Hörmann is at the forefront of new loading bay designs that offer greater flexibility, adding to the sustainability of new builds. By considering future needs alongside current requirements, loading bays are not only being developed to accept a wide range of vehicles but also so that they can readily be adapted to a new configuration if required.
![Unloading[1]](http://www.warehousenews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Unloading1.jpg)
The new design direction is leading to the increased use of longer dock levellers, dock shelters, dock houses and inflatable curtains. Longer dock levellers enable a greater range of vehicle heights to be accommodated safely. Using telescopic lips also assists with this element as well as allowing the dock leveller to sit behind an insulated door, helping to minimise heat loss through the leveller.
The use of inflatable heads offers the flexibility to accept double-deck, “standard” and aerodynamically styled trailers on the same bay, while creating an efficient seal to minimise energy losses. As an example of this design, for Asda, extended, 1700mm deep dock shelters have been fabricated by Hörmann so that the inflatable head creates a seal at the front of the aerodynamic slope on the rear of the Cheetah Fastback trailers they operate. This simple design prevents rainwater from running into the building and minimises a potential slip hazard.
The use of inflatable curtains not only adds to the flexibility in the type of trailer that can securely be docked but also can provide a seal around the sides of a trailer, particularly advantageous for frozen food operations. Here double door systems where a truck is docked into a lobby area before a second insulated door is opened into the frozen storage area are another design element that can help to minimise energy usage.
Similarly the use of an external dock house can create a lobby area or simply add greater flexibility to accommodate automated systems, for instance. A highly specific arrangement can be created for a particular business need or contract, yet the ability to simply unbolt a dock house and reconfigure specific bays to meet changing needs is a straightforward route to manage a significant change of operation.
The key to a more efficient design is good planning. This needs to encompass safety, energy efficiency and operational needs. To address this Hörmann has a dedicated team of project engineers who work on site to ensure the right options are chosen.
In addition to this dedicated team Hörmann has also created a free online tool, the Energy Saving Compass. The six themed modules encompass a planning guide that examines all the key aspects of energy saving that can be effected by industrial door systems and loading technology solutions. Not only does this show the main options available but also calculates the payback time for the equipment chosen.
For more detailed analysis, Hörmann is also the first company to publish independently verified Environmental Product Declarations, so that the sustainability and environmental credentials of any development can be readily analysed.
To see how Hörmann’s approach can help to maximise safety, improve your operation and reduce energy costs, contact Hörmann direct.
The Hörmann Group is an internationally-oriented, fast-growing company in the construction supplier industry. Doors, hinged doors, frames and operators are manufactured for the markets in Europe, North America and Asia at 16 highly-specialised factories. Employing more than 6,000 staff, this 100% family-owned company has achieved over 1 billion Euros in sales.
Hörmann Group
Tel: 01530 516888
Email: info@hormann.co.uk
Comments are closed.