A Customer Success Story from Northern Dock Systems
Before
Old High-Speed Door
After
New High-Speed Door with Full-Width Vision Window
Project Overview
Replacing End-of-Life Equipment for Better Performance
When a high-speed fabric door in the shipping and distribution area at a pharmaceutical facility in Toronto reached the end of its lifecycle, it began to impact both efficiency and safety. To restore reliable performance and modernize the opening, the existing 94 ½” x 120″ door was fully removed and replaced with a new Hormann Speed-Commander 1400 SEL door solution.
The original door was carefully dismantled and discarded, making way for a modern system designed to support daily operations with greater reliability and control.
Enhanced Safety in High-Traffic Environments
Separating production from shipping helps reduce the risk of accidents by controlling how and when people and equipment move between areas. High-speed doors support safer workflows by organizing traffic and minimizing congestion.
With integrated sensors and safety features, these doors also:
- Reduce collisions between forklifts and pedestrians
- Improve visibility and predictability at door openings
- Create controlled access points between zones
Before
Before
Enhanced Safety with Full-Width Visibility
A full-width window allows forklift operators to clearly see if there are any obstructions on the opposite side of the door before it opens.
Key safety benefits include:
- Reduced risk of collisions in high-traffic areas
- Improved awareness for forklift drivers
- Safer movement of goods through the opening
By improving visibility, this Toronto pharmaceutical facility has created a safer working environment for both operators and pedestrians.
After
After
Smart Activation and Integrated Controls
The new door system was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing setup. The activation system reuses floor loops already installed on-site, along with motion sensors on both sides of the opening. This ensures smooth, automated operation without the need for major infrastructure changes.
The control panel was also installed in the same location as the previous door, minimizing disruption and keeping the operation intuitive for staff.
Advanced Safety Features for Reliable Operation
To further enhance protection and compliance, the new high-speed door includes a full suite of modern safety devices:
- SoftEdge bottom profile absorbs impact and helps prevent damage during accidental contact, and can quickly be reset after impact.
- Integrated light curtain detects obstructions and automatically reverses the door.
- The wireless breakaway system immediately stops the door if it is pushed out of alignment.
Together, these features help reduce downtime while ensuring safe and consistent operation in a busy distribution environment.
Seamless Installation in a Complex Environment
The installation was completed efficiently despite site-specific conditions. Working with a block wall structure, the team ensured proper mounting and alignment of the new door system.
Equipment such as forklifts and a scissor lift was used on-site to safely complete the installation, while coordination with the customer ensured that existing door tracks on the opposite side were removed in advance.
Reliable Power and Minimal Disruption
The new door operates on the existing 208V power supply, eliminating the need for electrical modifications. This allowed for a faster installation process and minimized disruption to ongoing operations.
By leveraging existing infrastructure, the Toronto pharmaceutical facility benefited from a cost-effective upgrade without compromising on performance or safety.
A Safer, More Efficient Facility
With the installation of a new Hörmann high-speed door, this Toronto pharmaceutical facility now benefits from improved visibility, enhanced safety, and reliable day-to-day operation.
This upgrade not only replaces aging equipment but also supports a more efficient and secure shipping and distribution process—helping the team move products quickly while keeping safety top of mind.
