7 Great Reasons to Visit Thistle Systems at All Energy 2012.

Thistle Systems is gearing itself up to make its debut at All Energy 2012 later this month as we look to increase our presence in the Aberdeen area

Our priority at the event is to show how our Max the Cube approach to storage can help you to get everything you can out of everything you have, whilst minimising the costs you incur..

But with over 500 exhibitors at the UK’s largest oil, gas and renewable energy exhibition, we thought we should give you 7 great reasons to visit us at stand J52.

So here goes:

1. You can see at least 5 innovative storage solutions being used by oil, gas and renewable companies and their suppliers to maximise capacity and minimise costs
2. You can Pick up Your Free Report on the 7 Hidden Costs in your Existing Warehouse
3. You can take on our remote-controlled forklift challenge
4. You can see why our Racking Protection system offers the best protection in the business
5. You can find out how to avoid costly mistakes with your mezzanine floors
6. You can meet the Thistle Systems team and see what a friendly bunch we are
7. You could pick up a FREE Max the Cube Rubiks Cube

As well as the Aberdeen team, we are planning to bring a number of our team from our Glasgow and Birmingham offices to offer you their expertise and experience.

But if you are looking for some advice regarding your storage systems but can’t make the event at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 23rd and 24th May, don’t worry.

Simply give us a call on 01236 453888 or email sales@thistlesystems.co.uk and we can arrange a more convenient time to discuss your project.

Canteen Fit Out for Major Distillers

After stripping the existing canteen back to the bear shell, Thistle Systems used a mixture of materials including glass partitioning, ash panelling and stainless steel trims to bring a clean, modern feeling to the area.

The Thistle team project managed the entire fit out including floor coverings, installation of servery counters and furniture supply – all carried out and backed with Thistle’s zero defect guarantee.

Thistle Systems’ Project Manager, Paul Hayes, explained “We are delighted to have delivered a canteen which reflects the quality and prestige of such a high profile organisation.”

Industrial Racking For Major Chemical Company

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.”

Click here to download our industrial racking brochure or for more information contact our technical sales team now on 01236 453888.

Carton Live Shelving for Wine Distributor

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 Supply Complete Solution from Racking to Industrial Locker Room

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

Flexible Mobile Shelving Enables Local Council to Save Money

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.”

To discuss your mobile shelving solution contact Thistle Systems now on 01236 453888

SPECIAL REPORT: The Issues With Drive In Racking

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.

Download the report 0n Drive In Racking now – absolutely FREE

Thistle Reconfigures Automotive Storage System for Major Dealer

Thistle Systems has helped 2 major car dealerships to combine their service centre by dismantling, reconfiguring and extending their existing shelving system in their new premises.

With an enviable reputation in the Automotive market and an extensive network of suppliers, Thistle Systems were called in to assist with the move and to supply additional shelving that matched the existing shelving.

After carrying out a full survey of the existing shelving, Thistle’s Project Team designed a layout that maximised the capacity of the new storage facility whilst accommodating the diverse range of parts that ranged in size from spark plugs to tyres and exhausts as well as new COSSH cabinets.

The team were also able to identify the make of the existing shelving from their extensive network of manufacturers to ensure that the new system matched perfectly.

Thistle Systems’ Project Manager, Jim Young, explained “We are seeing a growing trend of companies consolidating their premises as they look at every means possible of minimising overheads and costs however the automotive industry is one of the few sectors where competitors are now sharing premises and resources.”

He continued, “The secret of success with these projects is in the design and being able to incorporate as much of the existing shelving as possible. Our knowledge of the automotive sector and the products being stored enabled us to optimise shelf spacing, small storage containers and dividers to deliver a solution that maximised the storage capacity within the available floor space.

For more information contact us now

Thistle Advise Major Oil Company on Racking Consolidation

Thistle Systems has been called in by one of the world’s leading players in the oil industry reconfigure their storage provision in a number of their Scottish premises with the aim of reducing their required floor space by 60%.

With space utilisation a key concern in every sector as organisations look to reduce their overheads and expenditure, Thistle Systems’ has seen a sharp increase in demand for its expertise and experience in bespoke racking solutions.

The Glasgow based company has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading solutions providers in racking and storage solutions, largely thanks to their unique approach to design and their extensive supplier network.

Thistle Systems’ Managing Director, Mike Cairns, explained “We differ from virtually every racking and shelving company in that we are never looking to sell to clients from a set product range. We look at the client’s current provision and their key objectives before designing the right solution for the company.”

Mike continued, “If you approach a manufacturer to look at a racking consolidation project, they will be focused on selling you more equipment as that is where they make their money. We adopt a more client centric solution, where we try to re-use as much of their existing equipment in a more effective manner then look to integrate innovate solutions from our world-wide manufacturing base.”

In fact, many reconfiguration projects completed by Thistle use a large proportion of the existing racking or shelving which are then complemented by high density storage solutions such as pallet live, push back racking, drive in racking, mobile racking or radio shuttles.

To find out more about Thistle Systems Racking Reconfiguration Service visit www.thistlesystems.co.uk or call 01236 453888.

Radio Shuttles Enhance High Density Racking

Radio Shuttles, or pallet moles as they are sometimes referred to, can provide the perfect solution for companies looking to maximise capacity whilst minimising the floor space required and avoiding access issues normally associated with drive in pallet racking.

Their ability to enter the racking system and collect or deliver the pallet to the required position, using a hand held remote control, provides numerous benefits in terms of capacity, safety and production efficiencies.

By removing the need for drivers to carefully guide their trucks into the pallet areas, companies can not only prevent damage to the racking systems and goods but can also collect and deliver pallets more efficiently – especially when using multiple shuttles at one time using the same remote control.

Thistle Systems’ Sales Director, Alan Scott, explained “Using radio shuttles enables us to design solutions that can be much deeper than ordinary high density racking systems. However additional benefits can also be achieved in productivity as the truck can be off working elsewhere whilst the radio shuttle delivers the pallet to the required position.”

He continued, “The radio shuttle system that we are using was one of the first radio shuttles to come to market over 18 years ago and the manufacturer has continued to invest in the technology to ensure it remains at the forefront of the pallet racking industry. In fact, our radio shuttle is on now Mark IV and significantly more advanced than any on the market today.”

Explaining their partnership approach, Thistle Systems’ Managing Director, Mike Cairns commented, “One of the reasons Thistle continues to set the pace in the market is our commitment to scouring the corners of the earth to find the latest and the best storage solutions that we can incorporate into our storage solutions.”

He continued, “Whilst other companies are limited to their own in house products or one or two suppliers, we have developed close working partnerships with a global network of companies that are prepared to move mountains to help us deliver the right solutions at the right budget for our clients.

To find out more about the Thistle Systems Radio Shuttle solution contact us now or download our Radio Shuttle brochure