Vertical Warehouse Storage Solutions
Why Innovative Storage Systems are Growing Taller
 We have all seen the effects of inflation since the Covid-19 pandemic in almost every aspect of our lives. You feel it when you grab your weekly groceries, booking a flight for your summer vacation, grabbing a drink with friends. As the pressure from inflation trickles throughout the Canadian economy, businesses in all industries are tightening their bottom lines, and looking for every way to be as economical as possible.
When it comes to the material handling industry, one of the biggest expenses is per square-foot cost of commercial property. Industrial real-estate prices have sky rocketed over the last few years as demand for warehousing and manufacturing centers grows, all while the supply of such opportunities wear thin. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (www.trreb.ca) the average lease rate for industrial real estate was $8.59 per square foot in the first quarter of 2020. Now let’s compare that to the first quarter of 2024, which TREEB says rose to $16.90 per square foot. That is almost a 50% increase in leasing costs for the industrial sector in Toronto.
So what are distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and 3PL companies doing to mitigate this huge increase in over-head costs? They are looking up.
Warehouse facilities are harnessing vertical space and implementing vertical warehouse storage systems that are higher than ever. This approach is not just about stacking products higher, but deploying innovative storage systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and accessibility. Several storage systems have been developed to capitalize on vertical space, and each are tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries.
Pallet Racking Systems
Pallet racking systems are perhaps the most widely used method for vertical storage in warehouses across Canada. These systems, which can reach significant heights, are ideal for industries with large quantities of uniform products, such as the retail or food and beverage sectors. Pallet racks can be adjusted or customized to accommodate different load sizes, making them versatile and scalable solutions. In recent years, the average frame height of a pallet racking system has increased to the heights of 30’ and higher, to accommodate this need for vertical space utilization. The retail and e-commerce industry commonly use very tall pallet racking systems to accommodate their diverse range of stored products, their need for rapid order fulfillment, and the ability for pallet racking to be scaled as facilities change and grow.
Mezzanine Flooring
Mezzanines are semi-permanent floor systems installed between the main floors of a building, essential gaining access to vertical space that may otherwise go un-used. They effectively double the usable space without having to break ground, and extend the actual building. Industries such as automotive parts, textiles, and electronics in Canada are increasingly turning to mezzanine flooring to store smaller, high-value items while keeping them easily accessible. The modular nature of mezzanines also allows for future expansions, making them a flexible option for growing businesses.
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
VLMs are automated storage systems that save floor space by storing products in trays that can be retrieved at the push of a button. These systems are particularly popular in industries with high-value small parts, such as aerospace, electronics and pharmaceuticals. In Canada, where precision and reliability are paramount, VLMs provide secure storage with quick access, improving both productivity and inventory management. Moreover, Modula VLMs can be designed to store products as high as 46’, again harnessing the usable vertical space in warehouse facilities.
- Food and Beverage: Cold storage is critical in this industry. VLMs that can withstand freezing temperatures are used to maximize vertical space while ensuring the integrity of the products.
- Automotive: The Canadian automotive industry, which requires the storage of various parts ranging from tiny components to large assemblies, benefits from VLMs. These systems provide the flexibility and security needed to manage high-value inventory.
Cantilever Racks
For industries dealing with long, bulky items such as lumber, pipes, or metal bars, cantilever racks offer a practical vertical storage solution. These systems, which consist of columns with arms extending out to support loads, are commonly used in construction material warehouses. Like Pallet Racking, cantilever racks require the use of fork lifts to bring the products down. As we see the heights of Cantilever Racking system increase, fork-life equipment and operators are needed to ensure the safe and secure retrieval of the product. In Canada, where the construction industry is booming, especially in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, cantilever racks help businesses efficiently store and manage large materials without occupying excessive floor space.
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Conclusion
As Canadian businesses continue to seek more efficient and cost-effective storage solutions, the trend of harnessing vertical space will only grow. By investing in advanced storage systems, companies can not only increase their storage capacity but also improve operational efficiency, safety, and scalability. For industries across the board, from retail to construction, the sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to warehouse storage in Canada.
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