Door Manufacturer and Installation Company Supports Luton Foodbank
Robust UK, a UK manufacturer of steel door solutions, has teamed up with its sister company BGS Intelligent Door Solutions to donate and install two new steel doors at Luton Foodbank. The project was carried out to improve security at the foodbank’s warehouse and help protect a facility that plays an important role in the local community.
The existing front entrance door and rear fire exit door had shown significant wear over time, creating a security concern. In response, Robust recommended and supplied Outa-Dor steel doors for both openings, while BGS completed the installation at the Luton site.
Improving security and day-to-day use
According to Robust UK, the new rear door was fitted with Briton two-point panic bolt hardware. This type of hardware secures the door at both the top and bottom, helping to improve stability and protect against unauthorised entry while also supporting compliance with BS EN1125 for panic exit hardware.
The front entrance door was specified with several features designed to support everyday use, safety, and energy efficiency. These included a letter plate, a Hooply sashlock with additional upper and lower cylinders for added resistance to forced entry, and a Hoppe surface-mounted door closer that helps the door close automatically after use.
For appearance and privacy, the front door was finished in Anthracite Grey and includes a double-glazed frosted vision panel. This allows natural light into the entrance while maintaining privacy inside the building.
Thermal performance and fire resistance options
Robust UK says the Outa-Dor range is available with up to 240 minutes of fire resistance on request. For projects needing up to 60 minutes of fire resistance, Outa-Dor Therm can achieve a U-value of 1.5 W/m²K. Non-fire rated options can achieve a U-value of 1.3 W/m²K.
Robust states that both options exceed the 1.6 W/m²K requirement set out in Part L of the Building Regulations. For property owners and managers, that means the products may support better thermal efficiency while also helping meet regulatory expectations. As always, door selection and specification should be reviewed by qualified professionals to ensure suitability for the building and its intended use.
Community support matters
Sonya Maroke, business development manager at Robust UK, said the company was pleased to help Luton Foodbank by supplying replacement steel doors. She added that the foodbank’s work is essential to the local community and that it is important for its premises to remain secure so it can continue supporting as many people as possible.
Steve Taylore, a Luton Foodbank employee, said the new doors from Robust were “fantastic” and gave the team greater confidence in the security of the premises. He thanked Robust UK and BGS for their generous donation and support, saying it would allow the organisation to focus on helping people in need across the area.
Darren Elam, technical manager of South East Region at BGS, said it was a pleasure to support Luton Foodbank alongside Robust UK. He noted that BGS’s nearby depot in Luton meant the company was well placed to install the steel doors at no fitting cost, helping the foodbank direct its budget where it is needed most.
Why this kind of upgrade matters
- Better security: stronger doors and modern locking hardware can help reduce the risk of forced entry.
- Safer access and exit: panic hardware supports emergency evacuation in the right building contexts.
- Improved comfort: doors with better thermal performance can help reduce drafts and heat loss.
- Practical durability: steel door solutions are well suited to busy entrances and service areas.
- Privacy and daylight: glazed vision panels can bring in light while preserving privacy.
For homeowners, apartment buildings, and small commercial properties, this project is a useful reminder that good door specification is about more than appearance. Installation quality, correct measurement, suitable hardware, and proper product