Regional Distribution Center

Situation

A major international company was establishing a regional distribution center in the Charlotte area and engaged Stein Service & Supply for warehouse design and to upfit their warehouse. Stein met with a number of people in the client’s organization including their Corporate Real Estate Manager, Operations Manager, and Warehouse Supervisor to understand their goals, operation, and business processes. Their operation required a combination of high-pile pallet rack storage to accommodate oversized pallets and shelving for small parts as well as areas for packaging and shipping, work stations, and service counter. The primary objective was to maximize space utilization and operational efficiency.

Solution

Because of the unique pallet dimensions used by the client, Stein designed a combination of 2-deep and 3-deep Selective pallet rack systems (Selective rack allows workers to load and unload pallets without having to move any other pallets). The plan also included tunnel bays near the pedestrian walkways to provide safety and allow more pallet positions increasing warehouse capacity and efficiency. Design considerations include the building’s column size and locations, sprinkler pipes, ceiling fan locations in addition to the pallet sizes and weights.

Stein created a ‘service area’ for packaging and shipping smaller items as well as servicing walk-in customers. This area consists of heavy-duty rivet shelving, a work bench, a shipping / receiving desk, and a parts counter desk. A security cage was included to restrict unauthorized access to the warehouse and products.

Results and Benefits

Stein worked closely with the client through the design and revision stages to accommodate each department’s requirements. Once approved, Stein secured permits and a delivered and unloaded all material to the job site. Our experienced and professional installers erected the rack and shelving systems, installed the security cage with access doors and workstations. The entire process was completed in two weeks. The client has moved into the facility and currently operating at full capacity.

Stein was selected because of their capability of handling the entire project in-house. This includes designing the facility, securing permits, furnishing all material, installation, and inspection. This allows the client to focus on their business and servicing their customers knowing their facility will be ready to operate on schedule.