Ultra Guerrilla Marketing

If you have not noticed yet, I will state this fact clearly now: This Blog is written by an RSM of Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. for Ultra Dealers specifically.

It is focused on sharing the "Good News" of what is going on at Ultra with the folks that sell and install our products. However, if you are not already an Ultra Dealer, please read on. This site can also be helpful to any homeowner, business owner, architect or project manager that is interested in fencing, railing and gates that are designed to last and last with about as close to zero maintenance as these products get.

Now that I have gotten that all cleared up, I would like to now speak to the core audience, - The Ultra Dealer.

We have so many different types of dealers, both new and old, fence companies to landscape design houses to home improvement centers. But of all of these varieties, I would put them in one of two camps. The ones that are really making the most of this relationship with Ultra and those that take the benefits that fall in their lap. If you are one of the "Pro-Active" types of Ultra Dealers and would like to accelerate your potential and profitability in 2010, please click here to see the form embedded and "Take it To The Limit" by tapping into some new potential as an Ultra Guerrilla Marketing Activist.

Once you take this small step, I believe you will start to benefit by being an Ultra Dealer like never before. And 2010 will be your Best Year working with Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc.

Sincerely,

Darrin Jones
RSM- South Central
Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc.

Custom Finials, Post Caps and Our Satin/Matte Black Finish

We get many customers asking for "custom finials" and sometimes "custom post caps", because there are times that you may need something other than our Tri-Finials or Quad-Finials, or even something other than our standard Ball Caps.







Especially in Louisiana,
where the Fleur-de-lis is such a major part of the culture.

And with The Saints winning the Superbowl !!! (my prediction Feb. 5th, 2010)


Customers can go to

King Architectural Metals (link)

and select from the Cast Aluminum Spears & Finials (link to cast aluminum items)
They have pages and pages of cast aluminum ornamental items at very fair prices. They even have a
"Texas Star" (link to a winner for Texas) that would be appropriate to the great people of Texas as they finally transition from steel to aluminum. (I am sure they are ready for a true NO MAINTENANCE fence option, instead of all that rusting and re-painting).

Just follow these simple rules to take advantage of this special service:

1. Have your Inside Sales Representative at Ultra Calculate and confirm how many finials and of what I.D. (inside diameter) they need to be.
   
2. Ask if extra charges will be applied for welding them on, which is normally the case, but is a nominal fee.
3. Order a few extra from King Architectural Metals, so we can powder coat them to match your order (for spares).
4. Make sure your confirmation has the proper information on it regarding this special service, including what, how many, and when they are expected to be shipped to Ultra. Even though the Inside Sales Staff prepares these confirmations, it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure they are accurate and detailed to handle the special instructions.
5. Have King Architectural Metals ship them to ULTRA at 2124 Grand Commerce Drive, Howell, MI 48855 with attention: to your Inside Sales Person and Job Reference on the outside of the package. You may choose to have them shipped to you, checked by you, counted, etc. and then you can forward them to us with proper labeling if time allows you to do so. Better to be safe than sorry.
6. Remember that we are doing this as an added service to help you sell more fence, and you have to be proactive and accurate.
   
7. Do Not assume that because they are shown on King's Website that they are in stock, inventory changes daily, but they try to keep a sufficient amount in stock.

By following these simple guidelines, you can add an endless variety of offerings to your customers. This Special Service Capability will only be performed for Ultra Dealers that show the desire to work with us to insure accuracy and efficiency.



Basically, you do your part, we will do ours;

And then TOGETHER we can dominate the ornamental fence, gate and rail business.

Introducing: The Revolution Gate Operating System by Ultra

To the best of my knowledge, no manufacturer has ever accomplished what Ultra has just accomplished with the introduction of the Revolution Gate Operating System.
I know this is a bold statement, so let me explain what I mean in saying this:
Ultra has taken a patented and patent pending technology that is rapidly changing the automatic gate industry and designed a proprietary extrusion to house the electronic motor (actuator) and coupled it to our dynamic gate systems. We already had the means to design and build some of the World's finest driveway and estate gates with some of the highest strength to weight ratios ever to exist in the fence industry by virtue of our Ultrum Alloy and all welded frames (with optional U-Frame, for even more strength). Now we can powder coat the "D" extrusion that will house our Revolution Motor and powder coat it all in our factory's state-of-the-art powder coating line that is capable of producing a lifetime finish. Then we pre-install and wire the motor, receiver and peripheral accessories like the locking mechanisms. (Look for more on accessories later or search this blog index).
With this process done in advance, it will increase efficiency in the field and allow us to do a higher quality job of installing peripherals in the factory setting. A better job for your customers and less work for you. Does it sound too good to be true? Those whom have been Ultra Dealers for a while will know that we are always "Taking it to the Limit", always pushing for greater quality, more choices for your customers needs and innovative products that will help you stay in front of the competition. This is simply having a better mousetrap.
I can guess that your first and foremost question will be regarding dependability of this "Revolutionary" new approach to operating a gate or pair of gates. In my opinion, it will be far more dependable than older systems like this,



and I will tell you why by quoting the inventors, designers and manufacturers of this product directly.

The Competition

"Starting with an existing gate that already swings consistently and freely, conventional gate openers rely on a mechanical linkage (linear actuator) that is attached roughly to the center point of the gate at the active end of the actuator while the base of the actuator is attached to a bracket several inches (toward the opening direction of the gate) from the hinge point of the gate. The gate is then opened or closed via the actuation of the linear actuator. A force vector triangle analysis of this type of configuration identifies the significant forces the linear actuator must generate in order to overcome the inefficiency that is inherent in this type of configuration.

Typically, the mechanical forces that are required to move the gate increases substantially as the gate moves to it's "closed position. As the gate reaches the "open" position the force required to move the gate is reduced, however, it is still significant and inefficient. Small changes to the geometry of this gate/actuator/mounting bracket triangle due to sagging gates, moving/settling gate posts, loose linkage connections, exposed hinge hardware, etc. contribute significantly to the performance of the gate. Frequent adjustment and sometimes re-installation is required to keep the system functional and free from binding. Such undesired changes to these type of conventional systems can easily create additional inefficiencies that the linear actuators cannot overcome. Hence, the gate "binds up" and stops working."

(paraphrased) The Revolution Gate Operating System opening mechanism utilizes a more efficient, constant, force design to actuate a gate. Revolution Gates Operating Systems utilize an integrated "D" extrusion and power actuator that delivers simple rotational motion of the gate itself. The force required to open or close the gate is minimal and constant throughout the range of motion. Actuating the gate this way results in a power actuator that is reduced in size and power consumption. Achieving a full 90 degree opening of the gate is easy.

Simply put, "The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long." And the opposite is true, a candle that burns half as bright, burns twice as long. Well in this case we are not talking about candles, but we are talking about power and efficiency in relationship to durability, longevity and dependability. It is simply because of a much higher rate of efficiency that these automated operators will use only a tiny fraction of the power typically required and should last many times longer.

Custom Art Medallions Now Available

This is one example of the custom artwork that can be added to Estate Gates, Fence Panels, or even Railing Sections. Besides the obvious visual appeal, imagine the impact it can have on your ability to offer a truly custom product.


The sky is the limit. If you can imagine it, we can likely produce it. This scene was inspired by the request for " a cabin in the woods".




Whether it is a:

• The special request for the driveway gates of Mr. and Mrs. Jones
  

• Ranch Entry Gate that needs the Branding Logo
• A Corporate HQ that needs The Company Logo
• A Planned Community that needs a Golf and Lake Motiff
• A University that needs Letters
• A Marina That Needs A Boat Scene

The Possibilities are just about endless. And now with Nine (9) Standard Colors, and the Revolution Gate Operator System along with custom artwork....you will be able to offer things to your customers that none of yor competitors could ever offer.
These special offerings are what will keep us ay Ultra - "Taking It to the Limit"

More Defined Architectural Details with Ultra

From Full Profile Punch vs. Clipped Rails

Just Compare our ULTRA Press-Point Spears to the Competition

Swing Gate Installation

Gate Installation:
Once the concrete has set around the gate posts, you may then install the gates. Proper installation will result in approximately a ¾” space between the gate and each of the gate posts.
1. Before fastening the hinges, decide how the gate will be mounted and how it will open. If the gate will be hinged on the left and open toward you, mount the hinges so that the hinge springs are on top. The springs must also be on top if the gate will be hinged right and open away from you. If you want the gate to open the other way, then the hinge springs must be on the bottom.
2. Attach each hinge to the gate post using three of the self-drilling screws provided. The post mounting plate attaches to the post on the inside of the agent opening. Next, fasten the gate to each hinge using four more screws. Mount one hinge near the top rail of the gate and the other near the bottom rail to distribute the weight of the gate evenly. Make sure the hinges line up with each other to prevent them from binding. The gate should now swing freely. Caution: If the hinges are not in line with each other, the gate will not close by itself.
3. Mount the latch according to its specific instructions. Note: If you are hanging a gate on a surface other than a post, such as a column, then use the spacer that is provided with the hinge to fill in the 1/8” gap behind the post mounting plate. This is not required if the hinge is attached to a post. Fasten the hinge to the surface using the proper lag bolts (not provided). It may be necessary to enlarge the holes in the plates larger to accept these bolts.
4. With the hinges and latch now mounted, you may have to adjust the spring tension in the hinges to allow the gate to close and latch by itself. The hinge tension set at our factory allows most gates to work properly. To change the tension, use a screwdriver to adjust the screw at the top of the hinge; do not over-tighten. Move the screw about ¼” turn to increase or decrease the tension. Repeat this procedure for the other hinge. Adjust the tension until the gate closes and latches correctly. Caution: There must be equal tension on both hinge springs for proper operation of the gate. Note: If the gate will be used with an operator or as part of a double drive gate, then remove the tension screw from the hinge, release all of the tension, and replace the screw. The tension screw must be attached to the hinge rod, even if there is no tension needed on the hinge.

From Brentwood Satin Black Jobs

5. For double drive gates, the drop rods are installed last. Fasten one of the tow “guides” to face of one side of the gate frame near the bottom of the latch side. Place the other guide about halfway up the gate side in line with first one. Insert the drop rod through the two guides and adjust them for smooth operation. Finally, mount the small “hook” to hold the rod in the up position. Make sure the drop rod clears the ground when the gate opens. Repeat this procedure for the other gate.

Fence Installation Guide

From Brentwood Satin Black Jobs

Fence Installation:
Install a pair of gate posts first. (If you don’t have any gates, then start with an end or corner post). Dig the post holes and set the posts into them. Fill the holes with concrete and tamp down around each post so the concrete is about 2” below ground level. The gate will be attached after the concrete has set. The opening between the posts should equal the size of the gate that was ordered. (i.e.: a 48” gate fits into a 48” wide opening.) Caution: The proper operation of the gate depends upon the correct installation of the gate posts. Make certain that they are plumb. Repeat this procedure for all other gate posts that are not in the same straight line of fence. Gates that are in the same line will be installed when the fence reaches their location. After the gate posts are set, the first line of fence is installed. Dig up to 8 holes for the line posts along the fence line. If you reach an end or corner of the fence line, then dig the post hole here; it’s needed. To install the fence, slide the horizontal rails of a section into the punched holes of the post installed in Step 1 as far as the notched end of the rails will allow. Place a line post into the next post hole, and slide the line post onto the horizontal rails of the section as far as possible. Pour concrete around the line post. Check that the post is plumb and aligned with the guide string. Tamp it down to hold the post in position. Leave the concrete about 2” below ground level. Note: Corner posts require the horizontal rails of one section to be specially cut to allow both sections to fit into the post. A ½” x 3/4” piece must be removed from the end of the rails. When you have 6-8 sections installed, align the fence by sighting along the top horizontal rails. When correctly aligned, the rails will appear to be one continuous line. Also, the posts will appear to be one when viewed from the end of the fence line. Continue in this manner until all fence sections are installed. Caution: Make sure that the posts are parallel to the pickets in the sections! Otherwise, the installation will appear less than professional. After the concrete has set, fasten the rails to the posts using the self-drilling screws. Caution: Do not over tighten the self-drilling screws – you can break them. If you use a powered or cordless drill, adjust the clutch to prevent the screws from marring the finish or denting. Fill in the top of the post holes with dirt and grass so the fence will look like it’s been there for years. Your fence installation is now complete!

Ultra Introduces "The Defender" Picket

With our new Ultra Defender Picket in Industrial Grade fencing 7' or higher, you can add even more security to your projects. Unlike competitor's products that require straps, bands and on-site assembly....our product comes fully assembled and ready to insert into the punched posts or rail end/wall mounts that you are already familiar with. Notice how the pickets are very close to the posts, so when viewed from a distance, there is a uniformity to the spacing. This would be the perfect product for a bank, a hospital, airport or any municipal or industrial project. The Defender was designed to offer not only the appearance of higher security, but a truly higher level of security. And one thing we can all agree on in this rapidly changing world, we will always need to secure and defend the things that are important to us. More now than ever.