Rapid Racking have recently completed the installation of a major two-tier shelving system for docdata in Witney, Oxfordshire. docdata fulfilment provide fully integrated logistics and distribution in the e-commerce sector. Services include stock management, order picking, packaging, shipping, carrier management and returns logistics.
As a result of continued successful growth in the e-fulfilment sector, docdata approached Rapid Racking to transform their recently acquired extra 50,000 sq ft warehouse space by providing a space efficient storage system which allowed for easy access. Rapid Racking suggested a two-tier system as an economical way of making full use of the building height. This is achieved by fitting suspended walkways and staircases to access the upper shelf levels. In docdata’s case it is accompanied by an adjoining mezzanine floor which provides a first floor marshalling area and gives access via a pallet loading gate and goods lift.
The large system was designed to cover a floor area of nearly 9,000 ft² (800m²), to be installed in two phases. It initially provides 800 shelf levels, each with a loading capacity of 350 kg. Phase two could double this, but there is a planned option to fit it out with garment hanging rails, which Rapid Racking are also able to provide.
This project is the latest in a long line of storage systems provided for docdata and reflects the way in which the business has grown over the years. David Jennings, Rapid Racking’s Design Engineer, says “I first supplied docdata with a small two-tier racking system about 15 years ago, since then I have seen them grow through four different warehouses in Oxfordshire. Some have been fitted with Mezzanine Floors, some with adjustable Pallet Racking, and the systems have reflected the changing storage needs of the business. This latest project has been months in the planning and we worked closely together on a number of proposals before finalising the design. It was important to work within the safety constraints required by Building Regulations and the Fire Officer, and the Mezzanine area is therefore fire protected with column casings and a suspended ceiling. My mantra is always ‘draw twice/build once’ but on this project I think we must have drawn it ten times! As a result of all this detailed planning however, the installation went remarkably smoothly. It’s great to see a completed installation that meets docdata’s requirements and we know that it puts docdata in a strong position to adapt their storage facility to the future needs of their clients.”
As well as undertaking project work of this kind, Rapid Racking sell large volumes of shelving, handling equipment and a host of additional storage solutions by mail order via their catalogue and online through their website. docdata staff were invited to view Rapid Racking’s own warehouse operation before committing to this project and it was clear that there was synergy between the two businesses that helps cement an excellent working relationship. David Jennings concludes: “We at Rapid Racking are very proud of this project and the feedback from docdata has all been positive. We look forward to working with them again”
Andy Reedman, Chairman of docdata, adds; “The guys at Rapid Racking have been supporting us for many years as we have evolved and expanded. As always, they have been very helpful and creative in coming up with ideas on how we can produce a really effective pick/pack operation within an agreed budget. They finished the job on time, within budget and we are very pleased with their work.”
Customers can request a free Rapid Racking catalogue by calling 01285 686868 or visiting www.rapidracking.com
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