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Tag: Assa Abloy

Sectional Doors Support High-Security Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

The B4 Development at Manchester Airport, delivered by McLaren Construction Group, is a key part of the airport’s £1.3 billion Transformation Programme. ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems was proud to supply Secured by Design sectional doors and integrated loading bay solutions to support this high-performance logistics facility.

ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems is proud to have contributed to the successful completion of the B4 Development at Manchester Airport, a key milestone in the airport’s wider £1.3 billion Transformation Programme. Delivered by McLaren Construction Group, this major logistics and cargo development required industrial door and docking solutions that meet the highest standards of efficiency, security, and durability expected at one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs.

As part of the project, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems supplied and installed 11 Crawford OH1042P Level Access Overhead Sectional Doors. These doors, certified under the Secured by Design (SBD) initiative, provide enhanced security along with excellent thermal insulation. Depending on door width, each opening features a single row of three or four Secure by Design certified rectangular vision panels, integrated within aluminium frames. All doors were finished externally in RAL 9003 white, in line with architectural specifications, and fitted with vertical lift track configurations to maximise internal space.

Each of the loading bays within the B4 Development was equipped with a complete suite of loading bay solutions. This includes OH1042P SBD dock doors, which match the security and vision panel specifications of the level access doors. To support efficient and safe loading operations, DL6010S dock levellers were installed. These heavy-duty units offer a 60kN load capacity and feature a hydraulic swing lip design, with a vertical working range of +570 mm to -350 mm.

Sectional industrial Doors

To ensure a tight weather seal and optimise energy efficiency, each bay was also fitted with ASSA ABLOY DS6060P dock shelters. These units feature self-adjusting roof frames and durable double-layer polyester curtains, designed to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes while shielding personnel and goods from the elements. The comprehensive bay solution also includes heavy-duty dock buffers, integrated dock lights and traffic light systems for enhanced safety, and wheel guides to aid vehicle alignment during reversing.

In addition to dock and access equipment, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems supplied seven SR2-rated hinged steel personnel doors. Certified to LPS 1175 standards and fully compliant with Secured by Design requirements, these doors offer robust, tamper-resistant access control for secure pedestrian entry.

Sectional Door Technology at Logistics Hub

Posted on by David Priestman

As the logistics sector continues to evolve at pace, the demand for smarter, faster, and more sustainable infrastructure is growing. In response, Assa Abloy Entrance Systems has played a key role in the delivery of two state-of-the-art industrial units at Fradley Link, equipped with cutting-edge technology. Of particular note is the UK’s first major installation of the Crawford OH1142P Dual Drive sectional overhead door — a next-generation solution redefining performance standards in speed, efficiency, and sustainability.

Strategic Development in the UK’s Golden Triangle

Fradley Park, one of the UK’s most strategically located logistics hubs, continues to reinforce its position as a first-class destination for distribution and manufacturing. Located near Lichfield in Staffordshire, at the heart of the country’s Golden Triangle of logistics, this key site offers exceptional motorway connectivity and infrastructure—making it an ideal choice for major occupiers seeking sustainable and scalable warehousing solutions.

Evans Property Group has successfully completed development on the latest phase of the site, known as Fradley Link. The speculative scheme spans approximately 280,000 sq ft and includes two highly sustainable, flexible-use industrial units of 204,500 sq ft and 78,500 sq ft respectively. Both are being delivered to exacting standards, targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC A ratings, and are equipped with EV charging capabilities, solar-ready roofing systems, symphonic drainage, and secure cycle storage.

Loading Bay Solutions Designed to Enhance Speed

Supporting this high-specification development, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems was appointed to deliver a comprehensive entrance and loading bay solution in partnership with architect Kilmartin Plowman & Partners, main contractor GMI Construction Group, and developer Evans Property Group. The project represents a significant milestone for ASSA ABLOY in the UK, as it marks the first major installation of the recently launched Crawford OH1142P Dual Drive sectional overhead door — an innovation designed to deliver a whole new level of speed, efficiency, safety, and security in modern industrial environments.

High-Spec Installations Across Two Warehouses

The larger of the two buildings, at 204,500 sq ft, has been fitted with a full suite of loading bay equipment to support streamlined operations. This includes 20 standard and tall loading bays, each equipped with swing lip dock levellers, OH1142P Dual Drive doors, and mechanical dock shelters designed to accommodate a range of vehicle sizes. Complementary accessories such as dock lights, traffic control systems, and wheel guides were also installed to ensure safety and efficiency across all docking operations.

In addition, four ASSA ABLOY OH1042P level access overhead sectional doors were supplied to align with the building’s architectural palette — finished externally in RAL 7016 and internally in RAL 9002. These doors not only match the visual identity of the site but also deliver excellent thermal performance, achieving an overall U-value of 1.3 W/m²K.

The second building, at 78,500 sq ft, has been completed to a similar specification, featuring ten loading bays supported by the same combination of dock levellers, OH1142P doors, and dock shelters. Four level access OH1042P doors were also integrated, mirroring the installation in the adjacent, larger unit.

First for the Dual Drive

A standout feature of the Fradley Link development is its status as the first major UK project to incorporate the Crawford OH1142P Dual Drive sectional overhead door—ASSA ABLOY’s most advanced overhead door system to date. This next-generation solution has been designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of high-performance logistics environments, with a focus on energy efficiency, operational speed, and minimal maintenance.

The OH1142P Dual Drive represents a leap forward in entrance system technology. Its state-of-the-art design operates without traditional springs or cables, significantly reducing the number of moving parts and thereby cutting long-term maintenance requirements. The simplified, maintenance-friendly configuration also eliminates the need for structural preparation or additional reinforcements—saving time and space during installation and streamlining integration with modern warehouse architecture.

Engineered for speed and efficiency, the OH1142P opens and closes up to 30% faster than standard overhead doors, helping to reduce energy loss and improve internal climate control. This faster cycle time not only boosts operational productivity but also directly supports the sustainability goals of modern developments such as Fradley Link, where energy optimisation is a core performance metric.

Enhanced security is built in as standard, with automatic electric locking and remote monitoring capabilities via integrated smart technology. These features allow facilities teams to oversee and manage door operations more effectively, enhancing both safety and operational visibility across the site.

By requiring minimal structural prep and offering lower lifecycle costs through fewer components, the OH1142P Dual Drive supports a future-proof, cost-effective approach to industrial design. Its inclusion at Fradley Link signals a strong commitment to innovation from Evans Property Group and sets a new precedent for UK logistics developments.

Enhanced Safety and Sustainability at Every Bay

The dock shelters used across both units have been carefully selected to enhance energy efficiency and maintain optimal conditions during loading. Unlike sloped-roof designs that allow water run-off onto trailers, ASSA ABLOY’s flat-roof shelters incorporate integral rain channels that divert water away from the loading area—helping to protect goods and improve safety on site. The shelters accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and maintain consistent performance in all weather conditions.

Each loading bay also features ASSA ABLOY’s high-spec rubber dock buffers with steel face and top plate, and all wheel guides were supplied with a yellow painted finish, ensuring enhanced visibility and long-term resistance to wear and weathering.

Delivering the Future of Industrial Infrastructure

This installation reflects not just a technical achievement, but a broader alignment with the values driving the future of logistics property development—efficiency, safety, sustainability, and future-readiness. Through collaboration with Evans Property Group and the wider project team, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems has helped deliver a logistics hub that sets new standards in operational performance and environmental responsibility.

Fradley Link is more than a new industrial scheme — it is a model for what the next generation of distribution infrastructure can and should be. With innovation like the Crawford OH1142P Dual Drive at its core, the site is now equipped to support occupiers with the performance, reliability, and resilience required in today’s fast-moving supply chain environment.

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Security First for Industrial Real Estate

Posted on by David Priestman

In the competitive world of industrial real estate, safety and flexibility are paramount. Network Space’s Broadheath Networkcentre exemplifies these principles through its innovative design and security features. By partnering with ASSA ABLOY, Network Space has ensured that their new development not only meets but exceeds the expectations of modern businesses.

Bespoke Secured by Design sectional doors and large-scale loading bays for real estate developer Network Space helped make their new development a safe, flexible and attractive long-term proposition for tenants. Combining high-quality refurbished units with new construction, Network Space’s Broadheath Networkcentre is a modern industrial development, with 206,000 sq ft of space across 25 units. The Altrincham, Cheshire-based contemporary multi-tenant site has been designed to appeal to a diverse range of businesses.

Secured by Design

This large project was split into smaller individual units. ASSA ABLOY supplied and installed each of the 25 units with an OH1042P Secured by Design Overhead Sectional Door, plus added a range of steel and fire exit doors for additional access and several loading bays. Secured by Design is the official police security initiative that aims to improve the safety and security of buildings and their immediate surroundings. Based on the risks in the local area, the local police conduct a full review of the building and advise on the security rating they’d recommend.

The optimal entrance solution for industrial units, the OH1042P door is designed to keep businesses both safe and efficient. Available with a vision panel which is also security-rated, the OH1042P is four metres wide, with a cylinder safe lock on both sides of the door. Its weather-resistant construction protects against wind and water, making it suitable for both loading dock and level access applications. This new door from ASSA ABLOY meets all safety and security requirements without compromising usability.

Bespoke loading bays

Because Network Space was appealing to a diverse range of tenants, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems worked with them to develop a specification for loading docks that could flexibly accommodate all kinds of vehicles and loads. This proactive, future-proofing approach reduces restrictions on tenants, ensuring all of their potential loading requirements are met. This was achieved through fitting longer, telescopic levellers for maximum flexibility, considering the arrangement of the buffers and the size of the shelters to ensure the loading bay can accommodate the maximum size of vehicles and trailers.

A range of high-profile tenants have already chosen to locate their operations in Broadheath Networkcentre. One of the larger units was let in advance of development, which allowed the loading bays to be designed bespoke to this tenant. Their comprehensive entrance solutions included several Crawford OH1042P overhead sectional doors featuring Secured by Design security compliant windows, which were used for both secure level access and dock doors. Their solution also included DL6120T telescopic dock levellers, wheel guides, DS6060P curtain dock shelters, rubber buffers, internal and external traffic lights and dock lights.

This tenant requested a non-standard colour finish to exactly match their brand palette. With no impact on the security rating, the eye-catching colour-matched doors both stand out on the building and provide an elevated customer experience on approach to their unit. The loading bay solution provided by ASSA ABLOY means that Network Space can accommodate different kinds of tenants in these units for years to come, demonstrating a strong commitment to tenant satisfaction and long-term asset management. Tenants can benefit from our service agreements, ensuring consistent maintenance and support for their operations within the units.

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Industrial Doors to Play Their Role at Innovation Site

Posted on by David Priestman

A state-of-the-art 29,700 sq. ft. research and manufacturing facility is set to transform Sheffield with its innovative design and commitment to sustainability. The new development will feature a large open-plan factory space, individual workshop areas, and adaptable ancillary spaces, all underpinned by a robust, sustainable design addressing environmental, social, and economic responsibilities.

To meet the advanced needs of this cutting-edge facility, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems supplied an array of industrial doors, ensuring both functionality and security. Among the installations are two OH1042P Secure by Design sectional doors, two electrically operated tube motor fire shutters, and one HS9110P internal high speed door. Each door system has been carefully selected to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.

One standout feature of the project is the electrically operated tube motor fire shutter, measuring 3000mm wide by 2400mm high. This fire-rated roller shutter, certified to BS EN 1634-1:2014 standards, boasts a one-hour fire resistance rating. Designed to house recycling waste securely, the shutter operates via a 240V tubular motor with a key switch. Its uninterruptible power supply ensures reliable operation during power outages. The robust construction includes a galvanised steel curtain, a T-section bottom rail, and a durable powder-coated finish, ensuring both resilience and longevity.

Equally impressive are the two OH1042P sectional doors, certified to Resistance Class 2 (RC2) and part of the Secured by Design initiative. These overhead sectional doors prioritize security, thermal efficiency, and durability. With wind-resistant reinforced panels and advanced anti-lift features, the doors provide unparalleled protection against unauthorized access. The inclusion of burglar-proof window panels allows for increased natural light while maintaining high security. The largest of these doors, measuring 6000mm by 6000mm, operates with vertical lift tracks and wind bracing, making it ideal for the facility’s industrial environment.

Inside the factory, the HS9110P high speed door plays a vital role in enhancing traffic flow and maintaining energy efficiency. This door, with a bright yellow curtain measuring 5000mm by 5000mm and equipped with vision panels, operates at speeds of up to 2.4 m/s. Designed for heavy-duty use, it features a break-away and automatic reset system, reducing downtime in the event of impacts. Its advanced dual-barrel power drive and retention belt technology create an excellent draft seal and pressure resistance, ensuring reliable performance under demanding conditions. The automation of the door features a radar motion detector with an integrated active infrared presence detector, enabling seamless automatic door opening while ensuring the safety of both people and vehicles.

This Sheffield facility embodies a vision for sustainable and innovative industrial development, with ASSA ABLOY’s advanced door systems playing a crucial role in achieving its goals. By integrating cutting-edge security, energy efficiency, and operational reliability, these solutions exemplify the future of industrial design and functionality.

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Keeping Loading Bays Safe

Posted on by David Priestman

Loading bays are busy places. People, vehicles and machinery are constantly moving and the risk of injury, property damage or disruption to the supply chain is high. In fact, it’s estimated that 25% of industrial accidents occur in loading bays – and for every incident, there are around 600 close calls.

Identify the risks

Any loading bay is a high-risk environment, but when workers are busy or fatigued, wearing hearing protection or facing language barriers, the potential for human error and accidents increases.

A vehicle pulling away from the dock prematurely due to miscommunication or lack of understanding can have potentially fatal consequences for forklift operators or others working nearby. And when trailers are not restrained properly, vehicle creep can occur causing gaps to appear between a trailer bed and the loading bay. Vehicles can also roll backwards and tilt sideways leaving those working between them vulnerable to becoming trapped and crushed.

To prevent these issues, vehicle restraint systems, such as the automatic DE6290AR or the manual DE6190MR from ASSA ABLOY, lock the vehicle’s wheels in place, preventing unplanned movement.

Preventing vehicle creep and drive off

The physical restraint combined with enhanced traffic lights sequencing and visibility minimises the risk of drive offs. The restraint system also acts as a parking guide whilst reversing onto the loading bay, to help correct alignment and positioning. Once the trailer is in the right place, the automatic system is remotely activated from within the building or the manual system is pushed into position, triggering a precision-timed restraining arm which blocks the rear wheels from any forward motion. The two-way interlocking system means the dock doors cannot be opened before the wheel restraint is engaged. Once loading or unloading is complete the blocking arm can only be disengaged once the dock door is closed and operatives are safe from any trailer movements. The intelligent blocking arm activation makes the system suitable for a wide range of trucks, including those with a wheel at the very rear. The retractable blocking arm tucks neatly into the restraint when not in use, preventing damage to truck wheels or tail lifts, additionally, a sensor can be added for vehicles with mud flaps.

The restraint systems can be used on their own or combined with optional equipment such as, the combined Dock-IN traffic lights solution, or control panel mounted camera system which provides visibility of the yard and improves safety for yard operatives.

The benefits of enhanced safety

The ASSA ABLOY system offers multiple benefits over traditional approaches to restraining vehicles such as wheel chocks, which are less effective in slippery conditions and offer a limited restraining force. Implementing the right restraint system in loading bays enhances safety by protecting operatives from unexpected trailer movements, boosting their confidence during loading and unloading. Although loading bays inherently carry risks, a proper restraint system can significantly reduce these hazards, creating a more secure and efficient environment that protects employees, assets, and the company’s bottom line.

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