At the Big 5 exhibition this year, the UK-based Union Architectural Hardware intends to invite guests to “enter the city of designs” – an innovative concept offering complete hardware solutions for stylish buildings.

Here, visitors will be able to review their project requirements and discuss a project management service that provides a total solution.
“The city of designs is a new approach we are launching at Big 5 which will give people a clear insight into the service they can get from our company. The Middle East region in general and Dubai in particular is developing at an incredible pace driven by visionary leadership. Union is positioning itself as a contemporary global brand that focuses on designing and delivering specific locking and architectural hardware solutions to a wide range of projects,” says Iain MacKenzie, vice president of Union’s business development for the Middle East.
Union will launch an aggressive marketing campaign at the Big 5 where it will showcase its versatile range of architectural hardware and physical security products with detailed explanation of product applications, features and benefits to ensure that the right products are working together to provide the best solutions to the client.
Union will also launch a campaign against counterfeits entitled “Say no to counterfeits, buy genuine”, which will focus on communicating the benefits of genuine products to the market in general and dealers in particular.
 “Union takes the issue of counterfeits seriously. We do not just sell a door handle, a hinge, a keying system or a door closer – we sell peace of mind, value and a total solution. People who buy from us know what they get when they buy Union products and therefore it is important for us to ensure people get what they expect,” point out MacKenzie.
“Although some people buy counterfeits knowing they are not genuine Union products, many others buy fake products thinking them to be genuine. Ensuring that customers buy genuine Union products is a core element of our marketing strategy, because ultimately it is the end user or the client that suffers the most.
“Genuine products from our company can be easily spotted even before the box is opened, as our packaging and labelling is very distinctive with every box having a unique security hologram on it,” he adds.
Union offers a specification service to provide the optimum products and services for any particular project, through its design centres. The Union Design Centre network has more than 20 specialist companies throughout the Middle East who partner Union in providing the technical know-how to users, specifiers and installers in the region. The central design centre is in Dubai and is managed in partnership with Al Moajil, the official distributors for Union in the UAE. In addition, Union has partners in each Middle East country, which provide a full specification service. 
“What Union and our Union Design Centres bring to the market is the know-how. The different Union Design Centres provide guidance to anyone involved in project specification for architectural hardware and locks. They can advise and manage a project to ensure the right products are used in the right application, giving value for money and comprehensive guarantees and assurances,” adds MacKenzie.
Union is part of the Assay Abloy Architectural Solutions, a global provider of an extensive range of high-quality, reliable locks and hardware supported by excellent customer service. The company complements the Assa Abloy brands to provide a complete architectural hardware and security solution for varied project requirements.
Union will be present at stands 2E71 and 2F70 at the Big 5 show.