Hi-Speed Roller Doors Complete 10 Million Cycles at Tesco Distribution Centre

18/11/2011 - Process Engineering Control & Maintenance

Union Industries, the market leading manufacturer of bespoke industrial doors, is celebrating a multi-million milestone for two of its Bulldoor™ high speed doors. 

A pair of Union rapid roll doors have completed 10 million opening and closing cycles of Tesco’s Distribution Centre in Didcot since their installation in 1997. Located between two different temperature controlled chambers, the doors support temperature control and traffic flow in the distribution centre.

The Bulldoors™ are activated by induction loops in the floor to provide uninterrupted access for electric ride-on pallet trucks. Their 1.6metre per second opening speed and automatic closing operation help reduce temperature loss from the strictly controlled chilled store.

The distribution centre packs fresh food before it is transported to Tesco stores throughout Oxfordshire. The location provides Tesco with approximately 288,250 square feet of distribution warehouse and ancillary office accommodation with a substantial yard.

In common with other doors in the range, the Bulldoors feature Union’s highly-regarded ‘Crash-Out & Auto-Reset’ damage protection facility, which ensures that they remain operable if the bottom beam is hit by a speeding vehicle. This proven system, which has been on Union’s doors for over 20 years, drastically reduces repair costs and guarantees minimal down-time.

Alan Hirst, Union Industries Sales Director, said: “Our range of rapid roll doors have gained an industry-wide reputation for quality and reliability, which has been demonstrated by the 10m cycles completed by the Bulldoors™ at Tesco. This reliability, along with the robust & quality parts we use, are the main reasons why we are happy to offer our customers an optional Lifetime Warranty on new doors.”

He added: “We have developed a range of fast acting doors which meet the strict demands of several industries ranging from food storage and distribution to pharmaceutical that has secured our position as the market leader.”

John Haynes, Tesco Distribution Centre Shift Manager, said: “Since their installation, the Bulldoors™ have provided our warehouse facility with the utmost efficiency across energy saving, environmental control, damage protection and safety. We have been impressed by the quality of manufacture and reliability of Union’s doors, as well as the after-sales service.”