AR Racking is a company specialising in industrial storage systems for all types of loads with an export index above 85% and a commercial presence in more than 60 countries. AR has a technological centre where the R&D+i team develops its activity and a 35,000 m2 fully automated production centre.

José Miguel Sobradillo, Regional Manager UK & Ireland at AR Racking spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.

What are your best-known products/solutions/services?

AR Racking is one of the key players in the storage solutions sector, with a wide offer of tailor-made solutions that adapt to the specific needs of the customer.

Among the multiple and varied storage solutions that AR Racking offers, APR, LS, DRIVE IN/THROUGH and SHUTTLE systems stand out due to their high sales level. It is equally important to note the remarkable increase in integration projects that AR has been carrying out in recent years, installing Clad-Rack buildings and automatic warehouses.

Which industry sectors are your customers in and which ones are growing fastest?

Our storage systems adapt to any context and type of company, and therefore we implement projects for all types of customers and products. Proof of this are the various sectors where we have installed our solutions: chemical industry, agri-food, food and beverage distribution, automotive, mining, cosmetics, industrial automation, among others.

However, the influence of e-commerce in the logistics sector cannot be ignored. The number of projects linked to electronic commerce is constantly growing, and this in turn is a stimulus for companies to automate their warehouses.

What is your most recent product etc innovations?

We were one of the few manufacturers that moved from painted to pre-galvanized steel frames. We have recently launched a complete range of new beams which are much more efficient, and I cannot forget to highlight our beam and upright traceability system, unique in the sector. This year we have launched a new range of hot dip galvanized beams. The galvanized finish offers great resistance in extreme conditions.

What are the major trends and developments affecting your category and your customers, and how are you responding?

Automation, without a doubt. It has become an element to consider every single day in the operation of the stores and factories of companies and, consequently, it has transformed the logistics sector. Today when we talk about warehouses, we speak of authentic logistics centres, where it is essential to have a constant flow of the product and be able to access it quickly and efficiently.

To respond to the undeniable challenge of automation, we work closely with pioneering companies in the logistics engineering sector who supply the automated mechanisms for the storage structures designed and developed by AR Racking.

Can you tell us about any recent customer contracts and how you helped the customer meet their challenges?

We recently installed a warehouse in Spain for the Ybarra Group, an important company in the food sector. They lost their production centre in a fire a year ago and with our adjustable pallet racking system AR PAL they have now a warehouse with 15,000 storage positions.

In Argentina we have installed the highest Clad-rack warehouse (32 meters) for the paint company Sinteplast. In the UK we recently installed the largest fulfilment centre for one of the main e-commerce retailer in the world, combining conventional and dynamic racking systems.

How does business in 2019 compare to previous years? What’s your strategy for succeeding in the current climate?

We think that in 2019 there is room to grow. We have many modernization projects of existing facilities as a result of new logistical needs of our customers. Regarding new projects, customers are asking us for increasingly flexible systems that allow quick adaptation over time and with more demanding delivery times. AR Racking puts the focus on turnkey solutions, simplifying as much as possible the management for the final client.

What’s the latest news from your company?

Ian Humphries, with more than 30 years of experience in the storage sector, has joined our team as the new Key Account Manager for the UK. At AR Racking this market is a priority and we have a long history there. To have the expertise and the know-how of a professional like Humphries will allow us to reinforce our growth in the UK.

Can you tell us about any areas where you’re currently making technical advances?

We are fully committed to offer the highest quality standards. As a manufacturer, AR’s complies with the ISO 3834-2 standard that certifies the welding process of steel materials. AR also complies with the EN-1090-1 standard, mandatory for all steel and aluminium structures that are permanently incorporated into building works installing in the European Community.

In addition, all AR Racking’s production processes comply with the most stringent European quality standards and certifications such as: OHSAS 18001, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 or Galvanized Steel Reaction to Fire.

Are you investing in staff training and skills development?

Our technical team is constantly working on improving our solutions. For AR Racking, R&D+I is a differential factor, so it is essential to have a technical area that is at the forefront. Our technicians regularly participate in training programs to stay up to date on the latest advances in structural software, new regulations, etc.

Are you taking part in any major trade shows? Can you tell us what you’ll be exhibiting there?

We have numerous participations from here to the end of the year. We will be in SIL (Spain), Expologística (Colombia), Logimaster (Colombia), Tranport & Logistics (Belgium), Expobodegas (Chile), Fruit Attraction (Spain), Logistics Madrid (Spain), Euromanut (France) and, of course, IMHX in Birmingham.

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