Crime and Fire Defence Systems Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

Accredited ArmaWeave installer, Crime and Fire Defence Systems carried out the installation at a high security site, where the fence climbed a 50m-long 25° slope using full width panels. Zaun owner and co-founder Alastair Henman said: “The raking powers are such a big benefit over 358 and could help protect so many high security sites.” Manufacturer Zaun developed the raking installation method to make best use of the properties of the high security fabric, which is the most intruder resistant fence on the high security market. Innovative facility security The ArmaWeave fencing – which is unique to Zaun, as is the ability to rake it – is produced on the world’s largest mesh weaving machine at the company’s West Midlands manufacturing base. Henman added: "We had to invest in the weaving machine ahead of the sales in the belief we could produce an innovative product installers, specifiers and high security facility managers would want." Zaun's raking method limits the need for stepping panels on slopes and reduces installation costs significantly It limits the need for stepping panels on slopes and reduces installation costs significantly compared with standard welded mesh systems, while still conforming to the highest rated standards for fencing products defending against forcible attack. Optimum integrated fencing solution ArmaWeave’s unique properties add substantial resistance to cutting attacks with hand, powered and non-contact tools.  The tight mesh pattern provides no climbing aids, again limiting the potential for intrusion. ArmaWeave is tested to the very highest standards and can be combined with other intruder systems, electronics and access control to create the optimum integrated fencing solution. Tens of thousands of metres have been installed at water, gas, electricity and nuclear sites around the UK by Crime & Fire and the three other accredited ArmaWeave installers: specialist fencing installers, Allen Fencing Limited and JB Corrie and premier prison fencing installer, Binns Fencing, a Zaun subsidiary.

Steel mesh manufacturer Zaun has created an innovative high-security weldless mesh panel upgrade to steel palisade fencing. Research and Development Manager Adam Christie has devised an ingenious fastening method to allow installers to fix Zaun’s ArmaWeave fencing panels to existing palisade posts and horizontal rails. So long as the existing palisade posts were installed to British Standard 1722, they are sufficient to support the ArmaWeave upgrade as the wind loading is almost identical. The fixings also use the existing bolt holes in the horizontal rails so all that is needed is to drill six holes in the posts to secure vertical clamping members. Highly cost effective The vertical members can be extended to allow for a wide range of toppings, including concertina razor wire and electric fencing. As ArmaWeave is self-raking, it mimics the functionality of palisade – and the panels can be manufactured to match the height of the existing palisade fencing. Christie says: “It’s eco-friendly and highly cost effective as it requires minimal groundworks, no spoilage and no plant to dig holes as it utilises the existing posts and concrete foundations. We expect this upgrade option to be ideal for all sorts of sensitive sites in the rail, utilities, nuclear, data centre and industrial sectors.” Four companies are accredited to install ArmaWeave – Allens Total Perimeter Security, Zaun subsidiary Binns Fencing, JB Corrie and Crime & Fire Defence Systems. All have committed to training their site operatives in the installation methods for ArmaWeave developed by Zaun over time to make best use of its unique high-security woven fabric. Traditional welded mesh system Zaun established the installer scheme after increasing requests from customers to recommend contractors with suitable installation, quality and safety standards. ArmaWeave is produced on the world’s largest steel loom at Zaun’s West Midlands manufacturing base.  It has unique properties that give it distinct advantages against more traditional welded mesh systems, such as panels that can be raked to accommodate slopes.  Therefore, installers require the necessary skill sets to set this up. The wire of the panels has a tensile strength typically more than double welded panels so special methods are needed for cutting the panels during installation.

A fourth company has been accredited to install ArmaWeave, an approved high-security perimeter fencing system manufactured by Zaun. Specialist fencing installers JB Corrie has committed to training its site operatives in the installation methods for ArmaWeave developed by Zaun over time to make best use of its unique high-security woven fabric. Impressed with the versatility of the system, Corries are now installing the Zaun mesh on several security sites. With their new accreditation, JB Corrie now brings the number of approved installers of ArmaWeave to four, alongside installers Allen Fencing Limited, systems integrator Crime & Fire Defence Systems and prison fencing installer Binns Fencing, a Zaun subsidiary. Delight at collaboration Zaun hopes to increase the adoption of ArmaWeave as the standard for secure sites of Critical National Infrastructure Corries Contracts Director Norton Welch said: “We are delighted to have received this accreditation and look forward to working closely with Zaun to install their security products in the future.” The company, which has been going more than one hundred years and is now in the ownership of the fourth generation Corrie family, installs integrated perimeter protection systems for high security applications and boasts military bases, utilities, power stations and airports among its clients. Zaun established the installer scheme after increasing requests from customers to recommend contractors with suitable installation, quality and safety standards. ArmaWeave is produced on the world’s largest steel loom at Zaun’s West Midlands manufacturing base. It has unique properties that give it distinct advantages against more traditional welded mesh systems, such as panels that can be raked to accommodate slopes. Therefore, installers require the necessary skill sets to set this up. Training for ArmaWeave's specialities The wire of the panels has a tensile strength typically more than double welded panels so special methods are needed for cutting the panels during installation. Zaun trained JB Corrie’s installation teams on the properties and tolerances of ArmaWeave and how it is manufactured. The training is for fencers with proven experience in high-security fencing work who are sponsored by a company that can demonstrate its professionalism through membership of a relevant trade organisation, and valid UKAS accredited ISO9001 certification. The certificate of training is only valid while the individual is working for the host company. This ensures the trained individuals are working properly under quality management to install the product. With its partners, Zaun hopes to increase the adoption of ArmaWeave as the standard for secure sites of Critical National Infrastructure, such as utilities, data centres and nuclear sites, while ensuring consistent installation quality.