James Latham, a leading UK and Ireland distributors of timber, panels and decorative services, is celebrating its connection with Halspan, a manufacturer of premium door components marking three decades of collaboration. Commemorating 30 years of successful partnership, both brands are using this significant milestone to recognise the transformative effect this union has had on the fire door industry.
The relationship between the two organisations began in 1995, when Halspan introduced pre-tested, fire-resistant interior particleboard door blanks to the market. Produced using a proprietary method, they comprise a three-layer particleboard core, consisting of a core of long-grain woodchip to give it its screw-holding properties and two deck layers of high-density fine woodchips; suitable for finishing with veneer, Laminate, PVC, or pre-primed Kraft Paper. The range has also undergone rigorous third-party testing.
The product has achieved BS, EN and UK standards, verifying performance for various combinations of cores, seals, and hardware across ratings from 20 to 120 minutes through independent assessments. The pre-testing removed a significant barrier to entry, as purchasers no longer needed to conduct their own costly fire tests.
Using its knowledge of the sector, James Latham created a new space through which to sell Halspan’s blanks. For the first time, joinery companies could source pretested door blanks and manufacture compliant fire doors themselves.
That was the start of a three-decade relationship that grows stronger each year. A prime example of this symbiosis was Halspan’s supporting the establishment, introduction and development of James Latham’s dedicated door product specialist team, directly helping them deepen technical knowledge across the business and strengthening both companies’ market positions.
John Martin, Founder and Chairman of Halspan, said: “Our 30-year collaboration with James Latham has been built on trust, vision, and shared commitment. From the beginning, James Latham saw the potential in Halspan and helped turn a new idea into a market-leading solution. Their support has been instrumental in establishing a strong and enduring partnership that continues to shape the fire door industry.”
Nick Widlinski, Panels Director at James Latham, added: “From our perspective, Halspan has been an exceptional partner for three decades. Its innovative approach to fire door safety components aligned perfectly with our commitment to bringing high-quality, fully certified and technically advanced products to market. Furthermore, its ongoing commitment to R&D and ensuring accurate up-to-date testing means that it maintains its market-leading position whilst helping us uphold our position as the UK and Ireland door blank vendor of choice. This partnership is living proof of how two forward-thinking companies can work together to create lasting value for the industry and the customers we serve.”
