In recent years, the perfect storm of a global pandemic, rising fuel costs and Brexit has impacted heavily on logistics. To ease the flow of goods, businesses have looked towards bringing their resources back to the UK. Supply chains are now busier than ever and finding suitable warehousing space has become a major headache for a lot of companies.
Before you look at moving to larger premises, optimising existing available space may be a better alternative. By designing storage equipment that works for your stock and handling requirements you can maximise the space and improve efficiencies that should offer a real return on investment.
Crucially it must also deliver on safety. Whether you’re adding to your existing racking or installing a new structure, the rules on achieving high standards still apply. After all, your racking is a heavily loaded piece of equipment, holding potentially tons of material above your employees’ heads and must perform as intended. As the business owner you have a legal requirement to ensure your equipment has been designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained correctly.
Navigating the storage equipment market can be a minefield. If you’re adding to existing racking, what is its history, has it been regularly inspected and were repairs performed using manufacturer approved parts? Does your storage supplier have the technical knowledge to understand the compatibility of different systems and redesign configurations for new loading specifications? You need to work with companies that can ensure safety and quality is not compromised at any stage.
SEMA was established over 50 years ago to drive standards forward in storage equipment through technical knowledge and by clearly demonstrating the credentials of our members. Their work covers the lifetime of your racking.
Products supplied by SEMA Full Manufacturing members are independently assessed to provide assurances their equipment has been designed to SEMA Codes and their structural rigidity is calculated to meet precise criteria under specified conditions. SEMA Distributor Companies have the expertise to appraise your space and in-situ racking and deliver the optimal solution. They work closely and are fully supported by manufacturing members.
SEMA Approved Installation Companies and SEIRS installers complete the project. This is a critical stage towards the success of your racking. After all, even the smallest of changes in design can affect the structural integrity of both existing and new racking. It is not sufficient to assume they are working safely. Installers should undertake rigorous training, be regularly assessed and work in accordance with SEMA installation codes.
The phrase ‘Let The Buyer Beware’ has never been more appropriate and for peace of mind always use a SEMA member. For further information about the work of SEMA contact us by emailing enquiry@sema.org.uk or visit sema.org.uk
Jaap Vos
President
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