Complexity made simple
February 1st 2005

The combination of Compact Storage’s ability to provide tailor made solutions for complex storage requirements and Hi-Lo Storage Systems’ adaptable Premierack system has resulted in The Commodity Centre, Essex, achieving a custom pallet racking system to bulk store dried fruit, pulses and nuts.

Premierack has been installed in five separate warehouses to accommodate a total of 20,000 pallet locations. The complex includes two all chilled, one part chilled and an ambient warehouse which together provide a total of 13,500 sq. metres of storage space.

Normally, part loads are stored at the top of a racking system where clearance can be a problem.

This can cause handling difficulties for the forklift driver, as he is unaware of the space available.

However, the storage system designed by Compact Storage and Hi-Lo has been planned to maximise the space in the multi-apex buildings by using Premierack beams along the roofline. By using the racking in this way it is possible to store full pallets at the top of the racking system and part pallets at the bottom, thereby preventing stock damage and allowing easy access to the pallets.

The specification of “Flexi” articulated counterbalanced forklift trucks has enabled Compact Storage to use the Premierack within a conventional storage construction, i.e. frames and beams. The use of this type of truck allows for a narrow aisle structure to be used without the need of a specialist VNA truck, as it is able to access the racking for loading/offloading without the need for large transfer aisle and guidance systems.

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