Keep loading bays running smoothly
September 1st 2006

Many UK warehouse and distribution companies rely on the efficient operation of their loading bays and related equipment. Hrmann UK commercial director Alan Jenkins, explains why the Hrmann solution keeps loading bays running smoothly.

Whether you are a grocery retailer, car manufacturer or logistics company, the chances are that you make use of loading bays at a warehouse or distribution centre.

Increased efficiency in loading bay technology is recognised as a key issue for many large companies looking to improve turnaround times and therefore it is essential to select your loading bay equipment with care.

Product quality should come first and foremost when choosing this type of equipment and should never be sacrificed for cost as even the simplest of equipment malfunctions could result in one or more loading bays being out of operation during critical times. The consequential loss of time and possibly revenue could prove critical to a distributor.

There are strict standards of quality that need to be adhered to. The machinery directive dictates that all doors should be CE marked. EU legislation also dictates that CE marking needs to satisfy EN13241-1 the standard that covers the mandatory requirements for safety for both mechanical and power operated doors. Hrmann not only complies with these standards, but makes a point of staying one step ahead of the legislation criteria.

Always check the sealing system of your doors. This aspect of the loading bay is of particular importance as it must guarantee a clean and dry transfer of goods from bay to docking vehicle irrespective of the weather. In the case of frozen goods the sealing system must also offer protection from heat transfer. In order to ensure this the seals must be matched to the docking vehicles. Hrmann's broad range of sealing systems accommodates every requirement as far as possible.

Loading bay door manufacturers and suppliers need to be aware of the customers' intentions, and help them achieve that drive for efficiency by supplying products which meet their specific requirements. As part of its portfolio of industrial and loading bay products, Hrmann has developed a number of made to measure solutions which are proving popular with many developers and specifiers. The completeness of Hrmann's loading bay programme range allows engineered equipment to be matched to the respective operating conditions in terms of the goods to be loaded, size of vehicles, sealing requirements and door equipment.

Hrmann also has a domestic garage door division and lessons learnt from this side of the operation have no doubt helped to steal an edge on the industrial market. Loading bay doors have to be stronger than domestic doors, yet many companies will provide the same spring and other operational components for both. Hrmann industrial doors are fitted with stronger and more durable parts and built specifically fit for purpose Products are built in-house delivering consistent quality across the entire range of sectional overhead doors, roller shutter doors, folding doors, fast action doors, personnel access doors and fire doors.

The range of loading equipment developed and manufactured by Hrmann includes dock levellers, dock shelters, and loading bay accessories such as traffic lights, dock bumpers, vehicle restraints and wheel guides all of which play an essential role in the smooth transfer of goods in a safe and efficient manner.

With more than 40 subsidiaries worldwide, the Hrmann Group has built a solid reputation for product quality and is able to offer a wide choice of domestic and industrial doors. With loading bays forming such an integral part of the operation it is vital to make sure that a reliable system is in place that is best suited to the needs of the company.

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