Jacksons Fencing has installed a 4 x 14m fully automated double leaf swing gate, as part of the ongoing security updates at the Eurotunnel Coquelles site in France.

With each post weighing over a tonne and each leaf measuring 7m wide, weighing 1600kg and operated by 125mm bore x 1300mm stroke, rams weighing over 200 kilos and capable of lifting over 19 tonnes / 190,000 newtons (the equivalent of a full double decker bus), this massive gate's opening and closing operations complete within 60 seconds.

The new gate is one of the largest automated swing gate ever designed, manufactured and installed by Jacksons. It includes full safety features and is CE Marked in compliance with the EU Machinery Directive.

It is constructed from hot dip galvanised steel to provide protection against corrosion inside and out, and was powder coated white in-house, at Jacksons Kent-based HQ (12.4km from the UK entrance to Eurotunnel in Folkestone).

The Jacksons Calais-based contracts team worked with the design and manufacturing teams in Kent, to ensure a fast and accurate installation onto pre-installed posts. Hanging and adjustment took approximately 4 hours.

Peter Jackson, Jacksons’ CEO commented: ‘While we have designed and manufactured larger sliding gates, the sheer size, operating environment and performance requirements of this gate presented a few challenges, especially given the short deadline which needed to be met. I’m delighted and proud that the teams here and in France proved that they had the flexibility and determination to rise to this exacting challenge.’

jacksons-security.co.uk