Mountain Brook School

Flexibility and Durability put DORMA on Top at Mountain Brook School District

With 24 buildings at eight different locations, the 4,000-student K-12 Mountain Brook School District near Birmingham, Alabama, had a wide range of door hardware needs. When three building additions and several renovation projects arose, the district used the opportunity to evaluate different brands of hardware.

They found that products from DORMA offered a better value, with improved flexibility of operation and more training and customer service.

DORMA products offer better adjustability and value,” said Ken Key, facilities director for the district. Students can be tough on door hardware, so another issue with Mr. Key was the knowledge of what products would withstand such treatment.“ A lot of our closers really get used, so DORMA’s 25-year warranty was a key issue, too.” 

DORMA’s 8900 offered adjustable delayed action to allow the district to customize the closers’ performance for each application … longer delayed action for schools with slower-moving youngsters, faster action for mobile teens at the high school.

Aesthetics played another role, so stainless steel and brushed chrome finishes were selected. “We care about how hardware looks. Even the board is starting to look at building aesthetics in addition to functionality,” Key said.

Other DORMA products selected for Mountain Brook buildings include the 9000 Series Exit Device, EM Series Magnets, 700/900 Series Stops/Holders, and LM Pivot Series.

DORMA and its sales representative firm, SBS Associates, also made sure that Mountain Brook was well trained on DORMA products.  “We held a training class in Alabama for the entire maintenance team for the school district,” said Jimmy Phillips, AHC, vice president of sales for SBS. “We took product off the door, showed how it worked and how easily it could be adjusted. It was a valuable session.

“From the beginning, everyone has reacted quickly whenever the district had an issue. The factory responded to get the product out. Distributors in Birmingham have supported the DORMA product, too.”

Key concurs. “They have good customer service and knowledgeable people,” he said. “We’ll continue to spec DORMA for renovations and new construction.”