Racking
Warehouse Racking
Promote speed and efficiency with a warehouse racking system specifically designed by WSL to match your exact needs. We will consider every aspect of your operation including your available space, your inventory size, type, flow and volume to create a warehouse racking system that will greatly improve productivity.
Whether you require pallet racking or racking for none palletised goods the right system designed with careful consideration will effectively streamline your warehouse operations and make the best use of your space.
Definition: What Is Warehouse Racking?
Warehouse racking is a systemised structure designed to promote storage and handling efficiency in warehouse storage facilities. The physical structure is made up of steel parts to provide strong support for high volume inventory and is available in varying forms to meet the needs of different operations. Warehouse racking is cleverly designed to utilise space by enabling stack-able storage which means more items can be stored within the same surface area. This contributes greatly to running cost savings and allows the facility to store more without the need to acquire additional footprint space. Under the umbrella of warehouse racking both palletised and none palletised inventory can be accommodated.
Warehouse Racking Types
Palletised Warehouse Racking
Pallet racking is a storage solution for palletised goods. Within its framework pallet racking will house loaded pallets in high numbers across multiple rows and levels with loading and picking made easy with the use of a forklift truck. As detailed in our pallet racking guide, these systems vary in terms of configuration, capabilities, speed and capacity.
Pallet racking as standard will consist of an aisle between each row of racks however, pallet live racking for example is a compact solution designed to drastically increase storage capacity where space is limited. The racks incorporate gently sloped rollers within the deep lanes which enable gravity to automatically move the pallets from the side it was loaded to the picking face. It works on a First-in First-out (FIFO) basis which means stock rotation is done automatically. If assisted stock rotation is not a requirement, the push back racking system is configured in a similar way, however it works on the first-in last-out (FILO) basis
Another cleverly designed space saving pallet racking solution is the very narrow aisle (VNA) pallet racking system. The racks are built tall to make use of your overhead space with reduced aisle width between the rows to utilise the foot print area. Without much room for manoeuvre a specialist fork lift truck is used to navigate the aisles and reach the racks at height. See further down this page for more pallet racking types.
None Palletised warehouse racking
If your inventory is unsuitable for pallet racking there is a variety of warehouse racking systems to suit your items whatever the size, length, shape and weight. For long loads such as timber and pipes WSL can design, manufacture and install a cantilever racking system on which your long items can be stored safely. Robust yet very versatile the system can be used externally as well as indoors, it can be adjusted easily to suit if you change the products you are storing, it can be single or double sided and it gives you direct access and great visibility. Long heavy products can be placed across the supportive arms horizontally, and are loaded and picked using a forklift truck.
Another way to store long loads is by using D-divider racking which allows items to be stored vertically leaning into the structure with D shaped brackets keeping them in place. This is particularly suited to long items which are light enough in weight to be placed into the racks manually.
Carpets are particularly long and heavy whilst being delicate. A carpet racking system using multiple levels of deep running shelving slots is ideal for keeping carpet items safely stored. Like that of pallet racking, fixed beams provide weight bearing support and to maximise storage capacity, the system can be single or double sided. You can load and unload carpet rolls with ease by using a special attachment on your fork lift truck.
And its not just carpets! A carpet racking system is the ideal storage solution for rolled items of any type including shrink wrap, rugs, bubble wrap, artificial grass and vinyl products.
When looking to store reeled items such as electrical wire, paper rolls or plastic sheeting for example, these can be mounted onto coil racking which uses spindles to turn the coil so the item unravels when taking the amount needed as and when required.
When storing delicate cloth items, garment hanging racks are an effective solution that utilises space and increases storage capacity whilst keeping the items in pristine condition.
A Bespoke Warehouse Racking Solution
A racking system which suits your space, inventory and commercial objectives can make a significant difference to your business.
A bespoke warehouse racking system can help you to:
Maximise storage space.
Reduce set up costs and overheads.
Manage stock control.
Increase efficiency and productivity.
Gain fast access to the pallet you need.
Reduce the risk of damage to stored goods.
Maintain flexibility for storing a variety of products.
Rotate stock, as required.
But with such a wide range of systems to choose from, how do you decide which system is most suited to your needs?
Consider your inventory characteristics
The size, shape and weight of your inventory flow will determine whether you require palletised or none-palletised racking. If storing on pallets, there are numerous pallet racking systems to choose from, each distinctly configured with varying abilities. Some of these include assisted stock rotation through the First-in First-out (FIFO) method which saves time and reduces waist. For temperature controlled inventory a compact configuration increases storage capacity within a specific space to help reduce energy consumption. If inventory is hugely diverse a pallet racking system that offers versatility is a likely choice whilst adjustability is also a great advantage if needs are highly changeable.
When inventory is unsuited to palletised storage, there are various warehouse racking systems that can accommodate your inventory needs. Whether you’re looking to store long heavy goods, bulky items or reeled products there’s a solution that will suit through bespoke design. At WSL our in-house fabrication abilities allow us to ensure your none-palletised storage solution meets your exact requirements without compromise. We design and manufacture everything from cantilever racking, D-divider racking to coiled racks with your inventory and operational needs at the heart of the project.
Consider your budget
Budget management is a primary consideration when sourcing a new warehouse racking solution however a bespoke solution by WSL is extremely cost-effective. Designed to meet your exact needs in terms of inventory support, space utilisation and operational needs there’s more value in a tailored solution. Firstly you get more for your money as the solution is designed to maximise you particular space, and secondly the savings in terms of space, time and running costs will see a return on your investment. At WSL it’s our extensive experience, knowledge and customer-centric service which enable us to produce a solution that meets the needs of each individual project within budget.
Consider your space
A corresponding warehouse and racing layout ensures maximal space utilisation whilst enahncing productivity to save time and money. At WSL we consider height and floor space as well as your inventory and operational requirements to ensure proactive use of the full cubic area. During a free site survey carried out by one of our highly experienced Design Technicians, measurements of your space will be taken with external exit points and structural fixings noted. This in collaboration with an insight to your business operations and understanding of your needs and preferences, your solution will be designed to meet all your needs whilst providing maximal space utilisation.
Consider handling equipment
Warehouse racking and material handling is a crucial partnership in warehouse operations; however their alliance relies on compatibility. If you already have a fork lift truck (FLT) that your not looking to change, its crucial to ensure it will work effectively in accordance to your chosen warehouse racking system. In general most systems work well with the counterbalance FLT, however if your looking to implement a tall racking structure, a high reaching truck will be required.
Consider Oprational Changes
Factors such as growth, expansion, safety and fluctuations in customer demand can make it necessary to consider a pallet racking upgrade or storage system reconfiguration. This could be seen as a critical success factor which will enable you to remain a competent market player. They key is to monitor the internal and external environment surrounding your operation and to act in accordance to changing influential factors, rather than ignore them. It could be that assisted stock rotation has become more of a priority, which wasn’t the case previously. Or perhaps your operation is required to handle more hand loaded goods than it was before. Not adapting in accordance to your changing needs can result in your operation suffering from serious set-backs and this could certainly affect the bottom line of your business. Your existing warehouse racking systems can be reconfigured and adapted to effectively meet changing needs, both current and future with the WSL design team at the helm of the redesign project. Whether adjustments entail a completely new layout, the replacement of racking for shelving in some parts or the incorporation of more storage bays, your WSL designer will draw on his or her wealth of experience and ability to think outside the box to ensure the most affective solution.
A Bespoke Solution by WSL
Based in Leeds, West Yorkshire WSL has delivered warehouse racking systems for over 30 years to clients all across the UK. We’ll take time to understand your goals and assess your needs. We’ll then draw on our extensive practical experience and market knowledge to recommend the racking system for your priorities.
We are a full member of the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), employing experienced racking system designers and provide a vast variety of racking types. WSL is perfectly placed to help you maximise your space whether your looking to fit out a new facility or you wish to revise your current warehouse racking to improve your operation. Our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities enable us to create a solution unique to any individual requirement with attentiveness and flexibility.
Warehouse Racking
Pallet Racking
Pallet Live Racking
Wide Aisle Racking
Narrow Aisle Racking
Very Narrow Aisle Racking
Mobile Racking
Drive-In & Drive-Through
Shuttle Racking
Double Deep Racking
Cantilever Racking
FAQs
Why choose wsl?
What Sets Us Apart
Our dedicated and experienced team will take time to understand your goals and asses your needs. Our extensive market knowledge and practical experience enables us to design and develop a bespoke system that is as unique as your business. Here at WSL we aim to maximise your available space and increase productivity through creating innovative and ‘outside the box’ solutions. Our commitment to excellence, our portfolio and our recommendations provide our customers with confidence in our ability to deliver solutions that are not only superior, but very cost-effective. Our in-house services simplify the process from design, to installation by giving you just one port of call. By continuing to remain independent across the whole market we commit to providing our valued customers with the highest quality and – wherever possible – British products, all at competitive prices. We manufacture a number of storage solution components in our 37,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Leeds, West Yorkshire and are accredited to CE Marking BS EN 1090. We aim to fit our storage systems with as little inconvenience to our clients as possible, using highly experienced fitters overseen by qualified project managers.
Our Accreditations
client stories
Some Case Studies
Our warehouse Racking experience is extensive. Take a look at a very small selection of some of the pallet racking projects we have completed over the years.
Trusted by all
Just Some Of Our Clients
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Our service is completely client-centric. We provide all manufacturer types, as well as fitters, engineers and inspectors; which means that not only can we deliver your entire project from start to finish, but that we can provide a fully bespoke solution for your individual needs. Get in touch to find out more.