Hörmann OktaBlock wins prestigious security solution innovation award

Hörmann UK has won the Security Solution Innovation of the Year category at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards 2020 with its innovative OktaBlock mobile vehicle blocker. OktaBlock is a bollard based mobile vehicle blocking system that provides hostile vehicle mitigation for open-air events and publicly accessible locations.

Following recent vehicle related terrorist attacks across Europe, Hörmann recognised the increased challenge being faced by local authorities regarding the security of public spaces and open-air events. Historically, temporary concrete barriers were commonly specified, offering an inefficient and often ineffective solution that could not be easily redeployed as and when required.

Certified as a single module, the OktaBlock range has been designed to provide the highest standards in safety and flexibility through an easy to deploy, temporary security solution, without the associated costs of fixed security bollards or blockers. OktaBlock has been designed to be unobtrusive, making it ideal for specification throughout public spaces, whilst its exterior can be customised to feature bespoke information or advertising space. Impressively a single OktaBlock can stop a 7.5 tonne truck travelling at 50 kilometres per hour. The product is certified according to international crash standards PAS68 / IWA14-1.

Ideal for areas where fastenings in the subsurface are not possible, OktaBlock can be arranged individually, in rows or offset, offering a completely flexible solution to meet each venue’s specific requirements. The simple design effectively restricts any type of vehicle smashing through a populated area. Due to its’ axisymmetric geometry, OktaBlock has no predefined impact side, which means the angle of the collision is inconsequential making it equally suitable for narrow streets and pavements or cycle paths, which can often be effectively secured with just one unit.

OktaBlock has been developed so that it can be moved using a forklift truck making it easy to position whilst providing access for rescue vehicles as and when required. Its’ tamper-proof and non-flammable construction also mean there is no need for physical guarding before, during and after the event.

Commenting on the award, Mark Lester of Hörmann UK said: “We are delighted to have won the Security Solution Innovation of the Year category. The OktaBlock range is a truly innovative security solution developed to provide public authorities and event organisers  with a certified, flexible solution that delivers the highest standards of protection. It has already been adopted in Germany, to safeguard a number of outside venues and Christmas markets.”

For further information on Hörmann UK’s OktaBlock mobile vehicle blocker call 01530 516868 or visit: https://www.hormann.co.uk/industry-commerce-and-public-authorities/perimeter-security-systems/mobile-vehicle-barriers