Storage specialist Hi-Store has a bold mission statement to be the “storage industry’s most innovative and preferred supplier”. And, judging by the number of timber companies using its wide range of storage solutions, it is well on the way towards achieving its aim.
Hi-Store’s expertise covers a range of products to meet the various needs of its customers. These range from cantilever racking, with its Canti-Lock brand, rack supported canopies (Canti-Clad) and heavy-duty timber carriages (Hi-Trolley). In addition, it is one of the leaders in the mezzanine floor market.
The company also has an in-house research and development team, as well as its manufacturing/powder coating facility. This, explained managing director Keith Hancock, provides a process of continual development – which, he said, is driven by customer need, rather than “blue sky” thinking. Put simply: it’s about finding practical storage solutions to meet the customers’ demands.
“We specialise in working with clients to identify and resolve needs,” said Mr Hancock. “The solution may be with a standard product, but is just as likely to be something designed or tailored to suit clients’ requirements.
“We are always working towards supplying clients with what they need – now and in the future. We are a practical company rather than theoretical designers.”
Alsford Timber is one of those companies that has benefited from this practical thinking. The company called on Hi-Store to help with the design and planning of new timber storage systems to be used throughout its new site in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
An existing office building was dismantled and a custom-designed timber shed was erected on the concrete base that was left. This used Hi-Store’s Hi-Frame A-frame storage in a unique configuration with narrow bays for maximum flexibility. That meant the bays could be end-labelled to assist stock control and also to help customers to self-select materials.
The central structure of this storage system also formed the basis for the cladding and roofing of the shed, making it cost-effective and fast to construct.
Roy Stevens, branch sales manager at Alsford Eastbourne, said the new storage systems have enabled the company to reduce stockholding because of better planning and faster, easier turnaround, while stock control is also now much easier.
This flexibility is typical of Hi-Store’s solutions. Mr Hancock also said customers are demanding shorter lead times. “Our experience in building structures, including mezzanines for the aggressive retail industry, has given rise to a high-speed rapid contract completion policy,” he said.
“We are accustomed to a 24-hour working day if that is what the client needs. Most merchants are improving their premises rather than opening new ones. Here it is vital to minimise the disruption to the normal daily operations – again by nightwork if appropriate.”
Kiln-dried protection
One such example is the new Canti-Clad storage solution system installed at Welsh builders merchant Lliw Building Supplies to help store and protect its stocks of quality kiln-dried timber.
Installed last autumn, the Canti-Clad facility at Swansea has a storage capacity of 450 tonnes and was designed to allow it to be side and/or end clad with extensions and gutters to its complete roof covering.
Hi-Store’s system allows Lliw Building Supplies’ bundled packs of kiln-dried timber (up to 1.1×1.2m in section and up to 4.5m long) to be stored on the racking system as they enter the building.
This provides quick and easy access by mechanical handling systems and dramatically increases the speed of operation. The kiln-dried timber is racked inside on adjustable Canti-Lock arms that are locked to the columns, which also support the system’s walls and roof.
Hi-Store recently provided a storage solution to help timber merchant T Brewer & Co with its expansion plans at its new site in Amersham.
Both companies worked together to devise a joint method of reducing product damage using the unique features of the Canti-Clad cantilever racking system. It is an alternative to a standard building and its roof covering provides weather protection for its kiln-dried timber, enabling Brewers to maintain product integrity, meet Building Regulations, and maintain its commitment to customers that all timber is stored under cover.
Keith Fryer, co-director of T Brewer & Co, said the two companies have a good relationship. “Hi-Store understands what we need and were willing to guarantee a completion date against extremely tight deadlines,” he said.
“The key challenges for us are always meeting project deadlines to budget and within timescale, in line with ever-changing regulations in a very competitive market,” said Mr Hancock. “This means we have to be spot-on with the solutions that they come up with in order to fulfil customer requirements and avoid disruption to customers’ productivity.”
