Industrial Partition Curtains, also referred to as partitioning walls, divider curtains, PVC dividers or enclosure curtains, are most commonly used within the industrial, manufacturing and warehousing industries. Their main purpose, creating temporary segregation zones for dust & fume prevention, increased safety and heat retention.

Over the years, the use of industrial partition curtains has increased for a number of reasons. We have received great feedback from our customers, so here are some examples of the benefits they’ve experienced since using them.

Benefits of PVC Industrial Partition Curtains 

• Controlled Noise Pollution 

Imagine the scene, a busy factory with loads of machines working at once and vehicles constantly moving stock- it sounds like a loud environment? Well it is! With our partition curtains, you can contain pockets of noise so as not to disturb other departments and cause an unsafe and unhealthy work environment for employees. 

How exactly does this work? The material will create a physical ‘buffer’ between the area with noise and the rest of the facility. This will significantly reduce reverberation that may cause distraction or unsafe working environments. 

For reducing noise on a specific machine or keeping it protected, check out our Machine Covers section for more information. 

• Dust Control & Prevention

Woodworking shops for example are one of the main businesses which will create huge amounts of dust clouds and particles from sanding and grinding. To continue producing products, many companies will be required to use mechanical dust extraction systems. These can significantly reduce the amount of dust employees are exposed to and also the surrounding areas. This will not 100% eradicate dust in the air.

Partition curtains used in conjunction will further contain and significantly limit affected areas, reducing the area size needing dust extraction. Improving the overall atmosphere for those working in it, but also reducing costs associated with system power supply.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Fume Control

In recent years, regulations pertaining to employee exposure to fumes in the workplace have been a topical discussion. Companies have made an effort to control prolonged exposure and we have seen more installations of industrial fume extraction systems. Installing partition curtains can also help further prevent unnecessary contact with fumes. How so? The curtains create a physical barrier, allowing fumes to be confined within a specified area. 

We worked with a company struggling to control fumes in their loading bay facilities. Here’s how Cunninghams Partition Curtains was their perfect solution:

“We had a strong fume coming from part of the manufacturing process which spread right across our factory due to change in manufacturing. We wanted to control this fume so it didn’t spread right throughout the busy work environment. Cunningham Covers set about designing different areas that could be segregated. We saw huge benefits, not just stopping the fumes from spreading but the factory partition saved us money on fuel costs and also reduced the noise from machinery resulting in a more enjoyable work environment.”

Cunningham Customer

• Cross Contamination Prevention

The risk of cross contamination in food processing or handling facilities can be overlooked, but this is a very serious matter. Companies in the field will have strict manufacturing, processing and packing requirements all put in place to reduce the risk of cross contamination. These are not only contaminated from physical touch, but airborne particles. In addition to regulated checks, the partition curtains add an extra layer of precaution to fully separate these ingredients.

This same method applies to pharmaceutical companies and those dealing with chemicals. Employees working in these environments will also require specific protective clothing to prevent exposure to harmful elements. The curtains’ industrial tensile strength and abrasive nature make them an ideal solution for clean environments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Heat Retention & Temperature Controlled Zones

When you think of large factories, you automatically think of a cold environment. This can be true and for those companies, rectifying this issue often results in the need for partition curtains.

All our curtains are great heat insulators due to the heavy PVC material. We suggest fitting them in such a way that all gaps are covered to create as close to an airtight section as possible. 

For added heat retention, we offer insulated partition curtains. These are sometimes referred to as Thermal Curtains, specifically designed for companies that want to increase their factories heat retention capabilities. All our curtains are great heat insulators, the only difference is these come with that extra layer for an even better result. 

For those companies needing to maintain low temperature environments, we’ve also got you covered. Our Refrigeration Curtains are the answer – read more here. 

Note: Levels of heat retention is variable depending on factory size

• UV Protection 

If you are familiar with Cunninghams, you will know we love to offer our customers UV stabilised materials. Why? To provide the ultimate full package protection!

Just like you are told to wear your sunscreen even on darker days, the UV stabilised PVC materials will stay protected at all times. Even in extremely hot climates up to 70°C. In areas where curtains are used to create a physical barrier to the outside, they will not only provide light blocking, but the UV protection of employees and assets. 

This is not only a major benefit for factories, but companies in large glass premises. Front facing windows will reflect light and heat from the sun onto other premises. The partition curtains can be used to create screening areas so this is managed. 

We are aware not all factories will need UV protection especially indoors, but it’s a nice added benefit.

 

• Temporary Segregation Zones

A major benefit of Cunninghams industrial partition curtains is they can be installed as permanent or semi-permanent solutions. If you need a temporary cover for a few months perhaps to separate part of the factory under construction from the rest of the workforce, this is your answer! Alternatively, if you plan to have a more permanent structure, these curtains can facilitate that requirement. 

We offer a variety of different fixtures and fittings, allowing you full control of how your curtains are positioned and re-positioned. You will have full control to reinvent your space at any time, making areas specifically suited to your needs.

• Storage Optimisation

You might think, surely in a warehouse there is plenty of storage space right? Well, you would be correct, but with many companies holding thousands of pounds worth of stock, this can take up space pretty quickly. 

The purpose of partition curtains for these facilities is to create physical barriers between stock to ensure open space is being effectively utilised. Just like our curtains which are designed to fit neatly into your facility, products stored can be stored neatly. 

Making the most of your large space with partition curtains could be the smartest decision you’ve made!

• Employee Protection

All the benefits mentioned above create a cleaner and safer work environment for employees. In any factory setting, the risk of potential hazards is already heightened, so a preventative approach with partition curtains is a very smart idea. Well, so we think!

Protection from dust, fumes and chemicals are all covered with partition curtains. Creating a barrier from machinery and vehicles reduces the risk of workplace accidents or collisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Increased Productivity

Having a setting which allows employees to thrive should be an important factor for all companies. Effective and divided use of space will allow for increased concentration and therefore maximise performance in individual zones. Comfortable environments are created with heat retention and the ability for temperature control. 

The curtains will increase safety, whether you choose fully opaque or translucent, so movement between departments is controlled and risks from injury are mitigated. 

• Durability 

Like all our products, we manufacture with longevity in mind using only tried and tested, high-quality materials which have been proven to last years. Our heavy-duty, industrial grade PVC has a high tensile strength, making it extremely rigid. Whether it’s against years of welding sparks or chemicals coming into contact with the curtain, their resistance is profound. 

The PVC we use is UV protected, so they withstand years of use even used as external partitioning walls. And even more, flame retardancy will protect it in the event of a fire.

• Cost Savings

When a business decides facility partitioning is required, the planning process begins and this can be a lengthy and very costly process. Warehouses will require feasibility and risk assessments before a decision is made, perhaps deciding the erection of permanent walls is not appropriate for a number of reasons. Most often, building internal walls within an existing factory can be expensive, and with that, a drawn-out process. Certain factories may also be refused building permits and so the challenge remains – how do they create partitioning walls?

From our experience, that is one of the main reasons why companies choose to install industrial partition curtains. The curtains will be a fraction of the price of building materials and will allow full flexibility unlike permanent structures. 

Our industrial curtains are also great heat insulators, they can be fitted in such a way that all gaps are covered to create as close to an airtight section as possible.We have seen just how efficient this can be in reducing energy costs associated with heating etc. And for machines such as dust and fume extraction systems, having their airflow contained to smaller sections will require less running times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Low Maintenance

Like anything, a solution that requires little to no maintenance always sounds like a good idea! Our partition walls, once installed, only require care when handling. The covers can be washed down when required after months of gathering dust or spillages. The industrial strength fittings will last for years mounted on any surface.

• Fast and Efficient Installation 

Our curtains are easily installed with our wide range of bespoke fittings kits, specifically designed for your premises to create the desired fit. If you are fitting one large curtain or need to manoeuvre it around machinery, we will be available for expert advice along the way. 

We have such a variety of installations such as sliding rails, ratchet straps, euro buckles, claw hooks and more. The beauty of these curtains is they can be installed in so many different ways so they create the desired results in your factory. From our years of experience supplying and installing partition curtains, most premises avail of support from their existing structure. In those cases where it’s not possible, minor alterations can be made to fit. 

The partition curtains can be dismantled, stored away or moved to other sections when needed. As they are made from durable PVC, these will allow complete protection for years.

• Bespoke & Branded 

Cunninghams have the unique manufacturing capabilities to create curtains in all shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. These can be designed to fit all varying building shapes and even around machinery. 

For added security, we have fire retardant materials available for manufacturing the curtains. 

With our state-of-the-art printing technology, all curtains can be branded with company logos, messaging and any other relevant details. For example, in segregated zones we can print department names for easy identification. Or for confidential areas, warning labels can be included.

Ready for your Bespoke Partition Curtains?

After reading all the amazing benefits, how could your business benefit? Our team are here to answer all your questions and find the perfect Partition Curtains solution for you. Please free to contact us directly on info@cunninghamcovers.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)28 7964 2638.

Want to see more? – Click here to view our full Industrial Partition Curtain gallery.