Important Notice

PDS recently became aware of an issue (involving the presence of asbestos fibres) impacting one of the categories of fire-rated door ‘cores’ previously used by PDS in production of Pyropanel fire-rated doors.   

A recall notice has now been published in connection with this issue, located here:  

recall notice

As set out in that notice, the ‘recall’ process will focus on a subset of the relevant doors (in particular focusing on doors for which fire tags have not been issued), which subset is explained in more detail in the notice.

Note that PDS is now, since 11 August 2025, utilising in relevant manufacturing a core from a different supplier in replacement for the core the subject of the contamination event.

Below is further information in relation to this issue, which should be read in conjunction with the information in the recall notice:

Which fire-rated doors/components may be impacted?

The issue has impacted a product known as ‘FRB board’ or ‘FRB core’, which is manufactured by a third party outside of New Zealand. 

FRB core is a product that PDS and other manufacturers in both Australia and New Zealand use in the manufacturing of certain Pyropanel fire-rated doors. 

For PDS, the fire-rated doors it manufactured using FRB core and that formed part of PDS’ range at the time the issue came to its attention are listed further below (referred to in the remainder of this notice as “Potentially Impacted PDS Fire Door Categories”).

It is important to stress that FRB core and the Potentially Impacted PDS Fire Door Categories do not contain asbestos ‘by design’, and an explanation and more information has be sought from the relevant third party manufacturer.

What is the impact of this contamination issue on fire-rated doors/FRB core products already supplied?

Refer the recall notice linked above.

Based on testing to date, we understand that not all FRB core products supplied to PDS have contained asbestos.  

How did PDS become aware of this issue?

The issue came to the attention of PDS when some FRB core imported into Australia (and, subsequently, New Zealand) was tested and found to contain asbestos. 

Samples of FRB core product had previously been the subject of testing and reported and certified as not containing any asbestos, so there was no prior indication of any issue.

Have any relevant authorities been informed?

PDS are in contact with both Worksafe New Zealand and MBIE in relation to these matters.

What are the next steps?

As mentioned above, PDS and its related entities in Australia are continuing to investigate these issues.  

Relevant updates to this notice will follow as clarifying details become available.   

In addition to publishing this notice and the recall notice linked above, PDS has prioritised contacting those customers to whom it has supplied fire-rated doors in the Potentially Impacted PDS Fire Door Categories and where, according to PDS’ records, it appears works on the doors (such as installation of door hardware) may potentially not be complete.  The purpose of that communication included to ensure those customers are aware of this notice and that the notice information should be on-provided to relevant parties who may be working on the doors / site. 

In relation to sites where work on relevant doors has already been completed, as mentioned above we understand that while the doors remain in situ they should not pose any material new safety risks.  Refer the further information above and in the recall notice.

Thank you for your understanding as we work through these matters.   Enquiries can be sent to support.pacificdoors@assaabloy.com