Case Study: Enhancing Safety & Security with Steel Doors and Steel Fire Exit Doors for a Growing E-Commerce Business

Introduction

As e-commerce businesses continue to scale their operations, warehouses and fulfilment centres face increasing pressure to protect stock, maintain safe working environments, and meet strict fire and building regulations. This case study explores how Security Direct worked with a rapidly expanding online retailer to upgrade their facility with steel doors and steel fire exit doors, ensuring improved security, compliant fire safety measures, and smoother day-to-day operations.

About the Client

The client is a UK-based e-commerce brand specialising in home and lifestyle products. With a surge in online demand, they doubled their warehouse capacity and needed a door solution that would:

•    Strengthen security across vulnerable access points
•    Improve the speed and safety of employee movement
•    Ensure compliance with UK fire regulations
•    Provide long-term durability for a busy, high-traffic environment

Security Direct was chosen for our expertise in commercial steel door systems, robust certification options, and nationwide installation capability.

Project Requirements

Following an on-site assessment, the client required a mix of doors serving different 

purposes across the warehouse:

1. High-Security Steel Doors for External Entrances

These doors needed to secure staff entrances, delivery zones, and side access points. Key requirements included:

•    Strong resistance against break-ins
•    Multi-point locking systems
•    Heavy-duty frames and anti-jemmy features
•    Weather-resistant finishes

2. Steel Fire Exit Doors for Emergency Escape Routes

The warehouse expansion required additional fire escape routes, each equipped to meet regulatory standards. These doors needed:

•    Panic hardware for rapid evacuation
•    Certified fire ratings (FD60)
•    Clear, unobstructed operation
•    Durable construction for high-use areas

3. Aesthetic Consistency

As the brand was undergoing a visual refresh, the client wanted the doors powder-coated in their corporate colours to ensure a professional appearance throughout the facility.
The Solution: A Combination of Steel Doors & Steel Fire Exit Doors
Security Direct supplied and installed a complete package including:
High-Security Steel Doors
Our recommended Steel Security Doors offered the perfect balance of strength, insulation, and cost-efficiency.

Features Included:

•    Reinforced internal steel frame
•    Anti-crowbar lip for added intrusion resistance
•    High-security locking with optional upgrade to PAS 24
•    Insulated leaf for temperature control in storage areas
•    Powder-coating in the client’s brand colour palette

These doors were fitted at all external entrance points, including staff entrances, goods-in areas, and secluded side access locations.

Several fire exit doors were positioned along escape corridors and warehouse perimeters, ensuring quick, unobstructed evacuation.

Installation Process

Our installation team coordinated closely with the warehouse operations manager to ensure minimal disruption.

Step 1 – Pre-Installation Survey

We conducted precise measurements and assessed:

•    Wall construction
•    Floor levels
•    Opening sizes
•    Existing fire exit routes
•    Traffic flow patterns

Step 2 – Fabrication

All steel doors were built to order, ensuring:

•    Perfect fit for each opening
•    Certified fire ratings
•    Custom hardware and locking systems
•    Exact colour-matched finish

Step 3 – On-Site Installation

Installation took place across three days outside of peak operational hours. Our engineers:

•    Removed and responsibly disposed of old timber doors
•    Installed all new frames and leaves
•    Tested panic hardware and locking mechanisms
•    Sealed and prepared all openings for weather protection
•    Carried out fire escape functionality checks

Step 4 – Handover & Training

Staff received a demonstration covering:

•    Panic bar operation
•    Locking procedures
•    Maintenance guidance
•    Emergency exit protocol

Results

✔ Improved Building Security
The new steel doors significantly enhanced perimeter protection, reducing the risk of forced entry and safeguarding high-value stock.

✔ Fully Compliant Fire Escape Routes
With newly installed fire exit doors, the warehouse passed its fire safety audit with full compliance.

✔ Faster and Safer Operations
Staff reported smoother access through key areas thanks to better-designed entry points and reliable hardware.

✔ Long-Term Durability
The powder-coated steel finishes will withstand daily use, cleaning chemicals, and warehouse conditions for many years.

✔ Professional Visual Appearance
The new doors matched the brand’s colour palette, providing a cleaner, more professional look throughout the facility.

Client Feedback

The warehouse manager commented:

“Security Direct transformed our facility. The new doors feel strong, look professional, and have made our audit process much smoother. The installation team communicated clearly and worked around our busy schedule.”

To see real client experiences, visit our Feefo Review Page or Trustpilot reviews, where customers consistently highlight our product quality and dependable service.

FAQs

1. Why choose steel doors for a warehouse?
Steel doors offer superior strength, long-term durability, and protection against forced entry. Ideal for commercial and industrial buildings.

2. Are steel fire exit doors mandatory?
Any designated fire escape route must have a compliant fire exit door with appropriate panic hardware. Many also require certified fire ratings depending on the building layout.

3. How long do steel doors last?
With proper maintenance, steel doors can last 20+ years even in busy, high-use environments.

4. Can steel doors be customised?
Yes, Security Direct offers custom colours, hardware options, insulation choices, and security upgrades.

5. Do fire exit doors need external handles?
Not always. Many fire exit doors have no external handle to prevent misuse while maintaining emergency egress internally.

Conclusion

This project shows how a combination of steel doors and steel fire exit doors can transform an e-commerce warehouse, boosting security, improving operational flow, and ensuring complete fire safety compliance.

Whether you operate a fulfilment centre, retail distribution hub, or commercial warehouse, the right door solutions can protect your people, products, and business continuity.

Looking to upgrade the security or fire safety of your facility?
Contact Security Direct for expert advice and customised steel door solutions.

Our specialists can help you select the right products to keep your building safe, secure, and compliance.