The logistics industry is evolving and, consequently, so is warehouse and loading bay equipment. Enhanced environmental legislation, changing consumer expectations and the need for more streamlined operations mean businesses are increasingly opting for the latest technology and machinery to meet their needs.
As we head towards the new year, Alan Jenkins, commercial director at industrial door and loading bay manufacturer Hörmann, reviews some of the company’s newly launched products and most popular loading bay designs for 2014.
Flexible loading bays
Logistics fleets are changing, with many operators utilising a wider range of vehicles than ever before. Standard, double deck and aerodynamic trailers, as well as vans and other smaller vehicles are often expected to be accommodated within the same loading bays.
This year, Hörmann has seen a significant increase in demand for flexible docking stations, capable of operating safely and effectively for multiple vehicle types. A number of recent installations have opted for longer dock shelters with inflatable heads, which create a seal around the vehicle irrespective of its size. In addition to providing increased insulation, this option also minimises rainwater run-off in adverse weather conditions, reducing slip hazards within the loading bay.
Longer dock levelers are also becoming more popular for the same reason. Versions with telescopic lips are the optimum choice, as they enable precise positioning for a greater range of vehicles, making loading and unloading both easier and safer.
Parcel Walk Door
The rise of online shopping has also had a significant effect on warehouse and loading bay design in 2014. Package services are growing exponentially, with PwC predicting that by 2023, UK parcel deliveries will reach 2.3 billion items a year.
This increased demand has prompted Hörmann to develop a loading bay door specifically to meet the needs of parcel delivery companies. Introduced at CeMAT in Hannover in May, the Parcel Walk door has been designed to readily accommodate loading and unloading of both vans and trucks from the same level access bay.
Designed specifically for loading bays that cater for both vans and trucks, the door can separate into two sections or be raised in full. For lower levels vans, the whole door is lifted, creating level access from the loading area into the vehicle.
The Parcel Walk’s real innovation comes when operating with trucks or demountable bodies. Two access ladders on either side of the door lead to an attached pedestrian walkway, which provides level access into the back of the truck. This design means the Parcel Walk is particularly suited for the increasing number of operations that utilise conveyor systems for loading and unloading.
Supplied as standard with Hörmann’s compact WA 300 SA operator, which includes soft-start soft-stop technology, the Parcel Walk has been designed to be safe as well as practical. Force limitation technology stops the door automatically if it encounters an obstruction, removing the need for any additional sensors within the door frame.
The Parcel Walk Door is also more efficient and cost-effective than alternative three phase devices, using around 75 per cent less power to operate. At a price point approximately 30 per cent below competitor products, this door really is a practical choice.
V9012L Stacking Door
High-speed doors are being used in more warehouses than ever. Whether a new build, refurbishment or simple replacement, fast-action doors and curtains are being integrated into an increasing number of projects.
In the temperature controlled industry, Hörmann’s insulated high-speed sectionals have become an industry standard – the new Thermo 67 door is a prime example. But frozen and chilled operations are not the only sectors investing in fast-action doors. Launched earlier in the year, the external V9012L Stacking Door has proved extremely popular with the wider industrial trade.
This high-speed folding door is opened via a belt drive system that folds the curtain into the lintel area. Designed especially for openings of up to 6 metres, where lintel space may be limited, the door can be fitted externally with the operator housed in a weather-resistant protective cover.
Aluminium laths stabilise the curtain and provide superb wind reinforcement, while a full width vision panel allows for safe door operation. For ease of use from the floor, an external control element can be integrated into the frame.
As with all Hörmann high speed curtain doors, the award winning Light Grille non-contact safety device is included as standard. This device uses an array of light beams to constantly monitor the door opening to a height of 2.5 metres and will simply stop the door from closing if any of the beams are broken.
Not only does it exceed requirements of BS EN 13241-1, the V9012L Stacking Door can also be retrofitted into existing door frames, and is available in a choice of five colours, with additional vision panels on request.
For more information on Hörmann and its industrial product range, contact the team on 01530 516 888 or visit www.hormann.co.uk.
Phone: 01530 516888
Email: info@hormann.co.uk
Web: www.hormann.co.uk
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