Door Industry Journal - Spring 2016

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industrial doors feature substantial flow of shipments in and out of the building, TNT needed loading bays to accommodate both long-haul trailers and the much smaller Pickup-and-Delivery (PUD) trucks. IDI Gazeley’s depot design provided specific loading areas for the different types of vehicles used by the logistics giant. These included 40 docking bays for large trailers and 61 for vans and PUD trucks, covering a full three sides of the building. This design allows for the most efficient flow of consignments through the warehouse, while providing space for offices at one end of the building. Hörmann’s SPU F42 electric sectional doors were chosen for the large loading bays. These PU-infilled doors offer good levels of thermal insulation, helping TNT to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and reduce energy losses. Dock levellers with swing lips were installed to allow easy unloading from trailers. The hinged lip of these levellers lifts up before being lowered onto the back of the trailer, creating a secure connection with the truck to ensure safe loading and unloading. Likewise double lifting cylinders and an anti-twist platform make these some of the safest on the market, meaning forklifts can be driven across the surface of the leveller without the risk of it dropping or tilting. For added safety, Hörmann has installed an LED traffic light system both internally and externally. This alerts staff inside the warehouse when the truck is securely docked and it is safe to unload. Similarly it advises the driver when unloading has been completed and it is safe to pull away from the bay. Additional safety measures include internal loading lights to ensure staff have full visibility while unloading, dock seals to limit rainwater run-off and Nytrex slider dock bumpers to prevent damage to the loading bay as vehicles reverse. As the Swindon hub will see deliveries heading out to addresses across the South West, around two thirds of the doors on site are designed specifically for use by vans and PUD trucks. These fixed level bays are installed with manually operated SPU F42 sectional doors, which are lightweight enough to be easily lifted on demand by loading bay operatives. The site will no doubt play a significant role in TNT’s future growth and improvement plans, and was consequently designed to manage extra consignments as required. Estimates suggest the warehouse is regularly operating at around 60-80 per cent capacity, with room to expand output during particularly busy periods, such as Christmas and Mother’s Day. TNT Swindon is the latest in a number of major warehouse projects for Hörmann. Last year the manufacturer announced the installation of 21 loading bays at retailer TJ Morris’ new regional distribution centre in Liverpool. For more information on Hörmann’s industrial doors and loading bays, visit www.hormann.co.uk . 75 THE door industry journal spring 2016