Press releases

SSI Schaefer Innovate through Mobile Pallet Racking

Innovate Logistics is now one step ahead of the competition following installation of the very latest in Mobile Pallet Racking technology from the UK’s leading storage and material handling solutions provider, SSI Schaefer.

The SSI Schaefer Systems Group has just completed a contract to provide a 10,000 mobile pallet racking system for Innovate Logistics at its site in Holmewood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

Innovate Logistics offers a completely fresh approach to the temperature controlled supply chain, providing warehousing for chilled, deep chilled, frozen and ambient products as well as temperature and humidity controlled storage for confectionery products. Its services include factory collection, storage and dedicated/consolidated onward distribution.

A significant proportion of its business is in the storage, handling, stock management and distribution of frozen and chilled products. The business operates 24 hours a day, 364 days a year. Due to huge growth and demand in this side of the business, Innovate Logistics made the decision to build a third storage and distribution site in Chesterfield.

Wanting the very latest in Mobile Pallet Racking technology and a team of specialists that could provide total integrated support, Innovate Logistics was confident that long standing supplier, SSI Schaefer would deliver, having beaten off a number of other competitors for the contract.

Pete Osborne, Managing Director of Innovate Logistics, said:

“Our company aim is to continue to build on a good reputation for strong, long lasting relationships, quality of service and value for money. For this particular project we were looking to work with a team of specialists with similar company ethics and SSI Schaefer matched those requirements. We were confident Schaefer would provide the ideal storage installation for us that would enable us to continue to grow within our expanding industry.”

With a building height of 16.5 metres and a floor area of 3850 m2 it was vital that Schaefer provided the best performing storage solution for Innovate Logistics – so in came the SSI Schaefer Systems Group. Leading the Systems Group was John Dixon, Mobile Racking Specialist for SSI Schaefer.

The Schaefer Systems Group is unique. Behind the name is a team of top industry specialists delivering total integrated support to each customer. Each group member uses their skills and knowledge of combined standard and automation products to offer the widest range of possible solutions to any company in the market.

Supporting the Systems Group is a team of specialist design estimators, structural engineers, project managers and after sales engineers. These individuals are responsible throughout each project to ensure the best solutions are delivered to the customer’s satisfaction.

SSI Schaefer knew that their Mobile Pallet Racking was the way forward for Innovate Logistics - it would ensure Innovate had the flexibility to meet current and future storage capacity to guarantee availability for new and prospective contracts.

John Dixon said:

“The SSI Schaefer Systems Group planned, designed and coordinated the complete layout of the building for Innovate Logistics, working alongside the main contractor and the project managers, Mirus. SSI Schaefer designed the internal layout ensuring maximum compatibility with the proposed material handling equipment and providing optimum utilisation of the building, whilst maintaining the very highest standards of operation and delivery of service.”

The Schaefer Mobile Pallet Racking guide and runner floor rails had to be installed before the final concrete slab was laid by the flooring contractor, followed by the implementation of the Powered Mobile Racking bases, safety and control devices.

A unique style of project management and consultation skills was brought to the overall project. Schaefer ensured the positive integration of a number of different trades, maintaining their reputation as a fully integrated solutions provider.

Pete Osborne continued:

“We now have a third storage and distribution warehouse in Chesterfield with over 10,000 mobile pallet racking locations. Our aims and objectives for SSI Schaefer have all been met and the end result is a fully functional warehouse facility with the knowledge that we have back up and on-going operational support if required. SSI Schaefer will be our first call for any future installations of this kind. ”

The completion of the whole project took just 15 months, to prepare the site, to build the building and to install the entire internal fit-out. The partnership between SSI Schaefer and Innovate Logistics throughout the entire project was nothing short of clear and professional using excellent project management skills, which made for a positive working relationship.

Not only are SSI Schaefer making a huge impact within the Mobile Pallet Racking industry throughout the UK but have also been making waves throughout the global logistics industry. Schaefer have completed many other cold store warehouse projects throughout the world including a frozen food processing plant for Fornetti in Hungary, the storage of frozen vegetables, fruits and ice cream for Bonatura in Switzerland, the storage of Coldwater Shrimp for St Anthony Cold Storage in Canada and frozen seafood for Iglo in Norway, just to name a few.