FEATURE LOADING BAYS & DOORS RAMPING UP THE TECHNOLOGY


USED FOR BETTER VEHICLE ACCESS O


ne option of a low loader ramp available to UK vehicle operators is


the VFR from sara Ramps. This heavy- duty aluminium ramp has been setting the industry standard for nearly 30 years and comes in a range of sizes. Standard load capacities are from 10,000 to 80,000kg with customised and bespoke versions also available, making the VFR ramps suitable for loading all types of heavy plant - from agricultural machinery to multi-axle cranes. Originally designed for loading steel


track machinery, VFR ramps are available in multiple width and length options and can also be made to individual length requirements. The flexibility ensures that any degree of incline can be accommodated. VFR ramps are available in a variety of standard end fixings to suit most trailers and can be adapted to specific requirements. In short, VFRs can be used with any type of wheel or track, including solid tyres and rollers. Ramp manufacturer, sara Ramps,


constantly works on improving its solutions and can rise to individual challenges with one-off designs for special projects. Jeremy Albin of sara Ramps gives some examples of how custom solutions have been developed:


of requests, Albin recalls that sara Ramps recently developed a bespoke solution for the Bloodhound land speed record project: “We designed and built a special set of three tier ramps for loading the 7.5 tonnes Bloodhound - it’s a car, but at 13.5m long, loading it onto a transporter takes some care and consideration. “We supplied these ramps to Euro Axles


of Newcastle-under-Lyme for use with their purpose built trailer and we take great pride in knowing we are helping push the excellence of British engineering to world-beating levels.” Not all jobs are this high profile, but


“For instance, over recent years


combination ramps have become increasingly popular for loading machinery with low clearances or long wheelbases. These consist of two pairs of VFR ramps, most commonly two times 2,000mm or two times 2,400mm with a separate, central support pedestal. The second tier ramps can also be used independently for standard loading.” Willing to rise to the most challenging


sara Ramps’ design experts are always on hand to advise and help with the selection of standard ramps or development of a bespoke solution. When a ramp is well matched to its duties, it will be easy to use and give safe service over many years. All sara Ramps products are


manufactured to the relevant British and European standards, and all carry certification and quality marks. They are made with a 100 per cent safety factor, so there is no need to choose oversized models to ensure safe operation.


sara Ramps www.saralbs.co.uk


A bulletproof choice for UK glass supplier U


nion Industries is helping to protect the machinery investment and employees at Tyneside Safety Glass with a new bespoke high-speed Bulldoor. The Gateshead-based


business is a global supplier of advanced toughened, laminated, bullet resistant and heated glass. The company recently invested in new equipment and needed an effective solution to protect its new digital glass printing machine. As the conditions inside the warehouse are often high in temperature, a solution was


required to let air into the factory, but at the same time reduce the ingress of dust and increasingly cold weather, which can have an effect on the process of the printing. A solution was also required for health and safety reasons as too much wind tunnelling into the building could knock sheets of glass over, causing risk to employees. The Bulldoor from Union Industries is a Rapid Roller Door designed for areas where


moderate wind speeds are apparent. As well as standard features, and the ability to reduce heat loss and control hygiene, the door has also been specially designed to include extra deep non-standard seals and a bespoke door blade to include a perforated mesh panel to allow some, but not excessive, air movement in the factory. Chris Hannant, managing director at Tyneside Safety Glass (pictured left), comments: “Our


company has been developing products for over 80 years and it’s great that we are in a position to invest in new machinery to strengthen our current capabilities. “It’s important that we protect our investments and employees to the best of our ability


and although there were other companies out there quoting us a lower priced door than Union Industries, I decided to place the business with Union Industries due to the company’s confidence in its products and professionalism.” Alan Hirst, sales director at Union Industries (pictured right), adds: “We always like to cater


to our customer’s needs and sometimes that means making modifications to our existing products, which we’re more than happy to do.”


S8 NOVEMBER 2017 | MATERIALS HANDLING & LOGISTICS www.unionindustries.co.uk /MATERIALSHANDLINGLOGISTICS


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