Tag Archive for: material handling equipment

When it comes to this business, sometimes it’s easy for people to assume that because we’re located in central Indiana, we serve businesses in and around our area only. Well… That’s just not true.  Storage Solutions prides itself on the fact that we have skilled installation crews who are constantly going the distance. Literally.

Where Are We Now?

WhereAreWeNow Peoria, IL

Seguin, TX

Lakeland, FL

Clayton, OH

Atlanta, GA

New Brunswick, NJ

Indianapolis, IN

Waco, TX

Whether a job is 5,000 sq. ft. right next door or over 1 million sq. ft. five states away, we’re always willing and able to get the job done.  If you’ve got a project you’d like us to work with you on, give us a call at 866.474.2001 or contact us!  We’ve got a great inventory of both new and used material handling products.  Be sure to check out our clearance section for great deals!

Our Project Spotlight Series has officially started!  We would like to introduce you to the first project to kick off our series, which is located in Indiana.  For confidentiality purposes, we’re going to call this project PROJECT H.

PROJECT H

Business Objectives:  To maximize warheouse space for efficient storage of heavy duty machinery and manufacturing parts.

Storage Solutions Project Spotlight

Featured Products:

This is just the beginning.  With Project H off to a successful start, be sure to check back next week to see our progress.  Also to be featured next week: pick module installation specs, any installation challenges on the job, and more photos!

What Is Drive-In Pallet Rack?

Drive-in pallet rack functions by allowing  the forklift operator to enter the racking system from one side in order to pick up or pull out pallets.  While this type of rack is typically subjected to more physical damage from forklifts, drive-in pallet rack an optimize space effectively.  Drive-in rack requires fewer aisles, which allows for up to 75% more pallets to be stored in a given amount of space (compared to last week’s Term Of The Week, selective pallet rack).

Drive-in pallet rack utilizes what is referred to as a LIFO system of storage (last in, first out).  This is what allows you to store a large amount of similar pallets in a small area, giving you increased storage density when compared to standard selective pallet rack.

When it comes to the material handling industry, it can often times be difficult to keep up with the terminology we use from day to day.  We have decided to start posting a Term Of The Week to break it down in terms everyone can understand.

This week’s Term Of The Week:

Selective Pallet RackSELECTIVE RACK

Standard selective pallet rack is designed for the purpose of the bulk storage of palletized goods and equipment.  All types of pallet racking create some level of increase in storage density, storing materials in horizontal bays.  Pallet rack is an essential and ever-present element in most modern warehouse, manufacturing facilities, retail centers and other storage and distribution facilities.

Elements of Selective Rack:

  • Pallet Rack Uprights – the vertical pieces of these storage units, which are typically anchored to the floor and provide the support for the racking system.
  • Pallet Rack Beams – clip into the uprights and provide the horizontal support in these units.
  • Wire Decks – are the final element of these units, which sit on top of the beams and create the sheld that the pallets and/or goods sit on.

SPRING IS HERE!  Well… it was.  And then temperatures dropped 40 degrees and now we’re freezing again.  But we’ve got faith that warmer weather is headed our way again any day now.  Along with spring’s arrival, we as a company have decided to take a hard look at what it means to be green and take the environment into consideration as we head into warmer months.

Storage Solutions GreenWhen it comes to going green, not only do we look to make greener decisions within our daily office functions (we’re talking more emails, recycling paper goods, ride sharing and fewer printouts), but we also pride ourselves on providing customers with opportunities to make more environmentaly-friendly business decisions.

What Are We Doing?

There are plenty of ways, both large and small, that we are aiming to contribute to having a more positive impact on the world.

  • Shipping Via Railway
  • Selling USED equipment
  • Ride-Sharing To And From Project Sites
  • Recycling Paper Products
  • Print Less, Email More

SHIPPING VIA RAILWAY

While it is certainly not always going to be the cheapest option, rail cars can provide a very competitive price for some shipments.  Storage Solutions has managed to save companies thousands of dollars on freight costs by shipping via rail. Check out our previous blog posting for more info on the benefits of shipping via railway.

  • Railroads are three times more fuel-efficient than trucks
  • Railcars move freight without clogging freeways
  • Railcars emit only 2.6% of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emmissions, while truck account for 21% of that total

Selling Used Equipment

Purchasing pre-owned equipment is the most surefire way to have a positive impact on recycling. While companies often shy away from the “used” label on some steel products, used pallet rack can be just as effective albeit more cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.  Check out a previous blog posting on the benefits of buying used equipment.

As far as the rest goes, we’re constantly looking for additional ways in which we can lessen our impact on the environment.  Using less paper, increasing our reliance on technology as a main way to communicate, sharing rides to and from job sites nationwide and more are way in which we are trying to do our part to be an environmentally-conscious company.

We are excited to announce that Storage Solutions is partnering with Gleaners Food Bank here in Indianapolis as our Charity of the Year for 2011.  Over the course of 2011, Storage Solutions will be donating time, money and food to Gleaners, which provides foods and services to multiple food pantries and other locations throughout central and southeastern Indiana.

Gleaners Logo

So WHY Gleaners Food Bank?

One in six Americans struggles with hunger and food insecurity.  That’s a pretty astounding statistic when you actually think about it.  With a food bank like Gleaners, we are able to reach so many struggling Hoosiers in the communities in which we live and work.  Since 1980, Gleaners has provided over 250 million pounds of food to hungry Hoosiers across the state.  In partnering with a food bank as opposed to a food pantry, Storage Solutions is able to better spread resources to reach a broader number of people.

HOW Storage Solutions (And You) Can Help

Gleaners Food Bank offers an array of services, programs and special events that cater to all age groups.  Storage Solutions employees and their families are excited to donate their time to helping provide weekend and after-school meals to low-income and at-risk children, stock the shelves of food pantries, and provide hands on help to Hoosiers who need it most.

Visit www.gleaners.org to learn more and find out how you can help!

This holiday season, we have put together the Storage Solutions 2010 Holiday Wish List.  Here you will find the five things we can’t go without this holiday season… and you shouldn’t either!

From customer safety to buying and selling equipment, we wish for nothing but the best this holiday season.  Check out our top picks that will help you and your operation start 2011 of well!

° ° °
Warehouse & Customer Safety  |  learn more  

Column & Impact Protection   |   learn more 

Used Pallet Rack Beams and Uprights   |   learn more

Sell Your Equipment    |   learn more

 Buy Our New & Used Equipment   |   learn more  

° ° °

As always, our clearance section also offers more fantastic deals for your warehouse.  Don’t see what you’re looking for?  Give us a call at 866.474.2001 and we’d be happy to get you what you need in order to get your business off to a successful start 2011!

During a season that brings wishes of good health, happiness and prosperity, we can’t help but hope for the same for our customers and our business…

BEST WISHES TO YOU AND YOURS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

storage solutions xmas list

Okay so when we count our blessings, it’s hard to ignore how thankful we are for used pallet rack.  It probably sounds a little strange, but without used pallet rack beams, used pallet rack uprights, and all the other used material handling equipment in our 330,000 sq. ft. warehouse and clearance section on our website, Storage Solutions wouldn’t be what we are today.

But after surviving a year of tough economic circumstances, we also have a few other things to be thankful for.  As is customary around this time of year, we would like to dedicate this week’s blog to highlighting a few of those for you.

SS USA logo

  1. NEW LOCATION…
    We were very fortunate this year to have had the opportunity to open an additional location in Minneapolis, MN.  Now with locations in Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Kansas City, this new addition is all part of our promise to provide you with great material handling solutions nationwide! 
  2. OUR WAREHOUSE EXPANSION…
    Warehouse Center
    Storage Solutions was very pleased with the addition of 118,000 sq. ft. to our warehouse space.  With our total space now at 330,000 sq. ft., we are able to store even more new and used materials to meet your needs.  (Take a look at a virtual tour of our warehouse!)

But most importantly…

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR CUSTOMERS!!

Out of all the things we have to be thankful for, our customers and their business are by far the most important.  Without them, we would not be where we are. We wanted to be sure to let our customers know how much we are looking forward to providing the same reliable. cost-efficient material handling solutions in 2011!

And in sticking with the Black Friday shopping tradition, don’t forget to check out our great deals on new and used materials in the clearance section of our website!  Can’t find what you’re looking for?  Just give us a call at 866.474.2001 and we’ll get you what you need.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We wish you all a wonderful holiday season!

Storage Solutions Is Expanding!
Storage Solutions, Inc. has announced the opening of a new office location in Minneapolis, MN. The Minneapolis office, led by Vice President Mike Dubbs, is the newest addition to the nationwide company, which is based in Indianapolis.

With over 34 years of experience in the material handling industry, Dubbs will lead a team of seven other employees.  Each member of this team is an industry veteran, each with a minimum of 10 years experience.

“We’re very excited to be part of the Storage Solutions team,” Dubbs said. “We feel that being part of Storage Solutions will help us to better serve our marketplace and provide our customers with a bigger and broader product offering.”

Founded in 1978, Storage Solutions has maintained the tradition of a company dedicated to material handling, with a reputation for quality products and reliable service. With a deepening national base, Storage Solutions offers customers across the country services that range from warehouse design to the buying and selling of new and used equipment such as pallet rack and industrial shelving.

“We are fortunate to be in a position to consider another expansion opportunity,” Storage Solutions President Kevin Rowles said. “Our Minneapolis office is staffed by a seasoned team that operates on the goals for our organization. With their help, Storage Solutions will be able to further our reach nationwide.”

Storage Solutions is currently headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, with an additional office located in Kansas City.

Storage Solutions USA

14139 21st Avenue North

Minneapolis, MN 55447
P: 952.920.9415
F: 952.941.8412

Minnesota Team Roster:

Mike Dubbs | Vice President

Todd Cartwright | National Accounts Manager

Rob Dubbs | National Accounts Manager

Mike Essen | CAD Designer

Patty Mullen | Project Coordinator

Mark Golberg | Warehouse Manager

Thanks for stopping by this weeks Storage Solutions blog post!  Remember, if you are in need of any help with your current or upcoming warehouse projects, contact our trained professionals today!  Call us at 1.866.474.2001 or visit us online at www.storage-solutions.com.

A piece of legislation aimed at aiding American small businesses was passed this week in Washington D.C.  The bill, which was approved by both the House and Senate, outlines a six-year plan that includes a $30 billion program to help American companies make capital improvements and invest in expanding their businesses.  The tax benefits included in this bill could provide great incentives for businesses to expand and develop their operations in spite of recent economic uncertainty.

CONSIDER THIS…

Storage_Area(4)If these incentives sound like something your business might benefit from, consider this:  Storage Solutions offers the most client-friendly, cost-efficient opportunities to assist you in your warehouse expansion or transition.

HOW?

Whether you are considering expanding your operations by moving into a new facility, or simply redesigning your old one, our knowledgeable sales representatives and experienced installation crews can provide you with the information and resources you need to make expanding your business successful.

We buy and sell new and used material handling equipment, so when it comes to transitioning your facilities, our skilled sales representatives can work with you to accomplish exactly what you need.  All of our equipment is stored away from the elements in our 330,000 sq. ft. warehouse, ensuring that you will receive great products at the most affordable price.

If warehouse design is what you’re looking for, Storage Solutions can work with you to make your facility more efficient and effective.  Through expanding the capacity of your warehouse, you will be able to process orders more efficiently, saving both your client and your business time and money.  With one simple, on-site visit we can review your current layout and make suggestions on how to improve efficiency without having to rework your entire warehouse.

GET STARTED…
Contact our trained professionals to help you optimize your warehouse operation today!  Call us at 1.866.474.2001 or visit us online at www.storage-solutions.com.