Blog

Challenge

As this new build started to take shape, this dealership found itself in the midst of opening a brand-new facility. Spanning an impressive 71,000 sq feet, this Ford proshop needed more than just an automotive storage system. They required a strategic system that would allow their team to access, locate, and organize parts with speed and accuracy.

With high expectations in place, the pressure was on to design a space that not only matched the scale of the new building but ensured a well-rounded setup. From the parts department to the service department, this dealership needed a cohesive storage solution. See how our automotive team at Industrial Shelving Systems helped this dealership with their setup.

Solution

In order to design a setup that would be long lasting, we used automotive storage solutions that we knew we could rely on. The design theme of this new dealership was to take pressure off clients and increase customer engagement, so we knew that the parts department had to follow suite.

To bring this parts department to life, we partnered with Wildeck to design and install a free-standing mezzanine that would quickly expand this dealership’s storage capabilities. This addition to the space would strategically create an entirely new second level of storage space, allowing the space to grow vertically without taking up more floor space.

A critical requirement of this setup was creating a high-density storage system, one that could support the volume of automotive parts. By integrating the mezzanine into this layout, we were able to create an automotive shelving setup both beneath the mezzanine and on it, maximizing the available space while creating an organized setup.

To accompany the Wildeck mezzanine, a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) was installed to seamlessly connect the ground floor and mezzanine level. This combination of storage solutions works hand in hand to create an ergonomic, efficient, and safe way for dealerships to move heavy items throughout the facility.

Designed to handle heavy and bulky items, this VRC will make it safer for workers to move items without putting strain on themselves. With this vertical reciprocating conveyor in place, this dealership can confidently store heavy items on both levels without having to worry about slowdowns from moving these items.

Beneath the mezzanine, we fully optimized the space by creating rows of Rousseau automotive storage solutions, designed for efficiency and durability. The different storage solutions were chosen for specific items and are high density storage solutions to maximize the below space. Rousseau modular drawers were installed to house smaller parts, ensuring that technicians would be able to quickly locate items. These modular drawers have shelving above, maximizing the clear height above to be able to house larger items.

To support larger inventory, Rousseau battery racks and oil quart racks were incorporated in a matching blue finish, creating a professional look while providing specific storage for these specialty products.

With Rousseau bulk storage racks to accommodate varying inventory needs, this space can function as a highly organized area of this dealership. Technicians won’t have to worry about being slowed down and can meet the fast-paced demands of parts departments.

On the upper level of the mezzanine, a carefully planned combination of special order racks and various other storage solutions were designed and installed to support this setup. Wiper racks were incorporated to efficiently store these oddly shaped items, making them easy to retrieve. Molding racks were placed in the setup as well to best manage bulky molds that the dealership needs on hand.

12”, 18”, and 24” deep shelving was included on the mezzanine level as well, providing open shelving for flexible storage options. Additional parts and accessories can be stored on these shelves allowing for miscellaneous inventory or bulkier items. Together, these solutions offer easily accessible storage for a streamlined workflow.

To further enhance the functionality of this parts department, hood racks, bumper racks, and running board racks were strategically incorporated into the layout. These specialty racks ensure that all of these special parts have a defined place to live, allowing them to be stored efficiently.

As tires are high volume, bulky items, it was essential to incorporate tire racks in this setup. These tire racks will ensure that tires can be stored in a safe way, ensuring tires stay in prime condition and technicians can quickly grab them off the rack. These were also installed on the ground level as the space allowed for more storage.

By choosing these specialty racks instead of using standard shelving, these parts can be stored more densely and securely, maximizing storage capacity. The result is an organized, clean space that will support smooth workflows.

The parts department also included walkup counters and desks, a shipping counter, shipping and receiving racks, and prepicked technician racks/bins. These will all help with the flow of this dealership, making it easy to grab something in the parts department and move to the service department.

To give this dealership peace of mind in terms of security and safety, we worked with WireCrafters to design and install a night delivery cage. With this, items can get delivered at times when someone may not be there to receive it. Delivery drivers will be able to leave deliveries outside the cage, not being able to access the rest of the dealership but securely leaving behind packages.

Tool room security doors were also a must for this dealership. These will ensure that their inventory stays safe and that only authorized personnel is walking around their facility.

Results

In a dealership, where every department is interconnected, the layout and functionality of the parts department have a direct impact on the service department, which impacts the overall customer service. With hospitality a key component to this new facility, it was essential that the parts department was designed to support this.

This thoughtfully designed automotive setup will remove unnecessary pressure off workers, empowering them to move efficiently throughout the workday and focus on what matters most, delivering exceptional customer service. With parts organized and easy to locate, this dealership will be able to get through the day with delay.

From design to completion, we were able to deliver a high-performing parts department to set this dealership up for long-term success.

Ready to design your parts and service department?

Reach out to the Industrial Shelving Systems automotive team here or talk to one of our experts at 1-800-875-6201.