Warehouse space is always at a premium. Whether you’re storing oversized goods or managing high-demand inventory, maximising space without compromising accessibility can feel like a juggling act. Enter cantilever warehouse racks, a solution tailor-made for businesses that require flexible, efficient storage. In this blog, we’ll explore two real-life case studies where cantilever racking systems revolutionised operations for UK businesses: The National Museum of the Royal Navy and Beers Timber & Building Supplies.
From overcoming storage challenges to boosting operational efficiency, these examples demonstrate the power of cantilever racking in transforming spaces.
What Are Cantilever Warehouse Racks?
Before diving into the case studies, let’s start with the basics. Cantilever racks are a type of storage system designed to handle long, bulky, or irregularly shaped items like timber, pipes, or even artefacts. Unlike traditional shelving, cantilever systems feature horizontal arms extending from a central column, creating open storage spaces that eliminate vertical obstructions.
Key benefits include:
- Versatility: Perfect for a range of industries, from museums to construction.
- Space Optimisation: Makes better use of vertical and horizontal space.
- Ease of Access: Simplifies loading and unloading of goods.
Now, let’s see how these racks performed in action.
Challenge: Preserving Historical Artefacts
The National Museum of the Royal Navy faced a unique challenge: how to store large, valuable, and fragile artefacts safely while maintaining accessibility for research and exhibitions. The items in question included oversized ship components and delicate historical pieces that couldn’t be housed in traditional shelving due to their irregular shapes and sizes.
The museum needed a custom storage solution that maximised available space while ensuring items remained secure and easy to retrieve.
Solution: Tailored Cantilever Racking System
Enter Total Interiors Direct, who designed and installed a bespoke cantilever racking system to meet the museum’s needs. The racks were configured to support the dimensions and weight of each artefact, providing a safe and stable storage environment. The open design of the cantilever racks made it easier to store large, awkwardly shaped items without the risk of damage.
Results: Efficient Storage & Easy Access
The new cantilever system transformed the museum’s storage area:
- Maximised Space: Freed up significant floor space by leveraging vertical storage.
- Improved Accessibility: Researchers and staff could now retrieve items quickly without having to move other pieces around.
- Enhanced Preservation: The sturdy racks ensured delicate items were stored safely, reducing the risk of wear and tear.
This project highlighted how cantilever warehouse racks can be customised for even the most specialised storage needs, proving their versatility beyond traditional industries.
Challenge: Storing Long and Heavy Timber Products
Beers Timber & Building Supplies, a leading UK supplier of timber and building materials, had a different set of challenges. They needed a storage solution that could handle long, heavy timber products while keeping their warehouse organised and efficient. Their existing shelving systems were not equipped to handle the weight and dimensions of their inventory, leading to wasted space and inefficiencies in order fulfilment.
Solution: Heavy-Duty Cantilever Racking
To address these issues, Total Interiors Direct installed a heavy-duty cantilever racking system specifically designed for timber storage. The system featured long, robust arms capable of supporting the weight of timber products while allowing easy access for forklifts and warehouse staff.
Results: Boosted Efficiency & Organisation
The cantilever rack system delivered impressive results for Beers Timber & Building Supplies:
- Improved Space Utilisation: By storing timber vertically, the warehouse freed up critical floor space for other operations.
- Streamlined Operations: Staff could locate and access materials faster, reducing order-picking times.
- Increased Safety: Properly stored timber minimise the risk of accidents and injuries.
This case study showcases how cantilever racks are a game-changer for industries dealing with bulky, heavy materials, improving both storage and operational efficiency.
Why Choose Cantilever Racking for Your Business?
Both case studies demonstrate how cantilever racking systems can be adapted to different industries and storage challenges. Here’s why businesses across the UK are making the switch:
- Customisation: Cantilever racks can be tailored to fit your specific storage requirements, whether you’re dealing with museum artefacts or construction materials.
- Space Optimisation: Say goodbye to wasted space. These systems help you make the most of every square metre in your warehouse.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of items, from fragile historical pieces to heavy-duty building materials.
- Ease of Access: With an open design, loading and unloading become a breeze, saving time and labour costs.
- Durability: Built to last, cantilever racks can withstand heavy loads and daily wear and tear.
How Total Interiors Direct Can Help
At Total Interiors Direct, we’re experts in designing and installing cantilever warehouse racks tailored to your unique business needs. With years of experience and a proven track record, we’ve helped UK businesses across various industries maximise their storage space and improve operational efficiency.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing storage or planning a complete warehouse overhaul, our team is here to help.
FAQs
1. What industries benefit most from cantilever racking?
Cantilever racking is ideal for industries that store long, heavy, or irregularly shaped items. This includes timber suppliers, museums, metalworking facilities, and furniture manufacturers.
2. Can cantilever racks handle heavy loads?
Absolutely! Cantilever racks are designed to support substantial weight, with heavy-duty options available for industries like construction and manufacturing.
3. How customisable are cantilever racks?
Very! They can be tailored to fit your space, inventory dimensions, and load requirements, making them a flexible solution for any warehouse.
4. What’s the installation process like?
At Total Interiors Direct, we offer a seamless installation process. Our team will assess your needs, design the system, and handle the entire installation to ensure it meets your expectations.
Final Thoughts
Maximising warehouse space doesn’t have to be a headache. With cantilever warehouse racks, businesses can tackle storage challenges head-on, creating organised, efficient spaces that boost productivity and safety. The success stories of The National Museum of the Royal Navy and Beers Timber & Building Supplies highlight just how transformative these systems can be.
Ready to optimise your warehouse? Contact Total Interiors Direct today and let’s create a storage solution that works for you.
