Massive automated gates swing into action at Eurotunnel

Jacksons Fencing, one of the UK’s leading designers, manufacturers and installers of security fencing and access control systems, have recently installed a 4m x 14m fully automated double leaf swing gates, as part of the ongoing security updates at the Eurotunnel Coquelles site.

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), so this massive gate is anything but lightweight, yet is no slouch with the opening and closing operations completed within 60 seconds.

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

Constructed from hot dip galvanised steel, to provide protection against corrosion inside and out, before being powder coated white in-house, the gates were manufactured at Jacksons Kent based HQ (located just 12.4km from the UK entrance to Eurotunnel in Folkestone).

The Jacksons contracts team based in Calais, working in harness with the design and manufacturing teams in Kent, ensured a fast and accurate installation onto pre –installed posts with hanging and adjustment taking 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."