The Challenge

Dawsongroup is an established leading specialist asset rental business which operates in several related markets within the European logistics sector. The company’s rental portfolio includes over 17,000 assets and the site in question represented new premises to provide a secure storage facility to operate over 1000 rental vans. A well thought out physical security strategy was required to deliver an imposing line of defence and effective access control, to discourage intruders, whilst also presenting a professional and not overly intimidating first impression for customers.

Initial contact was made with Jacksons in July 2013, when Fencing Manager Paul Peers made two visits to the site to discuss the key factors influencing the security of the newly acquired plot, with Dawsongroup MD Steve Miller and Facilities Manager Steven O’Connor. The company’s established credentials as a key player in the physical security sector and the proven reputation for delivering authoritative technical counsel had been a significant factor contributing to Dawsongroup’s decision to make contact with Jacksons. As a business which prides itself on providing only high quality rental solutions, Dawsongroup was also attracted to the premium products and superior level of customer service synonymous with the Jacksons offering.

The Solution

The first priority was to replace the existing temporary boundary fencing with a permanent system. Barbican square pale security railings were selected, featuring the ultra secure welded pale-through-rail construction which renders it virtually impossible to force / remove the palings and force an entry.

Once the perimeter was secured, attention was focused on addressing the complex issues in relation to delivering the best method of access control into and out of the site. The nature of the rental business dictated a regular flow of traffic, but there was a clear need to maintain a high level of security even when vehicles were being moved on and off the premises. An 8m-wide automated sliding Barbican gate provides a commanding presence, supplemented by a 7m Barbican manual swing gate.

When both gate operations are combined, the extensive 15m-wide access required by car loaders is created. However, on a daily basis, the automated Barbican gate is used to determine when the site is ‘open for business’, with a 6m automatic barrier and an intercom system ensuring only authorized personnel are able to enter the premises.

As founders of the Gate Safe charity which promotes improved standards in automated gate safety, Jacksons was ideally placed to ensure the Class 3 automatic gate and automatic barrier were both fully compliant with the Machinery Directive and with any supporting guidance in relation to best practice for automated installations.