Meeting industry requirements
February 1st 2006

Handling & Storage Solutions talks to Hedley Brook-Carter, joint chief executive of Metalrax about how the storage industry is meeting the needs of warehouse and logistics managers

QAs a major UK manufacturer, a founder member of the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) and an ISO 9001 accredited company, what are you doing to improve industry standards?

A When you are designing and installing storage systems, safety is a key concern. We are committed to providing consistent quality and innovative storage solutions at value-for-money prices. Our most recent product is a case in point. Our technical support in the field for the APR product will guarantee our clients receive first-class quality with first-class safety. One of the services we offer is bespoke design and installation, we test and re-test our solutions to make sure they are up to the job.

We believe that in our position as a storage equipment market leader, we have a responsibility to set, maintain and improve the standards.

Q Times are tough for UK industry, which has been battling with fierce overseas competition. What are storage specialists doing for warehouse and logistics managers to improve the scenario?

A With warehouses spanning across hectares rather than square metres and structures going up within what can be just days, meeting tight deadlines is just one of our biggest challenges. We have to be spot on with the solutions that we come up with in order to meet the tight deadlines to get warehouses up and running. That's no mean feat given the range of storage and systems needed to fit out such immense spaces. Bearing such varied demands on the spaces in mind, companies have to be innovative. For example, we've developed a fast, bespoke, complete fit-out service - adding products to the range all the time.

We'll provide everything from small parts containers to bulk storage applications and from conveyors to changing room facilities and partitioning. We'll design, manufacture and install a tailored storage system within weeks and the detail is planned down to the smallest component.

Effectively we have become a one-stop shop. We have to be as user-friendly as possible, whether the client is in industry, commerce, heritage, archiving, health or education. Warehouse and logistics managers are crying out for adaptability.

We've developed a service where site managers can flick and pick from our Essentially Storage & Workplace Equipment catalogue, tell us what they need and we'll design, manufacture and install the whole system making use of computer-aided design to get every element just right. It is only by providing this complete range of products and services that we can help our clients be more efficient.

Q That's all very well for new facilities but existing warehouse managers are under pressure to make the most of space and to be able to adapt quickly to tweaks and changes in a company's range. How can they achieve this on limited budgets?

A It's all about finding ways to bring dead space into use. The obvious example of that is the mezzanine floor, which can double storage space in a warehouse. Mobile shelving too can save up to 45% of space.

And even a simple reorganisation can free up vast expanses to make space more productive.

It's important to consider the type of storage systems too. For warehouses that hold a vast and changing range of products, one type of storage system may not be the best solution. Metalrax Limited can offer a choice of products from hand-loaded shortspan shelving and small parts containers to adjustable pallet racking. That means the right solution for any storage requirement.

It's always worth getting an expert eye to take a look. Our project sales engineers are on hand to investigate storage and handling systems and use our CAD systems to plan out the space for the warehouse's changing needs.