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Space Maximized with Heavy-Duty Mobile Racking
Linetec takes calculated risks. They knew that expanding their organization with a new anodizing line would benefit their customers and the growth of their own business. And it did. Now, where to store the new products?
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, Linetec serves customers across the country, finishing such products as aluminum windows, wall systems, doors, hardware, and other architectural metal components, as well as automotive, marine, and manufactured consumer goods.
Due to expansion constraints, the Company needed to find more creative ways to utilize its warehouse space. Since Wolter regularly maintains Linetec with superior customer service and support, we were informed about a recently launched project to store and retrieve products from the managed inventory warehouse. The new 25,000-square-foot warehouse facility would set the foundation for material handling projects moving forward regardless of location.
Mobile racking maximizes storage space in a warehouse by placing pallet racks on carriages that roll on tracks installed on top of the floor. This eliminates fixed aisles where the space in between isn’t in constant use. One of the recommendations (from an alternate source) was to install standard mobile racking rails onto the floor and place another vendor’s racking system on top.
By installing the standard mobile racking rails, 14-16” of unused space was uncovered at the base of the system. The initially proposed design did not maximize every inch Linetec was searching for. When Wolter partnered with SSI Schaffer to deliver a mobile racking system design... it brought the entire storage unit down to the floor by 16”, adding an entire pallet position, and creating critical storage space across the entire system. Our collective experience knew that working with the construction company could further find areas for better space utilization. Linetec has several million pounds of aluminum in the new facility, offered in various lengths and shapes. All of the products are stored in cradles which are on average 24’ long.
Working with Wolter on their forklift purchase a few years back prepared Linetec for their recent growth. Linetec currently owns several, multi-directional forklifts that are designed to provide strength and flexibility for transporting heavy, long products. Due to the installation of an automated mobile rack system, the warehouse facility only needs a single Combilift forklift to get the job done. The Combilift can be driven by a forklift operator or with the guided aisle system which allows the truck to self-steer for faster arrival, pickup, and delivery while reducing damage to stock and racking.
When the forklift operator approaches the cantilever mobile racking, Linetec has made it a policy for the operator to step off the forklift and push the button for the aisle to open. Although this can be done with a remote from the forklift, Linetec maximizes safety for its employees with floor sensors and clicking a button for the electric motor on the mobile base to move.
Linetec values a proven solution with quality partners. The company is positioned for upward growth, and Wolter looks forward to working with them on strategies to maximize even more space, and maintain efficient operations.
To learn more or ask questions, click here to get in touch with one of our experts.
Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, Linetec serves customers across the country, finishing such products as aluminum windows, wall systems, doors, hardware, and other architectural metal components, as well as automotive, marine, and manufactured consumer goods.
Due to expansion constraints, the Company needed to find more creative ways to utilize its warehouse space. Since Wolter regularly maintains Linetec with superior customer service and support, we were informed about a recently launched project to store and retrieve products from the managed inventory warehouse. The new 25,000-square-foot warehouse facility would set the foundation for material handling projects moving forward regardless of location.
It’s All in the Design
The building design and construction were already set and underway and it was Wolter’s job to determine the best utilization of space. Linetec wanted to be sure all aspects were considered and decided to have two competing companies create a racking system that would utilize floor-to-ceiling space. Both companies recommended a heavy-duty mobile racking system as conventional racking would require double the space of a second building. However, once both companies went to design, the results from Wolter were notably different.
Not All Mobile Rack Designs Are Equal
Mobile racking maximizes storage space in a warehouse by placing pallet racks on carriages that roll on tracks installed on top of the floor. This eliminates fixed aisles where the space in between isn’t in constant use. One of the recommendations (from an alternate source) was to install standard mobile racking rails onto the floor and place another vendor’s racking system on top. By installing the standard mobile racking rails, 14-16” of unused space was uncovered at the base of the system. The initially proposed design did not maximize every inch Linetec was searching for. When Wolter partnered with SSI Schaffer to deliver a mobile racking system design... it brought the entire storage unit down to the floor by 16”, adding an entire pallet position, and creating critical storage space across the entire system. Our collective experience knew that working with the construction company could further find areas for better space utilization. Linetec has several million pounds of aluminum in the new facility, offered in various lengths and shapes. All of the products are stored in cradles which are on average 24’ long.
Utilizing Their Current Forklift Investment
Working with Wolter on their forklift purchase a few years back prepared Linetec for their recent growth. Linetec currently owns several, multi-directional forklifts that are designed to provide strength and flexibility for transporting heavy, long products. Due to the installation of an automated mobile rack system, the warehouse facility only needs a single Combilift forklift to get the job done. The Combilift can be driven by a forklift operator or with the guided aisle system which allows the truck to self-steer for faster arrival, pickup, and delivery while reducing damage to stock and racking.When the forklift operator approaches the cantilever mobile racking, Linetec has made it a policy for the operator to step off the forklift and push the button for the aisle to open. Although this can be done with a remote from the forklift, Linetec maximizes safety for its employees with floor sensors and clicking a button for the electric motor on the mobile base to move.
Continuous Partnership
Linetec values a proven solution with quality partners. The company is positioned for upward growth, and Wolter looks forward to working with them on strategies to maximize even more space, and maintain efficient operations. To learn more or ask questions, click here to get in touch with one of our experts.