A Customer Success Story from Northern Dock Systems

Griffith-Foods-Dock-Door-Restraint-Shelter-Replacement-After-All-Truck-2

Project Overview

Replace Worn and Old Equipment: 4 Docks, Doors, Restraints, and Shelters

Griffith Foods’ Scarborough facility faced aging dock equipment that posed safety and operational challenges. Northern Dock Systems was contacted to replace and upgrade four dock positions (33, 34, 35, and 36), including:

Blue Giant Hydraulic Docks: Installed for reliable, heavy-duty performance.
Blue Giant SVR303 Ground-Mount Restraints: Enhanced safety by securing trailers during loading/unloading.
Blue Genius Connect Control Panels: Provided advanced, user-friendly controls for dock operations.
Overhead Sectional Doors with Polycarbonate Panels: For improved installations while letting in natural light to improve comfort and safety.
Blue Giant Head Curtain Dock Seals with Rain Shrouds: Protected goods and personnel from weather, while eliminating white light gaps for improved energy efficiency and safety.

Before

Old and worn door and dock equipment.

Before

Crumbling concrete around dock bumpers.

Before

Crumbling concrete around dock levelers.

Removed and Replaced (4) 6 x 8 Hydraulic Dock Levelers

Four existing 6 x 8 docks were removed and replaced with new Blue Giant Hydraulic Dock Levelers. This upgrade improved reliability and reduced maintenance needs, supporting smoother logistics operations.

Powder coating offers several important benefits for industrial and commercial equipment. It provides a highly durable and long-lasting finish that resists chipping, scratching, fading, and corrosion far better than traditional paint. This makes powder-coated surfaces ideal for high-traffic and harsh environments, such as loading docks in harsh Canadian winters.

During

New hydraulic dock leveler and SVR303 trailer restraint. Dock seals still to be replaced.

SVR303 Trailer Restraints Restraints – Ground Mount

All four dock positions received SVR303 ground-mount trailer restraints, installed with precision anchoring to overcome site-specific challenges. Hydraulic lines and sensors were carefully routed and protected, ensuring long-term durability and safety.

Once engaged, it uses 35,000 lb of restraining force to secure the truck to the dock, ensuring the restraints remain effective and reliable, even in demanding conditions. Enhanced safety features help prevent costly accidents and protect both staff and shipments.

Complete with Blue Genius Connect Control Panels

Each dock position was equipped with Blue Genius Connect control panels. The Blue Genius Connect system’s intuitive interface reduces operator error and speeds up dock cycles, increasing throughput. Integrated safety interlocks and diagnostics help prevent equipment misuse and simplify maintenance.

Traffic lights were integrated to provide clear visual signals, turning red/green based on dock status, and eliminating white light for improved safety.

After

Blue Genius Connect

After

Red/green traffic lights

Removed and Replaced (4) 8 x 10 Overhead Doors

Four high-lift overhead sectional doors (8 x 10) were installed, replacing old sectional doors. These new doors offer improved insulation, durability, and ease of operation, supporting the facility’s high-volume logistics needs, reducing energy costs and supporting food safety standards.

Moreover, the polycarbonate sections let in natural light to brighten up the space to improve visibility, safety and employee comfort.

Blue Giant Adjustable Head Curtains with Rain Shroud and Shelter Side Pads

Four Blue Giant Adjustable Head Curtain Dock Seals were supplied and installed, including shelter side pads and rain shroud canopies. These upgrades at positions 33, 34, 35, and 36 ensure a tight seal against trailers, protecting goods and personnel from the elements.

The adjustable head curtain and rain shroud provide superior weather protection, keeping the dock area dry and safe. These features also help block dust, pests, and contaminants, supporting a cleaner and more productive work environment.

During

Adjustable Head Pad Dock Seals with Rain Shroud.

After

Dock Shelter side pads added on top of the dock seals.

Results: Increased Safety and Operational Excellence

Safety: Trailer restraints, interlocked control panels, and fire doors dramatically reduced risk for personnel and assets.
Efficiency: New hydraulic docks and high-lift doors streamlined loading/unloading, minimizing downtime.
Weather Protection: Shelters and seals eliminated white light gaps, improving energy efficiency and protecting goods.
Compliance: Fire doors and safety systems ensured regulatory compliance and peace of mind.
Smart Dock Management: BG Connect Control Panels delivered a new level of safety, productivity, and future-ready dock operations.

Griffith Foods now benefits from a modern, safe, and efficient loading dock area, ready to support their growing operations.