SECURITY AND cold-chain integrity were two key drivers at a major new Grade A logistics development at Logistics City Milton Keynes. Located just under 2 miles from Junction 14 of the M1, the site facilitates access to national distribution networks, placing 87% of the UK population within a 4.5-hour drive time.

Assa Abloy Entrance Systems provided an integrated package of entrance and loading systems for the project, which was completed in late 2025.

Designed with security at the forefront

Reflecting increased demand for robust, high‑performance building envelopes within the logistics sector, Assa Abloy supplied and installed four Crawford OH1042P Secured by Design level access sectional doors. Delivering enhanced protection without compromising operational efficiency, each door exceeds four metres in width and is fitted with dual cylinder locks, offering additional resistance against unauthorised access. The lock system is key‑operated and installed internally, allowing controlled access from inside only, or from both the inside and outside where required. The doors are also equipped with simple deadman down operation, ensuring precise and safe control during closing while maintaining a high level of security.

The facility incorporates 14 loading bays, comprising 10 standard and four tall bays. Each is fitted with a Crawford OH1042P Secured by Design dock door, incorporating aluminium rectangular certified burglar‑proof windows that combine visibility with high security performance. These doors form part of a fully integrated loading solution, which includes Assa Abloy DL6220T telescopic lip dock levellers, along with dock buffers and wheel guides to support safe and accurate vehicle positioning. 

Supporting the cold chain

A defining feature of the development is its focus on cold-chain integrity, recognising the growing importance of temperature‑controlled logistics across multiple sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.

To support this, all loading bays are equipped with the Assa Abloy DS6070R inflatable dock shelter, designed to create a tight seal between the building and docked vehicles. This significantly reduces thermal exchange during loading and unloading, helping to maintain internal temperature stability and protect sensitive goods.

The inflatable shelter inflates around the docked vehicle to provide complete sealing and continuous weather protection throughout operations. Its roller-top design automatically adapts to accommodate both low and high vehicles, while also following any vertical movement during loading to ensure consistent tightness. The system delivers sealing performance above standard operational requirements, making it particularly suited to applications where maintaining the cold chain is critical.

The shelter is installed within a frame construction featuring insulated top and side panels, providing additional thermal performance and contributing to the overall efficiency of the building envelope.

With security-rated doors on every bay and sealed docking across the facility, Assa Abloy’s solutions fulfil the specification’s key requirements, ensuring asset protection and supporting temperature-controlled operations.

For more information:

www.assaabloyentrance.com

Tel:  0330 094 5620