Distinctive Throughput Space Engineered by Western Pacific Storage Solutions

Working with premier warehouse solutions integrators Interlake-Mecalux, Western Pacific Storage Solutions http://www.wpss.com recently engineered and manufactured a unique platform (mezzanine) design to help a major department store chain gain additional square footage - without having to construct a new distribution center.

Interlake-Mecalux selected Western Pacific to be their engineering, manufacturing and fabrication partner because of Western Pacific's reputation for creative problem solving and timely follow-through.

In the online retail industry where 24-hour order turnarounds are the gold standard, the ability to pick and pack product, reduce errors, and ship the product quickly and cost effectively leads to optimized profit margins.

For distribution centers where storage and retrieval operations are occurring simultaneously, it is imperative that the task-sets take place in distinct areas. In the case of these DC's, the only way to go was up.

The retailer required a conveyor system and new picking system to be added on top of a massive new platform (mezzanine) - one that was decidedly non-conformist in shape.

Joe Cascio, WPSS Regional Sales Manager explains: "The new platform was extremely complicated - with many different angles and unusual paths around other, pre-existing structures. Creating a second-tier Platform (mezzanine) structure was an engineering and fabrication challenge that we tackled with enthusiasm. It was a tight installation; the engineering and execution had to be skillfully handled since the center's existing process continued to operate as usual during the construction period."

In addition, Interlake-Mecalux and Western Pacific worked in tandem to ensure the new platform met significant fire, safety, and underwriting standards. The retailer's automated scales (which require a perfect support system) were also reinforced.

Mark Tomko, Interlake-Mecalux's National Accounts Manager reflected on the successful project: "Western Pacific did a great job of manufacturing to our site specifications. They made on-site visits to monitor the project, and to quickly make strategic adjustments where necessary. We greatly appreciated their dedication and follow-through."