There are many factors to consider when planning a
loading bay. Here,Glyn Ansen, national accounts manager
for Hörmann UK, details recent projects that demonstrate
the benefits of a ‘solutions-driven’ approach

The primary consideration is the type
and sizes of vehicles that are likely to
be operated, not just the current fleet.

The site geography has then to be considered
in relation to vehicle movements and any
slope towards the loading area.

Once the basic layout is considered, the
finer detail can be established. The type of
mechanical handling equipment employed
and the operating environment are critical
factors in the overall design.We must then
consider the type and size of seal, dock
leveller and door required before looking at
the control system and ancillary equipment.

Hörmann is one of the companies that
offers a one-stop-shop service. It is involved
in all aspects from initial design to onsite
installation, offering advice to ensure the
final solution meets the operational and
budgetary needs.

For the Royal Mail distribution centre at
Swan Valley, Northampton, Hörmann
worked closely with the main contractor
Winvic to project manage the installation of
23 loading bays with heavy duty dock
levellers, dock shelters, sectional insulated
loading bay doors, high speed bi-parting
doors and high security doors.

The high specification of the build
required considerable attention to detail
Hörmann, and non-standard heavy duty
dock levellers and dock shelters were
engineered for the project.

Hörmann FR type heavy duty 8000Kg
rated load dock levellers were installed with a
custom 600mm telescopic lip while the dock
shelters also had to be designed to
accommodate the wide range of vehicles
operated by the Royal Mail. By incorporating
an inflatable head and standard curtain sides
Hörmann produced a solution that gives an
efficient seal in all circumstances.

This attention to detail can also be seen at
Teva Pharmaceuticals in Eastbourne where
Hörmann has installed its new DOBO
system that allows trucks to dock on the
loading bay before opening their doors
(pictured below). This improves both
security and helps maintain a clean
environment.

In conjunction with the DOBO system
this was also the first UK installation of the
Hörmann docking assistant that helps
drivers dock in the optimum position. The
docking assistant operates via proximity
sensors in the loading bay door linked to
traffic lights that guide the driver into
position.

Once the truck is on the dock the
inflatable dock seals surround the vehicle on
three sides. The vehicle is now docked with
both the loading bay door and the truck
doors still closed. The truck doors can then
be unlocked and opened in to the recess
designed into the bay area. To accommodate
the door opening the 6t capacity dock
leveller is angled downwards in a below dock
position. Once the truck doors have been
opened the 1000mm telescopic lip of the
dock leveller can be positioned and the truck
can be unloaded or loaded as required.

Another example of early involvement is
the development of High Speed Spiral Doors
to meet a demanding brief from Asda at its
Didcot warehouse. In a conventional loading
environment Asda approached Hörmann to
provide loading bay and door solutions to
meet its goals of minimising energy usage, in
line with their commitment towards the
environment, while increasing operational
efficiency and maintaining high levels of
safety.

For the level access doors Hörmann
developed a single high speed, insulated
spiral door to replace a traditional two door
solution comprising high speed curtain door
for daytime use and sectional outer door for
night-time security.

The Hörmann high speed spiral door
gives efficient thermal insulation, reducing
heat loss and affording the high levels of
security needed. The non-contact guided
roll-up technology allows these doors to
operate at high speed with minimal wear
leading to long service life. These factors,
coupled to Hörmann’s precision engineering,
combine to give the efficient operation
needed with on-going cost savings while
reducing overall environmental impact.

The above examples are all solutiondriven.

They have involved design and
engineering input from Hörmann’s project
teams at an early stage, resulting in efficient
solutions that meet individual needs.