Ramdoor helps Sonoco with efficiency improvements

It represents a first for the paper mill in Halifax, West Yorkshire, which recycles wastepaper and cardboard - converting it into a range of useful products.

With efficiency in mind, Union’s rugged Ramdoor replaced a slow and outdated roller shutter door, at the same time helping with the segregation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Sited in a section of the warehouse leading to the waste yard, the newly installed Ramdoor has enabled Sonoco to increase the frequency of both large machinery and forklift traffic through this entranceway, in line with changes to their operating procedures.

Due to the large volumes of wastepaper processed, it is important that the Ramdoor seals quickly, preventing the ingress of debris. A Class 5 wind resistance rating provides extra benefit - helping maintain operations during more challenging weather conditions.

Sonoco, a multi-billion-dollar global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products and packaging supply chain services, has been a customer of Union Industries for almost 30 years, having previously fitted four Matadoors.

This is the first Ramdoor to be installed at the site - features include a variable speed drive motor with frequency inverter for greater control, thick Ramhide door blade material with anti-static additive and a ‘Crash Out’ system which reduces the potential of bottom beam damage - helping to minimise downtime and repair costs.

The heavy-duty wind-bar system, combined with the extra-deep side-guides, provides added strength, and contributes to the Ramdoor’s ability to cope with high wind loads and pressures.

Sonoco engineering manager Paul Hindley, says: “The installation of the Ramdoor at our Halifax facility is a game-changer. It allows for quicker, safer, and more efficient movement of our large machinery and vehicles. This has enabled us to introduce changes to our operational procedures, creating more efficiency. This upgrade is part of our commitment to continuously improve both our operational processes as well as our safety standards.”

Rob Howe, technical sales engineer at Union Industries, adds: "We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Sonoco by providing them with a flexible and highly effective solution.

“The Ramdoor offers superior performance and durability, and in this instance has allowed Sonoco to ensure that this external entrance can cope with increasing traffic flows, effectively future proofing its requirements and allowing for future growth.”

For more information, visit www.unionindustries.co.uk