Hörmann has installed the biggest vertical lift SPU insulated sectional doors it can manufacture at 6m x 6m

TPN-35-(1)

The reported shortage in quality warehouse stock and the return to speculative builds by developers does not mean that tenants have to compromise. With many companies identifying their supply chain as a key element of their drive to reduce their own environmental impact, warehouse designs are changing. This need to produce more energy efficient and sustainable builds is creating a new generation of warehouses that can meet a variety of needs.

Understanding these needs and the design options available is a major part of the planning process, however lateral thinking can also help to create a more flexible and sustainable warehouse.

A good example of this is the new distribution hub for The Pallet Network, (TPN), one of the UK’s leading palletised freight distribution networks, where TPN, Hörmann and Prologis have worked together to develop the new site.

Business growth, resulted in the need for a bigger distribution hub, and with further expansion in mind, TPN was actively involved in the design of the new building. This was to ensure that it offers the flexibility needed to enable the business to continue to develop the high quality service it provides to members and all their customers.

Built alongside it’s previous centre at Prologis Park, Minworth, the new cross-docked facility was designed to achieve BREEAM 2011 ‘very good’ accreditation and the best EPC rating possible for its size range. However, now that TPN are operating from the site, they are already heading towards BREEAM excellent status, partly because of the way the building is used.

The design features 54 loading bays, but as TPN’s Operations Director, Mark Kendall, explains they currently only need six. “Our focus is on making sure we continue to develop our service so the new distribution centre has given us the opportunity to put in place the options to expand and modify the way we operate. The cross-dock arrangement gives us the parking space to help to manage 400 plus vehicle movements nightly, and the ability to commission any of the loading bays offers the flexibility to adapt quickly.”

Other design features of the new build have been incorporated specifically for TPN’s current operation. Hörmann has installed the biggest vertical lift SPU insulated sectional doors it can manufacture at 6m x 6m. Three of each of these vertical lift doors, with low level springs, are on each end of the building, allowing trucks to drive in to the building, drop their trailer, collect another and depart through the opposite side. With vehicles operating inside the building, TPN are very conscious of the working environment and have installed monitoring systems to detect any build up of vehicle fumes, in particular carbon monoxide. Even though the large entrance and exit doors remain open while vehicles are active, the sensors can automatically open the loading bay doors on both sides of the building. This creates an additional through draught, in specific zones, helping to ensure that any fumes are kept well below safe limits.

Ongoing maintenance and service support from Hörmann is all part of the package to ensure this site operates at optimum efficiency for many years to come.

This development is an excellent example of forward-planning, where TPN, Prologis and Hörmann have all contributed to create a site that not only meets current business needs but has significant levels of flexibility to manage the continued evolution of TPN’s business.

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