Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to modern distribution and 3PL providers.

From fast picking to seamless delivery methods, distribution centres are constantly tweaking their processes to better serve customers. One area many still struggle with is storage; which is one of the most valuable resources for a warehouse.

By the time most warehouses have installed a few miles of racking, the facility appears full. For those that want to install more racking, there doesn’t seem to be space to do so.

Expansion by leasing more space seems to be the available choice, but why relocate?

For one, not every firm has a suitable area to expand into and set up another 2 miles of racking. The alternative prospect of leasing or buying another space may not be a financially viable solution at the moment.

But a simple layout adjustment can change this. Sections of the premises where large structures are situated i.e. offices, break rooms, even the loos, can be taken off ground level and heavy machinery installed in their place. The structures removed can be set up on an intermediary floor.

These floors, known as mezzanines, take advantage of existing vertical space while freeing up floor space for more use. Available as a single or multi-level solution, mezzanines can provide additional storage for up to 80% less than the cost of leasing space.

Since mezzanines are modular and comprised of many bolt-on components, they can be configured in different ways and serve different purposes. They are used across different situations including as supporting In-Plant Offices, Catwalks, light equipment Platforms, Observation Decks, Archive Storage, Work Platforms etc. They can also be customised with the addition or removal of components such as stairs, safety gates, security caging, bollards, column protection, and a wide choice of flooring materials.

Mezzanines may seem cost intensive, at first, but some of its lifetime advantages include:

• Easily relocated and expanded as your business needs change.
• Help to safely route lighting, sprinkler pipes, HVAC ducts, electrical and computer conduits.
• Can be designed to meet your exact space requirements.
• Can be customised to fit around existing equipment, building columns, and other obstructions – even around angled and curved walls.

The 2 main types are:

Structural mezzanine floors: Structural mezzanine floors are custom designed and built to perfectly complement your existing space. They are known for being able to an support high loads such as concrete flooring or heavy equipment.

Rack supported mezzanine floors: Rack supported mezzanine floors are a more cost-effective option and storage is gained above the structure, with the deck support being pallet racking which can be left open or used as shelving. Therefore, they are better suited for storage and picking,

Choosing a supplier for your mezzanine installation  is easy if you keep these tips in mind:

1. Establish the range of application by asking the following questions:

• Will the mezzanine be used to support equipment or store materials?
• Will the mezzanine support offices, shelving carousels, workstations? These will impact the overall design.
• Will employees and customers have access to the mezzanine?

2. Evaluate the structural layout of the building including taking note of available overhead space, any obstructions, any lights, sprinklers, heaters and building structural steel?

3. Find out the local Council requirements for mezzanine installations.

4. Choose a mezzanine style based on your requirements.

5. Choose a mezzanine manufacturer. It is important to evaluate their experience, engineering expertise, and manufacturing quality. Also be sure to ask:

• How many mezzanines has the company installed?
• What size of mezzanines do they build?
• Do have they serviced other companies in your industry?
• Do they provide design, fabrication, and installation services?
• Does the mezzanine have a warranty?

By installing a mezzanine rather than choosing factory expansion as a storage method, SMEs can easily double their available workspace. Though typically designed for indoor use, mezzanines can also be deployed outside the premises if the SKUs are not degraded by the weather. They can also be used to store small parts, unwieldy parts, even slow-moving SKUs

Regardless of whether you want to use free-standing or rack-based mezzanines, Monarch Shelving Ltd. have you covered.

Through years of experience, we have become a leading provider of big and small storage solutions in the North West. Call us today!