The loading dock is the central hub of activity for a warehouse. The efficient on-loading and off-loading of goods represents the life flow of a company and anything that impedes that activity or threatens to disrupt it is a threat to the company’s well-being.

The choice of an interface between delivery trucks and the dock itself is crucial. Failure to choose the best leveller for a dock application can jeopardize the safety of workers. It can lead to work stoppages and even damages to expensive equipment. Companies need to learn how to assess their docks; the product they are interacting with and what types of levellers will best suit their particular applications.

In addition, cleanliness is a major concern for food distributors and dock doors are major thoroughfare for dirt and debris.

“One of the reasons that we ended up switching to vertical dock levellers in our facility is cleanliness”, says Chris Wilmoth, Auckland Coolstore Manager for Foodstuffs Limited.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients is one of NZ's leading fertiliser and animal nutrition suppliers. In addition to manufacturing facilities, Ballance operates numerous distribution facilities throughout the country.

The quality and cleanliness of the product is critical so when presented with Rudnev's Hushshutter™ roller shutter, Ballance specified Hushshutters for upgrades to its facilities in Tirau, Gisborne, Rolleston, and Te Kuiti.

Standard roller shutter guides require regular greasing, which is not ideal for areas where powders and dust can get caught in the grease and be difficult to clean. This is particularly important for food and food related industries. Before the Hushshutter™, food companies had to request food grade grease for their roller shutters.

Food manufacturer Hansells Foods completed the expansion of its Penrose factory in September 2011. The new facility on Botha Rd includes food processing, warehousing and an innovation centre.

Sister Companies Rudnev and Ace Door Systems provided the specialist door solutions for the new plant, with Labo 5 fast acting doors and Fireroll Fire Curtains.