Proving the quality can be delivered on a budget, the Salvation Army has selected Thistle Systems to undertake the fit out of its latest charity shop located in a prominent corner plot in the heart of Perth.
The Salvation Army’s shop in Perth will see Thistle strip out the current premises back to the walls, altering the internal layout to suit their required needs which incorporated a new storage facility, relocate a partition to increase the existing storage facilities and create a new door opening.
Internally, Thistle upgraded the existing electrical works, installed slat wall throughout, installed new counter and merchandising facilities, laid Amtico style floor and carried out the decoration to the remaining areas.
Thistle also upgraded the external shopfront and installed new signage in line with the corporate guidelines of the Salvation Army.
Thistle’s Project Manager, Paul Hayes, explained “Charitable organisations work to extremely tight budgets and it is therefore vital that they get the very best prices for any capital works they undertake.”
He continued, “With our fit out service we can provide clients with a solution that both meets their brief and their budget by offering alternatives with accurate costings for the entire project based on our experience of carrying out similar works.”
Thistle has an enviable track record for successfully completing refits of prestigious office developments across Scotland however our experience in the retail sector is growing as more companies look at complete design and fit out services.
For more information on our range of interior services contact our interior fit out team or call 01236 453888
Thistle Systems’ Interior Fit Out Team has helped a major blue chip client to design and implement part of its energy efficiency programme in one of its Scottish facilities with a focus on a workshop toilet area.
Working closely with the Facilities Manager, who was looking for a solution that made the area more acceptable and durable whilst reducing the energy consumption as well as the ongoing costs of maintenance, Thistle Systems’ project team transformed the toilet facility to create a modern yet functional look with a combination of clever design solutions and innovative products.
Thistle replaced the existing 16 sinks and vanity units which required their own water heater and installed a large trough-styled stainless steel sink unit. This was fed by a single water heater and featured self-closing push down taps which were set to provide a constant temperature. The combination of each of these dramatically reduced the energy consumption of the hot water system with the added benefit of reducing overall water usage.
The standard hot air hand driers were replaced with Dyson Airblades which use the friction of the air flow to provide a degree of heat as opposed to using an actual heating element. With savings on running costs expected to be as high as 90% and a reduction in drying time, the initial investment will be quickly recouped.
Thistle also looked at improving the cleaning methods of the toilet area and installed floor drains and new heavy duty vinyl flooring to make the facility quicker and easier to maintain on a day to day basis.
Vandalism and abuse of the toilets had also been a real challenge for the client over the years and Thistle included a number of features to address this issue.
Anti-graffiti paint to the cubicle walls and doors. The height of the sink unit was raised substantially to discourage workers from sitting on it and breaking the unit. All pipework was boxed in to prevent breakages and UV lights were installed in the cubicles to minimise occupation times.
Thistle Systems’ Interiors Project Manager explained, “We have always placed a strong focus on delivering energy efficient solutions as part of our interior fit out service however with the forthcoming legislation which is forcing every company to reduce their carbon emission we are now receiving a number of projects where this is the main objective.”
He continued, “With our extensive experience in delivering energy efficient solutions across a broad range of sectors from corporate to industrial and from clean rooms to toilet areas, we can advise clients on how simple changes to design can make a significant impact on their energy bills.”
The festive season is fast approaching and whether you are winding down for the holidays or getting a little stressed about how you are going to get everything done, we are delighted to bring a little festive cheer with our special video Christmas Message.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
FROM ALL THE TEAM AT THISTLE SYSTEMS GROUP
Thistle Systems has designed manufactured and installed an industrial racking solution for a major UK chemical company which has increased the pallet positions by over 25% as well as adding new walkways to increase access.
The project saw Thistle redesign an existing racking facility which was using a combination of bulk stacking and standard adjustable pallet racking with a new layout that featured extra deep industrial racking with timber decking for maximum safety and effectiveness.
With some design modifications and careful , Thistle were also able to add an additional run of racking and incorporate a walkway which ran right through the racking to enhance accessibility both to the products and to fire escapes in the event of an emergency.
In addition to providing a design solution that increased capacity by 25%, Thistle also developed an installation schedule which minimised downtime and available storage capacity by carrying out all works over 4 weekends where specified runs were dismantled and new bays reconstructed.
Thistle Systems’ Project Manager, Mike Rose, explained “With floor space becoming an increasingly expensive commodity, many companies are looking for alternative solutions to bulk stacking however the key element of industrial racking is to design and specify the right grade of racking to accommodate the products being stored.”
He continued, “The existing racking on the project had deteriorated with several damaged components caused by a heavy duty load. By increasing the specification of the racking, increasing the depth of the bays and adding timber decking to support the materials being stored we have delivered a robust industrial racking solution that will withstand the test of time.”
Thistle Systems has installed its MaxPRO rack protection system for one of the world’s leading drinks manufacturer in their packaging warehouse.
With delicate raw materials such as aluminium cans and paper packaging being stored, rack protection was a key requirement to ensure minimal damage to the materials and the racking.
The MaxPRO system is manufactured from laser cut, high tensile steel to withstand an even greater impact and protect the racking, the floor and the goods being stored.
Thistle Systems also installed the revolutionary UprightPRO upright protection system, which incorporates a PU spring to absorb any impact and enhance the protection offered to the racking as well as preventing the concrete floor from cracking.
Thistle Systems’ Sales Director, Alan Scott, explained “More and more companies are recognising the value of a high quality rack protection system to not only prevent racking damage but also minimise any stock loss. They also recognise that damage to their racking system not only incurs the cost of stock and racking structure but more importantly can cause a serious impact on health and safety in the workplace and performance through unavailable racking areas.”
He continued, “Our MaxPRO rack protection system delivers unrivalled levels of protection with a higher grade of steel and our unique PU spring system which absorbs the impact as opposed to simply getting in the way.
For more information on our MaxPRO rack protection system, contact our technical sales team on 01236 453888.
Thistle Systems has enabled one of the UK’s leading wine distributors to transform the performance of their warehouse by installing a new carton live shelving system and reconfiguring their existing warehouse to improve throughput and increase capacity.
With a growing portfolio of clients and commitment to offering a nationwide next day delivery service, the wine distributor needed a system that would increase capacity by 18% but the transformation of the picking speed was critical and immediately delivered a 21% increase in picking and replenishment.
Using their Max the Cube approach to assess the existing 3 warehouses which was using standard adjustable pallet racking with picking areas, Thistle Systems worked closely with the Warehouse Manager and the Logistics Manager to redesign the entire facility to create a system where one warehouse became a dedicated picking area with carton live shelving.
The thistle team then reconfigured another warehouse to increase capacity by changing the layout of the system, adjusting beam heights, reducing aisle widths and adding additional pallet bays.
And by re-using some of the existing racking on site, Thistle Systems were able to transform the entire operations on a very tight budget to the delight of the client.
Thistle Systems’ Sales Director, Alan Scott, “This is a situation we encounter every day with successful companies which see their warehouse systems grow organically until they reach a point where they recognise the system is having a negative impact on performance and service.”
He continued, “The carton live system enables the company to have a greater number of individual picking faces within the area and the nature of carton live means that the next case of wine is automatically presented, delivering significant operational improvements.”
For more information on our carton live systems and our reconfiguration service contact our sales team now on 01236 453888.
Thistle Systems has secured a major contract for a mezzanine floor for one of the UK’s leading suppliers of renewable energy thanks in no small part to the company’s expertise and experience in interior fit outs.
The contract will see Thistle Systems design, manufacture and install the mezzanine floor with a storage area to the ground level and office space to accommodate up to 16 personnel on the first floor.
As well as advising on the optimum design of mezzanine for the required usage, Thistle also space planned the office area with bench desks, side opening tambours and a storage wall to maximise the storage capacity with the minimum foot print.
As part of the office fit out, Thistle Systems will install air conditioning, create a kitchen area and supply all of the office furniture.
The project also requires pinpoint accuracy as the mezzanine floor will adjoin an existing structure and the client is looking to create an open plan area with a continuous floor level.
Thistle Systems Project Manager, Stephen McCormick, explained “Our ability to deliver the entire contract from design through to installation, provide expert advice on each area of the project and manage the building warrant side of things was a key factor in the client’s buying decision.”
He continued, “This provides them with the peace of mind that we are in total control of the timescales, the cost and the delivery, so that there are no surprises and there are no issues when it comes to quality.”
Thistle Systems has provided one client in the Food and Drink sector with the perfect solution to its new extension by providing a turnkey solution to the fit out by delivering the complete package of pallet racking, locker areas and rest rooms.
With its specialist interior fit out team and its reputation for highly effective warehouse storage solutions, Thistle Systems were able to ensure its client could meet the demanding schedule by taking on the complete works.
The contract followed initial discussions regarding the racking requirements in the warehouse, however after discussing the full package involved in the project, the client quickly identified the financial and timescale benefits from using one supplier.
A critical element in securing the additional works was Thistle’s ability to organise 3D plans and perspective views of the locker area and rest rooms to enable the client to understand exactly what they were proposing.
Thistle Systems’ Project Manager, Jim Young, explained “We are working extremely hard to promote our full range of services, such as our expertise and experience in interior fit outs, and we are delighted at the response we have received – especially when we secure these types of projects.”
He continued, “We have been delivering interior projects for over 7 years now and have established an extensive portfolio of highly satisfied clients who not only recognise the quality we deliver but also the synergies between the storage and the fit out contracts.”
For more information on Industrial Locker Room contact us now on 01236 453888
A local council was able to save tens of thousands of pounds during a downsizing project thanks to the expertise of the Thistle Systems team and their ability to deliver a long term solution that built in flexibility.
Thistle System originally assisted the local council to design and install a major mobile shelving system some 8 years ago however during the initial discussion the client indicated that there was a strong possibility that it would need to be moved in the future.
So whilst other companies specified the standard mobile shelving system at the time, Thistle Systems recommended a modular solution, which was marginally more expensive at the time, but which could be easily dismantled and relocated.
The investment paid off and rather than having to write off a significant capital expenditure, the council was able to remove and re-use the entire mobile shelving solution in their new premises.
Thistle Systems Sales Director, Alan Scott, explained “Our focus has always been to develop long term relationships with our clients which means not only giving clients best value and service, it’s about develop the right solution for their requirements.”
He continued, “Our professional integrity and our commitment to delivering the right solution has cost us a few projects over the years, however it has won us far more respect with clients and indeed from customers who chose not to heed our advice and suffered as a result.”
Like everything in life, drive in racking isn’t perfect.
We should know. We have been successfully installing drive in racking across the UK for the last 16 years.
And the bottom line is that we love drive in racking – in the right environment with the right conditions.
But we know it’s not always the right approach.
So if you currently have drive in racking or are considering installing drive in racking in your operation, then you MUST read on.
Drive in racking has become a firm favourite when it comes to high density racking solutions, especially in distribution centres and cold stores where there are large batches of the same SKU.
However we are seeing a growing number of companies who are moving away from drive in racking and looking at the benefits radio shuttles can offer.
That’s probably because our project managers discuss the pros and cons of all the potential alternatives with our clients before we propose the right solution for the individual project.
We also outline the potential payback periods and ROI on any investment in racking – which can often be a real eye opener for clients.
And when you see the 5 key reasons clients are moving towards radio shuttles, you will understand why.
