What to Consider When Installing Industrial Gates for High-Traffic Areas

30th April 2025

What to Consider When Installing Industrial Gates for High-Traffic Areas

Industrial gates play a pivotal role in maintaining the security and accessibility of various commercial and industrial facilities. Available in different styles, shapes and sizes, industrial gates are suitable for a range of different business premises, such as offices, warehouses, factories and transport hubs.

When choosing a gate for your site, it’s important to consider a number of factors, such as the size and layout of a site , the amount of traffic that enters and exits on a daily basis and of course your budget.

In this guide, we’ll be giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right industrial gate for high-traffic business premises.

Different Types of Industrial Gates to Choose From

The type of gate you choose plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance between security and quick and convenient access for authorised vehicles in high-traffic areas of your premises.

Swing Gates

Swing gates are a popular choice for many industrial and commercial properties, thanks to their simplicity and effectiveness.

These gates are hinged on one side and open by swinging outward or inward, depending on the specific requirements of your site. Swing gates are an excellent choice for properties with ample space where opening and closing will not obstruct the entrance or exit.

Swing gates offer various benefits, including:

Low cost
Low maintenance
Quieter than sliding gates
Suitable for narrow openings

However, they also offer some cons:

Require more space in order to swing open
Not suitable for slopes or uneven ground

At BID Group Ltd, our swing gates are BS/EN 12453 compliant and are ideal for businesses that have more space to work with on their premises. They are most suitable for openings of up to 10 metres in double leaf configuration, opening to a maximum of 90º.

Our swing gates can be supplied with either underground or face fixed ‘Ram’ type operators.

Sliding Gates

Sliding gates are dependable and low maintenance choice. They operate by sliding horizontally on a track, either parallel to the fence or wall or along a predefined path. This design makes sliding gates suitable for sites with limited space or areas where a swing gate is not practical.

Sliding gates are especially suitable for small and large industrial sites with high traffic that demand a swift and seamless opening to allow authorised vehicles to enter and exit efficiently.

Sliding gates offer the following benefits:

Compact – Sliding gates require very little room compared to swing gates.
Offer a more contemporary look
Suitable for sloped or uneven ground

Some cons of sliding gates include:

More complex components than swing gates
More expensive as a result
Require more maintenance

At BID Group Ltd, our sliding gates are available in either cantilever or tracker versions, accommodating spans of up to 10 metres to suit your business premises’ needs.

Many businesses prefer cantilever models, as they are supported from one side of the opening, eliminating the need for tracks to be cut into the road surface and therefore reducing cost and maintenance.

Our 9000A Automatic Cantilever Sliding Gate complies with BS/EN 12453 and is controlled by a German Feig control pane via an integrated frequency converter controlled output to a 3 phase motor.

This can be easily configured for all the standard program modes, including no passage time outs & free exit and entry loops to name a few.

As standard the control panel can accommodate pedestrian open signals, airlock systems and much more. The gate’s movement is controlled via a rack & pinion system monitored by an encoder, allowing for a precise and controlled operation that is robust and dependable.

Our gates are delivered on a vehicle equipped with a crane, fully assembled, ready to bolt down continuing our “plug & play” ethos. This minimises disruption on site and ensures a smooth, quick and easy installation. We have developed the gate using aluminium construction with its obvious anti-corrosion properties.

The Cost of Installing Industrial Gates

A key consideration when choosing the right gates for your business should be the cost. Make sure to think about your budget, and think not only about the initial cost of purchasing, but also the cost of maintenance and servicing in the future.

Generally, sliding gates are more costly to install and maintain than swing gates due to their more complex mechanisms and parts.

Practicality: Space

While cost is an important consideration, it should ultimately come down to practicality when you come to choose the right gate for your site. Think about where you want the gate to be installed and the amount of space available.

Swing gates require more room between the gate and where vehicles wait to enter to allow them to open without obstruction. So if the amount of space is limited, sliding gates may be a more suitable option in terms of practicality.

Maintenance of Industrial Gates

Finally, you should consider the maintenance required for each gate over time. As we mentioned above, sliding gates have more components and a more complex mechanism, which means maintenance is often more expensive.

Swing gates on the other hand, require very little maintenance, and there are fewer parts at risk of breaking or becoming jammed.

So if a low-maintenance option is something you’re looking for, swing gates may be the preferred choice.

Materials Used in Industrial Gates

Aluminium Gates

Aluminium is a popular choice for industrial gates due to its lightweight nature yet strong durability. Resistant to corrosion and rust, aluminium provides a long lifespan and often requires less maintenance compared with other materials.

Sliding gates installed by BID Group are constructed using 250mm x 225mm extruded aluminium beams, with anti-climb spikes as standard for gates over 1500mm high for added security.

Steel Gates

Steel gates are known for their strength and durability. Using a mild steel hollow section, providing excellent structural support, The gates undergo a meticulous process, including immersion coating with zinc phosphate, followed by a zinc primer and a 2K polyurethane finish.

This results in enhanced corrosion resistance and increased longevity. Their robust nature and impressive strength can withstand the harshest of conditions, making them a worthy investment for high-security installations.

Industrial Gate Security Features

At BID Group Ltd, we understand that businesses have different requirements when it comes to access to their site. That’s why we offer a number of access controls for you to choose from, including keypads, intercoms, remote controls and token acceptors.

Keypads

With a secure keypad, authorised personnel can enter a specific code to gain access to the premises, ensuring that only those who know the code can enter. Keypads offer a simple, cost-effective solution for protecting company assets, and can be installed on various gate styles.

Intercom Systems

Intercom systems are another valuable security option for industrial gate access control. By integrating an intercom system, visitors can communicate with on-site personnel before being granted or denied access. This added layer of security can help verify the identity of visitors and deter potential trespassers from attempting to gain unauthorised access to the premises.

Remote Controls

Remote controls offer the ultimate convenience, allowing you to open and close your gates from a distance without having to leave your vehicle or business premises.

Token Acceptors

Token acceptors offer another method for controlling access to your industrial site. Using a token-based system, authorised individuals are issued tokens or smart cards that can be scanned at the gate access point. This ensures only those with the correct tokens gain entry, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and enhancing the security of your premises.

BID Group Ltd Industrial Gates

Security gates and security barriers can play a crucial role in protecting your business premises. By controlling access to your business, you can reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, and other security threats.

At BID Group Ltd, our range of gates are meticulously designed to meet the security needs of businesses of all sizes, providing a high level of security while also offering ease of use and durability.