A sealed dock to protect sealed product

The country’s largest producer of over-the-counter private-label pharmaceuticals, L. Perrigo, prides itself on maintaining a clean facility. Managers feared small gaps between the leveler pit and dock wall might allow insects, debris and rodents to be driven indoors by the Michigan winters. By retrofitting docks with side pads and inflatable headers, managers ensured a sanitary environment and saved energy costs in the process.

After being quickly installed on the existing leveler, the new dock kit impedes energy loss and contamination, but not dock leveler operation, says plant manager Tim Adamczyk. The seal fabric is not exposed to the face of the loading dock wall to prevent tearing and damage by truck trailers or debris.
Double vertical bumpers are almost butted up to the lip of the dock, and a hydraulic truck restraint holds the truck trailer tight to the dock.

The seal offers an effective perimeter seal on the sides and back to 9 inches above the dock floor. The seal assemblies rotate during operation rather than scrape the pit wall to eliminate maintenance, and they provide unrestricted pit access for cleaning and inspection.

“Due to our large footprint in the industry, we know the FDA will hold us to a higher standard,” Adamczyk says, adding that the kits have an ROI of less than a year. “To maintain our leadership position, we are happy to hold to this standard.”

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