The continuous evolution of the logistics industry is impacting on warehouse developments and design. The demand for greater sustainability and improved energy efficiency has led to more adaptable loading bay designs and the increased use of partitioning in warehouses.

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Hörmann has been at the fore front of new designs working with developers and operators to create new options. Maximising the longevity of buildings and equipment is highly important in improving sustainability; however, safety and operational efficiency remain the priority.

Today, the increased demands for parcel deliveries, fuelled by internet shopping, are presenting new challenges for the logistics industry. Vehicle fleets are changing as more light commercial vehicles and vans are bought for local deliveries.

While some major retailers have developed cross-docks, that unload trucks on one side and load vans on the other, this is not a practical solution for many. Understanding the full range of options available, and choosing the right elements to suit an individual operation, is becoming increasingly complex.

This is where the complete service that Hörmann provides comes in to its own. From initial consultation to design, product development, installation and ongoing service support, Hörmann is able to provide the complete package. This is even more important, as greater integration of loading equipment is used to help establish and maintain safe operating procedures.

For traditional loading docks there has been a move towards the use of longer dock levellers to safely load and unload a greater range of vehicle heights. However, with many vans, loading width has become a limiting factor. In order to retain the safe operating procedures that many sites utilise Hörmann has developed and introduced the HTLV3 dock leveller with three part telescopic lip.

In normal use the entire width of the lip can be continuously extended and to all intents and purposes is a conventional dock leveller. However, a simple switch on the control panel lets you extend only the centre section of the lip, making it ideal for smaller, narrower vehicles.

Another innovation, developed specifically for parcel delivery companies was introduced at CeMAT in Hannover. The Parcel Walk door has been designed to readily accommodate loading and unloading of both vans and trucks from the same level access bay.

The door includes a detachable lower section which has a pedestrian walkway attached. When working with vans, the door opens as normal, lifting the “catwalk” up out of the way.

It is when working with trucks and demountable bodies that the door comes into its own. The lower section is unlocked from the upper, leaving the pedestrian walkway between two access piers. This allows easy access to the inside of the truck for loading and unloading purposes.

While these two product initiatives meet a specific, and growing, need it is the willingness to develop new ideas that meet the exact requirements of the logistics industry and warehouse operators that sets Hörmann apart.

Tel: 01530 516888

Email: info@hormann.co.uk

www.hormann.co.uk

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