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.

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

Major Floor Over Shelving System for Distribution Company

Thistle Systems has installed a major floor over shelving system to create a highly flexible storage solution for one of the UK’s leading distribution companies.

The client was looking to maximise the storage capacity in the available floor space whilst providing a flexible system that could accommodate a diverse range of products to be stored, from small components to large, bulky products.

The finished solution was a Floor Over Shelving System featuring heavy duty shelving with small parts storage to the lower level to allow quick and easy access to the fast moving stock of smaller components.

The heavy duty shelving was used to support mild steel decking and enabled the first level storage solution to be designed independently from the lower level.

The decision to adopt a floor over shelving solution enabled the distribution company to have the right storage solution for their requirements whilst removing the need for additional structural steelwork and the associated costs of a mezzanine floor.

Thistle Systems’ Sales Director, Alan Scott, explained “To the untrained eye, the finished solution looks and acts like a mezzanine floor however, thanks to our knowledge of racking and shelving systems, we have been able to develop a cost effective solution that meets the needs of the client.”

He continued, “It’s this lateral thinking and experience in developing highly effective storage that has enabled Thistle Systems to carve out a unique reputation in the market as a company who develops innovative solutions that deliver bottom line benefits.”

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.

Looking to Move Your Racking

Whether you are looking to relocate, downsize or simply reconfigure your existing racking solution, Thistle Systems are able to provide a complete solution to make the project quick, easy and pain free.

Thistle has become one of the UK’s leading players for relocating racking and shelving thanks to their unique combination of racking design, racking inspection and installation solutions.

It may seem a straight forward process but there are so many factors to take into consideration when re-using existing racking, including assessing the quality of racking being removed, double checking load capacity and reinstalling to the same standard.

Did you know for example that simply removing a beam section could reduce your load capacity by as much as 80%.
The importance of getting the right advice and following the correct procedures carried out by qualified personnel during the dismantling and re-construction cannot be under-estimated.

Thistle Systems has extensive experience in managing reconfiguration projects of all sizes from major racking installations for logistics and transportation companies through to relocating small shelving and mobile shelving systems in the public sector as well delapses at the end of lease periods.

To discuss your requirements contact us now

Industrial Storage Brochure Launched

Thistle Systems has responded to the growing interest in its industrial storage solutions by producing a dedicate brochure which covers the full spectrum of solutions it offers to industrial clients.

The 8 page brochure is packed with examples and information of how Thistle Systems has enabled its clients to transform their facilities with solutions to increase storage capacity, improve accessibility and enhance production efficiency.

From coil racking to heavy duty shelving and from industrial partitioning and security caging to Lista cabinets, the brochure demonstrates exactly why Thistle Systems are the leading player in  industrial storage solutions.

Download the industrial storage solutions brochure now

How To Avoid The Most Common Health and Safety Issue With Racking

It doesn’t matter what type of racking you have, how well you look after it, how often it’s inspected or even how new it is, if you do not have a loading sign clearly displayed on the end of each run of racking, the Health and Safety Executive will issue you with a 30 day notice.

Additional loading signs are also required if the profile of the racking changes during the course of the run of racking, which may result in a change of the loading capacity.

It may seem a trivial matter but loading signs are a vital element of the PUWER legislation which governs Health and Safety at work and provides every employee with clear instructions as to what can and cannot be stored on the racking system.

Thistle Systems’ Racking Inspector, Bruce McGregor, explains “If your company does not have loading signs on the racking and an employee places one or a number of pallets on the racking which exceeds the capacity and the system collapses, the Directors of the company could be held responsible for any damages or injuries that are suffered.”

It is also essential that loading signs are updated in line with any changes that are made to the racking installation such as amendments to beam heights.

He continued “We know that the HSE are extremely strict about loading signs and we would urge all companies to ensure their signs are up to date and featured prominently at all times to avoid any potential repercussions.”

To discuss your requirements when it comes to racking installation or to arrange a racking inspection contact us now on 01236 453888.

A Masterpiece in Picture Racking Solutions

Thistle Systems has been at the forefront of storage equipment in the library and museum sector and the latest installation which delivers almost 350 square metres of hanging space in a floor space of 30 square metres demonstrates the power of picture racking.

Designed with stability, protection and safety in mind, our picture racking solutions have featured some of the biggest names in the art world including Warhol, Picasso and Matisse.

With ease of access designed in as standard, the solution delivers high density storage whilst still offering the ability to showcase the full collection, the picture racking solution has proved to be extremely attractive for large museums through to private galleries.

Thistle System’s Sales Director, Alan Scott, explained “Our picture racking solution is enabling museums and galleries across the UK to maximise the visibility of their collections without having to take up valuable wall or floor space.”

He continued, “The safety and protection offered provides curators and gallery managers with complete peace of mind that even their most valuable works of art are safely stored.”

Racking and Shelving Reconfiguration Service Launched by Thistle System

Thistle Systems has responded to growing client demand for the dismantling, relocating and reinstalling of racking and shelving by launching a dedicated service to deliver an efficient and effective solution for clients looking to relocate or downsize.

Thistle has become one of the UK’s leading players for relocating racking and shelving thanks to their unique combination of design, inspection and installation solutions.

The company has extensive experience in managing reconfiguration projects of all sizes from major racking installations for logistics and transportation companies through to relocating small shelving and mobile shelving systems in the public sector as well delapses at the end of lease periods.

The Thistle Systems Racking and Shelving Reconfiguration Service (dubbed RSRS) offer clients a complete or tailored solution including:

• surveying the existing racking system
• designing the optimum solution for the new premises to maximise capacity and availability
• assessing all racking upon dismantling
• repairing or replacing components where required
• installation of new system to required standards and guidelines
• installation of loading signs and racking protection systems

Thistle Systems believe that the removal and reconfiguration of racking and shelving is far more specialised than a straight forward design and install project as Managing Director, Mike Cairns, explains.

“There are so many factors to take into consideration when re-using existing equipment as you must not only be capable of assessing quality, double checking load capacity and reinstalling to the same standards but you also need to advise on the best approach for repairing and replacing damaged equipment.”

He continued, “We have been involved in several projects over the years where several bays of the racking we dismantled were damaged beyond repair and replacements were either no longer available or prohibitively expensive. Our design team reconfigured the system to include several bays of new racking which proved to be more cost effective and provided additional replacement spares for the originals.”

Thistle are also quick to point out that the Racking and Shelving Reconfiguration Service should not be confused with their campaign to encourage companies to never use second hand racking.

Mike added, “Re-using your own racking is completely different from purchasing second hand racking. When you purchase used equipment from a third party, you have no knowledge of how the racking was used, how often it was inspected and the general condition of the components.”

“By reconfiguring existing equipment you have the peace of mind that you know its history and can maximise your original investment by reusing it in different premises.”

To find out more contact Thistle Systems now on 01236 453888

Thistle Systems Agree Partnership with Lista

Thistle Systems are delighted to announce a unique partnership agreement with Lista, one of the world’s leading suppliers of heavy duty cabinets, workshop equipment and storage systems.

The agreement will see Thistle Systems become one of only a handful of UK companies authorised to supply the full range of Lista products with the full support and backing of the Lista brand.

With a shared commitment to ‘making workspace work,’ the combination of Thistle Systems experience and design skills together with Lista’s reputation for durability, high quality and efficiency is a powerful offering that is certain to make an impact in the market.

The Lista product range is widely regarded as one of the best in the industrial storage market with its range of industrial cabinets and work benches however the company also offers a superb selection of office shelving solutions as well as mobile shelving.

And with a 10 Year Guarantee available as standard across the entire range of products, Thistle are looking forward to an exciting partnership.

Thistle Systems’ Managing Director, Mike Cairns, explained “We are delighted to be working with one of the world’s leading brands in the storage industry. But what makes the partnership even more rewarding is that Lista made the initial approach after recognising our strength and position in the market place.”

He continued, “Lista has always been on our radar as a company which would fit well with our existing product range, however their determination to step up activities in the UK market and the level of support and service which they are offering has made the partnership highly attractive.”

For more information on the full range of Lista Products and to download a brochure click here