WLN – You say you’re the specialists in reducing racking repairs, what does that entail?
We specialise in creating bespoke packages that work with the customer to reduce damage and in turn repair costs. Our “Rack Aid® Management System” comprises five main areas:
Safety Inspections: Industry leading racking safety inspections highlighting the need for repair to a green, amber, red damage severity rating.
Planned Maintenance: Agreed intervals to undergo repairs on pallet racking which were highlighted on the safety inspection report.
Bespoke Materials: Products which enable the customer to repair damaged uprights and bracing and at a fraction of the cost.
Protection: Upright and end of aisle racking protection proven to reduce damage by as much as 80%.
Training: Training courses designed for those operating in and around pallet racking, ranging from basic awareness courses to NVQ.
Through combining these five elements our customer base have enjoyed continuous reductions in damage, in some cases saving over £1,000,000 in one year alone!
WLN – At one point you were one of the biggest racking installation companies in the UK, why did you move more to the repair and maintenance side of the industry?
It was a natural move for us really. Once racking is erected the main concern is to then keep it fit for purpose, a task which is easier said than done. We’ve always had a great relationship with our customers old and new, we were asked to develop ways and methods to reduce the damage and repair bills, so we obliged. Forty years on we’re the leading business offering this service in the UK.
WLN – What separates you from other businesses offering repairs and maintenance?
If you look at our current products and services, no others can offer the selection we do. We’ve created industry leading products that the majority of other maintenance companies purchase. We offer a comprehensive management system that if undertaken in its entirety is guaranteed to reduce your racking damage, not many businesses can say or do that. They may be able to repair your damage, but not reduce it year on year, that’s where we differ.
WLN – What would you say is the best method to reduce damage?
The most popular method we offer has to be our Rack Armour upright protectors. Sold in over 70 countries now, the guard really is the industry standard for next generation protection. But there is something else we offer which will reduce racking damage on site even more.
Our Front Upright Reinforcement Section (FURS) stops the need for full upright replacements when damage occurs. The FURS is a reinforced steel part which bolts into most racking types. A 600mm “sacrificial piece” is then added which is the only component you’ll ever need to replace when additional impacts occur. This product is capable of reducing racking damage by upwards of 80%. Pairing this with the fact we can carry out the replacement without the need to offload the majority of your stock, it’s a no brainer for most businesses.
WLN – What’s your biggest achievement this year?
The launch of our new barrier range stands out to me as a great achievement, it shows our ongoing and unwavering commitment to help customers reduce costly damage and increase health and safety on site. We’ve also developed new FURS’s for different racking types, further increasing our range to those with uncommon pallet racking.
WLN – What customers utilise the “Rack Aid® management system”?
We have a host of businesses utilising Rack Aid®, including multinational businesses with 50+ sites to more modest businesses. No matter your size we can develop a system of works that aims to reduce damage and maximise the output of your warehouse. Some names we work with include ASDA, Bibby Distribution, B&Q, IKEA, Rhys Davies and many more. An area of the Rack Aid® system which is becoming ever more popular year on year with new and existing customers are the training courses provided by Rack Training Ltd.
WLN – You mentioned Rack Training Ltd, what is this?
Rack Training Ltd was established to fill a gap in the market for knowledgeable and bespoke training courses for those working in and around pallet racking and warehousing. Rack Training prepare and execute modular training plans for site based staff, giving them the tools and knowledge needed to safely and professionally complete their daily duties.
Rack Training also introduced the first NVQ/QCF in the installation of industrial storage equipment. We feel the NVQ is the best qualification for those working in and around pallet racking as it proves competency. Being 100% practical, the qualification is achieved through a portfolio of evidence which is collected by a trained assessor.
WLN – What qualifications do your team hold?
We don’t feel that “experience” is enough for operating in and around pallet racking. Each member of our team is subject to thorough health and safety training including CIEH First Aid, Manual Handling and also Risk Assessment training. They also hold IOSH Working Safely qualifications. In addition our supervisor and site management staff hold the IOSH Managing Safely qualifications, all an absolute must for those working in what can sometimes be a dangerous environment.
Our NVQ qualified staff each hold a CSCS blue skills card which allows them full site access to complete work. Our supervisor team are some of the few within our industry who hold a CSCS gold card, this proves their significant level of supervisory skill and time served within the pallet racking industry. The gold card is only achievable with an NVQ qualification, again cementing the obvious benefits of having works completed by our team.
Our team leaders are qualified onto the SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) along with our site managers on the SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) which The United Kingdom Contractors Group (UKCG) believe meets the required standard for all staff working on UKCG sites.
WLN – What plans do you have for 2016?
We intend to do the exact same thing we did in 2015, innovate and grow. We have a number of products we are developing currently and aim to launch in 2016. They include changes to our current portfolio along with new products. Watch this space!
01226 784 488
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