Notice for existing customers

As our customers know, NZ Fire Doors design and manufacture the highest-quality fire doors and fire windows for the New Zealand market. Every fire door and window within our current range (as published on our website, www.nzfiredoors.co.nz, and updated from time to time) has been designed by experts and meets the requirements of applicable New Zealand Standards.

 After acquiring NZ Fire Doors in August 2021, ASSA ABLOY has been undertaking a review of our range to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our customers. 

 As part of this continuing process, we have recently identified certain sub-categories of fire doors (no longer part of our current range) in relation to which we will be obtaining new testing and/or assessments.  These steps will be taken to confirm that the performance of the fire doors aligns with the fire-resistance rating (FRR) tags applied to them, in accordance with processes set out in the New Zealand Standard for fire-resistant doorsets:  NZS 4520:2010 and, if not, whether any other steps may be required.

 Sub-categories of fire doors that are a current focus

 Relevant sub-categories of fire doors that are a current in focus in our review, and the period in which NZ Fire Doors Limited have been supplying them, are referenced in the table below:

As the testing and assessment process in respect of these doors will take time, and it is not appropriate to assume the results of that process, we have temporarily suspended supply of these sub-categories of fire doors.  As per this notice, we are also ensuring customers who may have previously purchased the relevant fire doors from NZ Fire Doors Limited are informed of the steps we are taking.

Where the coming testing and assessment process confirms a level of performance consistent with the FRR tagged on the relevant previously supplied fire doors, no further action should be required. 

In cases involving other outcomes, the testing or assessments will allow us to determine whether the required performance can be achieved through minor modification or other steps.    We would then seek to work with customers to assess where any such steps may be appropriate in the context of the particular customer and door location, and coordinate the appropriate work if so. 

In this context, it is appropriate to note that we believe ALL fire doors supplied by NZ Fire Doors Limited provide material levels of fire-resistance.   This would include any fire doors that, when subject to the coming testing or assessments, are found not to support their current FRR tag for the full duration stated on the tag.  In those cases, the appropriate process to undertake for impacted customers would include determining whether the fire doors installed in their building projects needs to support a specific duration of fire-resistance performance, for building compliance.   As that would depend on a range of factors that can change over time, such as the current usage and characteristics of the relevant building, it may be appropriate to consult with customers and other relevant third parties in the process.

Recommended steps for customers and how we will assist

We are seeking to identify customers who may have purchased fire doors in the referenced sub-categories the subject of this letter, so we can keep them informed as our testing and assessment progresses, and work with them on any further steps should they become necessary.

In this context, we are requesting that customers:

1. Check whether they have purchased the relevant fire doors in the applicable period referenced in the table;
2. If so, complete the form linked here: NZ Fire Door Limited – After Sales Support (office.com), which will assist us to ensure the right information and assistance is provided as we move through the current process.  

An acknowledgement will be sent upon receipt of the completed form, and the contact details provided will be used for further contacts/updates.

Our commitment to customers

We are committed to ensuring our range of fire doors and fire windows meet the expectations of all our customers going forward when it comes to quality and performance. 

We will continue to demonstrate this commitment through processes such as those outlined in this letter, and reviews of the nature being undertaken by ASSA ABLOY post its acquisition of NZ Fire Doors Limited.   Where issues are identified, we are ensuring they are appropriately addressed, including where this means taking action in relation to supplies made by NZ Fire Doors Limited prior to the company being acquired by ASSA ABLOY.

 If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at support.nzfiredoors@assaabloy.com