.

"When a lighter-weight lever handle is required, the Union 1000 Series range is the ideal choice. With a selection of 19 lever styles, the Series 1000 is made out of tubular 316 grade stainless steel. Both the Series 2000 and 1000 ranges have a 10-year guarantee option and are available in polished or satin stainless steel finishes," he says.