Revolutionizing Industrial Steel Storage Racks:
A Case Study

For businesses looking to improve operations – such as workflow, storage space and access to materials – industrial steel storage racks are a smart solution. Traditional storage methods often fall short. They can limit productivity, create safety risks, and even damage materials, which affect long-term profits.

For companies that manage large volumes of steel, the roll out cantilever rack offers a practical and efficient way to store steel, helping businesses work better and faster.

Before and After Implementing Roll Out Cantilever Racks

Cantilever racks are specifically designed to support long and bulky materials (Razik et al., 2013). Roll Out Racks enhances this concept with a cantilever rack featuring drawers, making it an optimal solution for storing steel tubes, bars, or scraps of metal. Its fully extendable drawers and shelving units give full access to materials, making handling easier – especially when using a hoist.

Acier Picard, a well-known steel company located in Quebec City, was facing problems with its old racking systems. These issues affected both workflow and space use. To fix the situation, their team chose to install the innovative roll out cantilever rack system. Let’s take a look at how this solution improved operations for one of the leading steel distributors in the industry.

Key Benefits of Roll Out Racks

Increased Productivity

Installing roll out cantilever racks led to a significant increase in productivity, mainly by saving time. The system also makes it easier to restock drawers with new inventory, helping maintain a steady workflow without unnecessary interruptions.

Handling 40 and 20 feet materials is now much quicker and safer. Tasks that once took up to an hour with traditional racking systems can now be completed in just 3 to 5 minutes. This frees up valuable time for other operations.

Thanks to the user-friendly drawers and smart, space-saving design, employees can access materials more effectively. As a result, overall productivity has improved significantly across the entire operation.

Health and Safety

This racking system is designed with employee safety in mind. Thanks to its extendable drawers, it lowers the physical strain on workers. Its compatibility with bridge cranes also reduces the need to manually move products around the warehouse, which lowers the risk of handling-related injuries. No more climbing and walking on top of stacked piles of steel. Although ladders may still be used, they are only required to open drawers, not to reach or carry material.

Unlike stack racks, this system simplifies the loading and unloading of heavy items. This eliminates the need to physically handle heavy items at height, making daily tasks easier for employees and greatly reducing the risks associated with heavy lifting.

Improved Protection of Materials

In addition to better organization, this storage system offers improved protection for materials. Gentler handling helps keep materials in good condition over time. This is particularly beneficial for more fragile items.

By reducing contact, movement and impact during the handling process, it lowers the risk of damage – like dents or scratches – to steel and aluminium inventory. For the company, this helps preserve inventory quality and reduce costs associated with material waste and material loss.

Return on Investment

Investing in a modern racking system has many financial benefits, with a strong return on investment often seen within just a few years. In the case of Acier Picard, for instance, the payback period was between 3 and 4 years.

Improved efficiency leads to savings in several areas of operation and results in better overall financial gains. With the right racking system, businesses can use their resources more effectively, improve workflows, reduce waste, and manage inventory more easily. Quick and easy access to steel materials also cuts down on handling time, which helps lower labor costs.

The storage systems from Roll Out Racks offer multiple solutions for the steel industry, addressing common challenges related to productivity, safety, and material preservation.

The roll out cantilever racks are a key part of modern industrial storage solutions. They help protect valuable materials and enhance overall efficiency, allowing businesses to save money and work more effectively in the long-term. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team to learn how Roll Out Racks can support your business goals.