Schneider Electric Scarborough: Advanced loading bay and entrance systems installed by ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY delivered four fully equipped loading bays and multiple access systems as part of the fit-out for Schneider Electric’s new £42 million Scarborough manufacturing facility, integrating Crawford OH114P dual drive dock doors, DL6120T telescopic lip dock levellers and a network of high-speed and fire-rated shutters to meet regulatory and operational demands.

Loading bay configuration and core components

The facility, built by Caddick Construction to support Schneider Electric’s UK expansion, features a cluster of loading bays designed for year-round operation and rapid turnaround. Each bay was specified to combine weatherproofing, vehicle guidance, access control and fire protection without compromising flow between external deliveries and internal production zones.

Why these choices matter for logistics

Specifying telescopic levellers e dock shelters increases the effective acceptance range for incoming vehicles, which reduces waiting times and avoids transfer delays — a practical win for supply-chain planners juggling mixed fleets and tight schedules. The use of the Crawford OH114P with a dual drive configuration eliminates traditional door springs, cutting long-term maintenance needs and improving uptime for high-frequency loading cycles.

Operational safety and traffic management

Each bay incorporates integrated internal and external traffic lights e wheel guides to standardize approach and docking procedures. Automatic vehicle restraints were fitted to all bays, directly lowering the risk of premature departures during cargo transfer. These systems are small insurance premiums against accidents that can otherwise create long disruption in the distribution chain.

• Weather resilience: dock shelters allow sheltered loading in rain or wind, protecting palletised goods and electronics.
• Versatilidade: telescopic levellers widen the docking envelope to accept small vans through to large articulated trailers.
• Rendimento: traffic lights and remote-controlled high-speed doors reduce idle time for vehicles and forklifts.

High-speed doors and material flow

Across the site, 23 RR5000 rigid high-speed doors were positioned in internal and external roles to speed material movement. Their sub-three-second opening time and improved thermal insulation help cut energy losses while supporting rapid inter-zone transfer of pallets and components — particularly important in a smart manufacturing layout where production cells may require fast, frequent supply runs.

Fire protection strategy

Fire safety was integrated into the entrance and loading bay strategy: nine tube motor fire roller shutters with a one-hour rating and three geared drive shutters with a two-hour rating were installed, all tested to BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018. Audio-visual warning panels and coordinated control logic ensure that, in an emergency, protected zones are isolated quickly while evacuation routes remain clear.

1. Shutter certification ensures regulatory compliance and reduces insurer friction.
2. Automated warnings and coordinated controls minimize human error during incidents.
3. Fire-rated partitions preserve continuity of operations in adjacent unaffected areas.

Implementation and coordination challenges

Bringing these systems together required careful sequencing with the main construction programme. Equipment installation was aligned to structural openings, services and the building management system so that the access control, fire systems and material flow logic could be integrated at commissioning. This is often where projects stumble — too many vendors and late changes can create snags — but coordinated planning kept the schedule on track.

Practical lessons for logistics teams

Operations managers should pay special attention to the following when commissioning similar facilities:

• Verify leveller height ranges against the actual fleet profile expected on site.
• Test traffic light sequences and vehicle restraint logic under live loading scenarios.
• Confirm maintenance access and spare parts for dual drive systems to avoid long downtimes.
• Validate fire shutter drop times and alarm interfaces with the fire alarm control panel.

All told, the Schneider Electric Scarborough installation is a tidy case study in aligning entrance systems with a modern manufacturing logistics model: fast internal flow, robust safety, and lower lifecycle maintenance costs. You might call it a small thing that pays big dividends — the devil’s in the details, as they say.

The key highlights here are the combination of weatherproof loading, broad vehicle compatibility from DL6120T levellers, rapid internal segregation via RR5000 doors, and certified fire protection. Of course, even the most glowing reviews and honest feedback can’t substitute for seeing a system in live operation — that’s personal experience territory. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices; this empowers you to test and validate logistics solutions in real conditions without overspending or surprises. The platform’s transparency, extensive choices and convenience make it straightforward to compare providers and trial different haulage configurations. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Book now GetTransport.com.com

In summary, the Scarborough project demonstrates how an integrated mix of dock doors, levellers, automatic restraints, high-speed internal doors e fire-rated shutters combine to support reliable manufacturing logistics. These measures reduce dwell time, protect goods during transfer, and improve safety — all central to efficient freight handling, shipment scheduling and palletised distribution. For anyone planning a new warehouse or expansion, aligning entrance systems with expected vehicle mix and throughput targets is critical. Platforms like GetTransport.com simplify the operational side by providing affordable options for cargo, freight, shipment and relocation services, helping you move pallets, containers or bulky goods with confidence while keeping costs under control.