Constant vibration from forklift trucks and the need to fit more product in a limited space often challenge the integrity of racks and shelving in distribution centers. The United Kingdom-based Storage Equipment Safety Service (SESS) wants to make sure that safety isn't compromised in these cases. During a press conference at ProMat 2003, the company announced that it was bringing its services to the United States.

The company says it already has two major customers in the United States-a major retailer and an oil company. In addition, SESS received numerous inquiries at ProMat, said UK-based managing director Philip Pinel.

Founded in 1987, the company has a regular clientele in England and Ireland. SESS has contracted with two licensees to represent the Northeast and Midwest territories in the United States and will seek others to expand into the rest of North America. Pinel emphasizes that because the company does not sell, install or repair racking, and is not associated with any storage equipment manufacturers, it can produce totally unbiased safety reports for its clients.