Blog

Challenge

After 15 years of sun, rain, and snow, the St. Louis weather had finally taken its toll on this aerospace company’s outdoor lumber storage. When rust started creeping onto their storage system, we knew it was time for an upgrade.

This aerospace company had outdoor storage for their lumber that we designed for them 15 years ago. With a crating shop to make shipping crates for moving their items around the country safely and securely, this facility was taking advantage of their outdoor storage. By storing their lumber outside, they are able to move through their operations efficiently and effectively.

Their current solution was starting to show its age and resistance to the environment, so they wanted to replace these racks with something that would be more durable to an outdoor environment. We knew we had to deliver a solution built to outlast the weather and workload for years to come.

Solution

Knowing that this outdoor storage solution would need to be resistant to weather and long lasting for years to come, Joe from Industrial Shelving Systems worked to create a new, tough, smart solution for this facility that they could depend on.

To kick this project off, our team worked to design and install a heavy-duty corrugated roof deck to sit over the new solution and lumber. This roof would work as this facility’s first line of defense, deterring rain, snow, and whatever else St. Louis weather decides to throw its way.

Standard racking, the type of storage this facility had been using in years prior, typically has a baked enamel or powder coat finish. These finishes can eventually break down in outdoor conditions and rust over time. Rust can compromise the structural integrity of racking and eventually become a safety hazard for both the workers and the stored material.

Taking that into account, we partnered with MECO to engineer a more resilient solution. Together, we designed a galvanized cantilever rack that we knew would hold up in an outdoor environment. Galvanizing cantilever rack reduces the risk of rusting and provides a safe storage method for the future. This upgrade to the rack will not only strengthen the structure but will ensure this facility has a safe and dependable storage system capable of storing lumber effectively for years to come.

This galvanized cantilever rack is also modular, allowing it to be changed and relocated after time in case they need to update their workflow. Whether they reorganize, expand, or relocate, this rack can adapt right along them.

Results

This aerospace facility’s crating shop was pleased with the final results. By transitioning to a galvanized solution, we were able to significantly extend the lifespan of their racking, giving them the confidence that rust and corrosion won’t slow down their operations or prevent them from carrying out their operations. This new storage solutions provides the level of protection that their outdoor workflow demands, ensuring their lumber will be secure no matter the weather.

With a satisfied customer and strong solution, we were able to provide a successful storage solution that will empower their operation for years to come.

Interested in a galvanized solution?
Contact our team at 1-800-875-6201 or check out this interest form here to learn more about outdoor storage solutions.