£3.5 million Amazon order

Before securing the contract, Stertil Dock Products was asked to participate in exhaustive trials, in competition with other manufacturers, at Amazon sites in the UK, France and Germany. The trials were successful in proving the performance and reliability of the Combilok across a range of lorries and vans, including double deck vehicles. Consequently, Amazon placed an order, with a contract value of £3.5 million, covering the supply and installation of more than 500 Combilok systems.

The Stertil Combilok vehicle restraint system is designed to help ensure the safe loading and unloading of vehicles by eliminating the common problem of poor communication between drivers and distribution personnel in loading bays. It was developed exclusively to reduce the risk of unintentional vehicle movement on loading bays and offer a ‘safety net' against poor communication, by holding vehicles in one place until loading or unloading is completed. Not only does this improve safety, it also eliminates damage to expensive goods and equipment and helps guard against theft.

During operation, the Combilok is fully interlocked: the loading bay door cannot be opened until the Combilok is in position and the Combilok cannot be released until the door is closed again and it is safe to drive away. Totally automatic in operation, the Combilok also overcomes any language difficulties that may arise with drivers delivering from all over the world.

"This latest order from Amazon is the largest in our history," says Andy Georgiou, general manager of Stertil Dock Products. "Our Combilok system really proved itself in trials across three countries and we received no negative feedback at all. Amazon joins a long list of our satisfied customers who recognise the vital role played by the Combilok system in helping to ensure the safety of drivers and loading bay personnel."