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.”

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

Racking – What Will Happen if Your Racking System Collapses

I don’t know if you saw the latest video on youtube with the collapse of the vodka pallet racking system but it is another example of an inferior quality racking installation that should act as a wake up call for all companies.

And whilst most companies have taken every precaution to protect themselves by using SEIRS qualified installation teams, avoided second hand racking and had an annual racking inspection and maintenance programme, there are a few that may find themselves exposed to this potential disaster.

So if the fear of your racking collapsing and potentially injuring or killing an employee isn’t enough, here’s what’s likely to happen in the subsequent investigation.

As well as interviewing everyone responsible for the warehouse and involved in the incident, maybe 2 or 3 times, to identify any potential inconsistencies, there will also be a forensic investigation.

Firstly, a detailed inventory of the scene will be carried out to record the broken rack components and a reconstruction of the loads carried at the time of the failure. This enables the investigation team to calculate the utilisation of each racking bay.

The team will then use finite element methods to calculate the load capacity and the stability under load of the racking.

They will then perform buckling analyses of the columns as well as sensitivity studies to look at geometric and load imperfections, such as dents to columns, beam types and the condition of the beams to assess the impact they could have had on the incident. This will also take into consideration the potential impact that mis-loading could have on the racking.

And just to ensure that the data you have provided them with is correct, they will cut the beams to provide an objective assessment of the beam quality and the expected load capacity.

If they find that you have been overloading the racking, you will be found liable and could face a hefty fine or even imprisonment – whether you committed the crime knowingly or not.

To prevent the situation from ever arising you can do 4 things

Firstly, only ever install racking systems that are custom designed to your specifications by experienced project managers as opposed to using second hand racking.

Secondly, find out exactly where the racking is being manufactured from. With reports of substandard steel being used by racking imported from the far east, you may find your load capacity may not be as much as you were told.

Thirdly, carry out annual racking inspection from a qualified and objective inspector who will advise of any issues and provide you with the indemnity you require to protect yourself.

And finally, never, ever accept a racking quote without a 100% no quibble guarantee from a supplier you know and can trust.

Shelving and Racking: Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Storage

The importance of maximising every millimetre of shelving and racking cannot be underestimated in today’s environment however many companies find it difficult to ensure stock is stored and managed in an efficient manner.

We are regularly called in by clients who are looking increase the capacity of their existing racking and shelving system. In virtually every case we can provide ideas and solutions for achieving extra storage WITHOUT having to spend a penny on additional bays or racking.

The secret to maximising storage capacity is not in how much linear metre-age you can achieve. It’s about looking at each part or product being stored and considering the best type and size of storage equipment required.

So here are our top tips for getting everything you can out of the shelving and racking you have.

1. Use Containers for Small Parts Storage
The storage of smaller items can always be tricky and there is the tendency to simply place them on shelving systems. By using small parts containers you can quite literally double, treble or quadruple the capacity of your shelving system by stacking containers on the existing shelves. In addition to all the extra locations provided, containers come with labelling facilities to improve stock placement, picking and replenishment!

2. Use Metal Dividers
Fixing metal dividers to shelving systems can not only stop products from naturally spreading, they can also be used to provide a clear order and natural positioning of products for effective storage.

3.Measure Your Airspace and Install Additional Shelves

Do you have too much air space between shelving

OK so it may sound totally obvious but so many companies are not maximising the height of their racking and shelving systems. Rather than designing the solution around the products being stored many clients opt for a standardised approach with every shelf being positioned at the same height in the belief that this will provide them with the most flexibility.

Absolute nonsense. It does the complete opposite. You should never ever have a standard height unless every product you are storing is the same – such as in an archive storage box. And even then make sure the height of the shelf is specified to be as tight as possible to the height of the box.

So get your tape measure out and measure the clear air space between the top of the products being stored and the bottom of the shelves or rack beams. If the total airspace is more than the height of a pallet or product, start looking at how you could install extra shelves or beams.

In one recent project we encountered, the client was using small parts storage to maximise the space on each shelf but you can clearly see the airspace and we calculated that the client could get an extra 2 shelves in each bay. That is a 25% increase in storage capacity with minimal investment and required no additional floor space.

4. Use Pallet Guides
I cannot tell you how often I have gone into a warehouse facility and seen 3 pallets in a bay where the system has been designed to accommodate 4 and on rare occasions even 5. Why let your fork lift truck driver dictate your capacity when you can use pallet guides to ensure pallets are placed exactly where they should be.

5. Consider Drawer Solutions
The automatic choice for storage is shelving and racking however by installing metal or plastic drawer systems you could create a perfect storage system which maximises capacity and minimises the floor space required. This could be as simple as individual shelf trays, divided in the depth to make 100% use of the entire shelf. (if you are storing small items on the first 100mm or so of a 450mm deep shelf with NOTHING else behind it, this is for you).

Or take for example a solution we designed for an automotive garage. Rather than installing a shelving system with bins, we designed a solution which featured a metal drawer system with 27 drawers that were 50 mm high and each with 84 locations. That’s an amazing 2268 locations in a floor space measuring just 750mm x 750mm.

6. Add Extra Storage By Using the End Panels
End Panels are not just for structural support. By fitting louvre panels or slat wall systems to the ends and in some instances the back of existing shelving systems you can fit additional shelves, containers or spiggots to accommodate even more products.

7. Go Dynamic
With new retrofit dynamic racking systems now available, you can also transform underutilised racking systems into order picking and even carton live solutions to boost productivity and increase capacity.

So remember. Don’t get sucked in by standardising your shelving system or racking in the hope that it will save you money. A well designed system that is tailored round the products being stored will always be more effective and efficient than one that is focused on capacity.

Written by Alan Scott, Sales Director, Thistle Systems