A joint effort by Hi-Lo Storage Systems and Kingstonian Storage Equipment has enabled Bartoline, a manufacturer and packer of solvents, adhesives, fillers and wood preservative treatments; to continue trading after a fire destroyed its factory in Beverley. Supported by Hi-Lo Storage System, Kingstonian first racked a temporary store for Bartoline and has now completed the fitting out of the company's new storage facilities.
In May 2003 Bartoline's worst nightmare became reality when fire decimated its factory in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Fire quickly spread throughout the entire complex as bulk storage containers and a tanker containing more than 32,000 litres of raw product ignited. Once the fire damage had been assessed it was obvious that Bartoline's management would require temporary production and storage equipment whilst the whole site was rebuilt.
Maintaining production meant leasing a temporary factory from the Council in Beverley and renting storage in a separate location in Catfoss. Responding quickly to Bartoline's need for immediate storage, Kingstonian dismantled existing racking from a temporary store adjacent to the old factory, and installed this together with new Hi-Lo Premierack into the Catfoss site.
To enable the racking to be used at the temporary store and also fit Bartoline's new storage areas, Hi-Lo's technical team carried out a site visit to determine the most cost effective way of undertaking the project. This involved producing very heavy-duty upright 6 metre frames, which could later be spliced to incorporate heavy-duty 6 metre frames.
"Hi-Lo provided us with detailed drawings and advised us on how to splice the very heavy duty racking when we need to dismantle and reinstall it in the new storage facilities", says Paul Hargreaves, Managing Director of Kingstonian Storage Equipment. "We have used Hi-Lo since 1988 as they have an excellent reputation and provide outstanding support as well as first rate products".
After Kingstonian Storage dismantled the 6 metre racking fitted at the Catfoss site and reinstalled it at the new storage areas, additional heavy duty Premierack was added to convert the system to12m high racking.
"Hi-Lo took time to find a cost effective way of providing racking for both our temporary and new site", said Steve Shaw, Operations Manager at Bartoline. "Kingstonian Storage's site management was first class and the installation was carried out on budget, on time and as specified. We are delighted with the product specification and can honestly say it was a job well done".
The FEM compliant Premierack system combines several key features including uprights that can be reversed in the event of damage, thus reducing waste. The uprights, which are available in a variety of gauges, have 50mm slots, thereby increasing the racking system's flexibility and maximising space utilisation. The beams are available in open, box or stepped form, allowing greater adjustability, and the stiffening ribs and rolled edges of the five-hook connector offer increased stability and safety. Other benefits of the Premierack system are an innovative footplate with two front tabs to secure each upright to the floor, offering improved frame stability when loading and unloading the racking and preventing the frame from rotating if it is struck.
Established in 1907, Hi-Lo has been manufacturing racking and shelving systems since the early 1960s. Employing a workforce of 65, the company is renowned for its technical knowledge and high quality products. Its storage equipment, marketed under the brand names Premierack and System Shelfplan, is sold throughout the UK and Europe.