Feature Loading bays & doors Loading bays of the future


Loading bays represent a critical area when it comes to safety, operational efficiency and energy savings. With the pressure also on supply chains to reduce environmental impact, all these factors are combined in the latest loading bay designs and developments by Hörmann


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hether it is the refurbishment of a single bay or the devel- opment of a new distribution centre good planning is the key to meeting the financial, opera- tional and safety needs of each site. As a true one-stop-shop for loading bays and industrial doors, Hörmann is well placed to deliver the best solutions and develop better options. With inte- gration at the core of the development process, dock levellers, door shelters, and ancillary equipment work together seamlessly, helping improve both effi- ciency and safety.


However one of the key factors in reducing the carbon footprint of a pro- ject is to create designs that offer flexi- bility to meet future needs, therefore minimising the whole life environ- mental impact of the development. In order to predict this future need, both Hörmann and provider of distrib- ution buildings Prologis have been consulting with logistics operators and key customers to develop the ware- houses and loading bays of the future. The aim of the consultation process is to determine occupiers’ evolving needs so that warehouse designs are – as far as possible future proofed. This also lays the foundations for new product development at Hörmann. For


Prologis, a commitment to sustainable building has already developed a for- ward thinking culture that has resulted in a number of customer focused initiatives. The introduction of the build-to-suit, five-year lease ini- tiative is one of the latest examples of this approach. In exchange for a five- year lease commitment, Prologis will build a high quality, sustainable distri- bution centre. The short-term nature of the lease means Prologis needs to design the buildings to be flexible and adaptable. While offering real value for money to its customers and aiming to minimise the lifetime carbon foot- print of each building, Prologis must also maximise its investment. Working with 3PLs to predict not only the most likely future develop- ments but also the speed of change is already making design changes that will add value to new developments. The adoption of a “standard” dock height of 1,300mm with a 3.5m dock leveller means new builds can readily handle a wider range of vehicle types. This instant flexibility also has a bene- fit in the construction phase, as stan- dard size dock shelters and dock houses can be installed, without modi- fication, speeding up the build process. Before the introduction of the new


The new warehouse for BMW parts distribution at Prologis Park Pineham includes ‘knock through’ pre-cast concrete door panels placed between the current loading bays so additional bays could be easily installed


Hörmann (UK) T: 01530 513000 hormann.co.uk Enter 360


Bespoke loading solution for egg processor


ground) lift and a bespoke warehouse extension to facilitate Manton’s on-going expansion. Manton Eggs processes more than one million eggs per day. Products are supplied to bakeries for wholesale and


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commercial use throughout the UK. As part of an expansion plan, the company needed to optimise loading efficiencies. Transdek installed its V2G lift that enables the company to more effectively unload the products from vehicles to ground level at its flat floor site. Transdek tailored the lift to meet Manton’s exact requirements and incorporated an inspection area, allowing eggs to be examined for quality purposes prior to entering the processing plant. Transdek also designed a bespoke warehouse extension to facilitate direct forklift truck access through an existing, adjacent doorway that was fully enclosed and covered both the warehouse and lift unit. This ensured a safe and secure working environment. The complete extension was fitted with cladding to match the existing premises and incorporated an exterior drainage system along with two roller shutter doors and two high speed doors, all interlocked to maintain an internal environment unaffected by the outside weather. Emergency egress doors were also built into the unit. In line with all Transdek products, the V2G was surface mounted, eliminating the need for civil engineering works. The entire project was completed and commissioned within just five days and features wheel guides installed in the delivery yard to aid smooth vehicle docking. Transdek www.transdek.com


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ransdek, the lifting equipment specialist, has designed, engineered and installed a loading solution for one of the UK’s largest egg processing companies, Harrogate-based Manton Eggs. The project incorporated its V2G (vehicle to


build-to-suit, five-year lease initiative, Hörmann and Prologis collaborated over delivering more flexible solutions on a number of developments. The new warehouse for BMW parts distribution at Prologis Park Pineham includes ‘knock through’ pre-cast concrete door panels that have been placed between the current loading bays so additional bays could be easily installed should BMW’s needs change. This adds to the long term use of the building which could readily be modified for any future tenants. At Prologis Park Bradford, an alternative solution was employed where manual, insulated, sectional doors where fitted instead of “knock through” panels to a section of a building that was designed to accom- modate additional bays should they be required. In both these examples the flexibility to expand with minimal environmental impact was key. Prologis’ build-to-suit programme can meet a wide range of requirements from the need to accommodate double deck trailers to specific designs to incorporate automated loading equip- ment. The key to these new develop- ments is how they can be adapted in the future. As an example, using pedestal loading houses that can simply be unbolted and exchanged for an alternative design is a possible option. This helps to resolve the potential conflict between a bespoke design, developed to meet very spe- cific needs, and the ability to readily adapt a loading area as needs evolve. The desire to meet customers needs not only drives planning but also new product development. Ancillary equip- ment such as energy efficient LED lighting, the Hörmann ThermoFrame and the new HFB forklift barrier have all been introduced to add value to existing options by contributing to improved safety and energy saving. The latest generation of products and the fore-thought applied to their design, are said to deliver better, safer, more efficient loading bay options while reducing energy costs and environmen- tal impact.


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