The versatility of the storage systems available from the UK's leading manufacturer, Link 51, is now providing tangible benefits for one of the country's leading airlines.
The rationalisation of the Virgin Atlantic Engineering parts storage operation from a relatively small facility to an impressive, large-scale operation near Heathrow takes full advantage of the Link 51 expertise and range. From nuts and bolts to entire aircraft wheels are now housed in one location and help the organisation to meet both routine maintenance and ad-hoc engineering requirements with comprehensive accessibility 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year.
The site features a combination of Link 51 pallet racking and shelving systems much of which is centred on a two-tier 'floor over' structure – also installed by Link 51. Throughout, the location has been designed to accommodate and provide immediate access to parts of all sizes with storage units and fittings reflecting this diverse need –
"High volume and durable storage systems are provided by our Euro-shelving system at both levels," comments Link 51's Shelving and Storage National Sales Manager, Bob Murphy. "The use of vertical dividers and independent storage bins and boxes allows Virgin Atlantic Engineering to hold the vast choice of part numbers associated with this type of operation.
"Adjacent to this, many larger items are stored on complementary pallet racking that provides five levels of back-to-back storage both for bulk items and large components such as fuselage panels," he continues. "We have even been able to incorporate a series of segregation bars at floor level which allow aircraft wheels to be safely and securely held adjacent to selected shelving runs."
The decision to relocate to a single facility reflects the growth that Virgin Atlantic Engineering has enjoyed in recent times as Neil Johnson, Logistics and Technical Services Manager explains –
"We have a growing world-wide fleet, now numbering 32 aircraft. This sees much of our work centred on routine maintenance," he says, "but it is the nature of the airline operation that there are times when rapid, immediate requirements need to be satisfied. The ability to locate and retrieve the full range of parts from a single source makes a significant contribution to the efficiency levels that we can now achieve," he adds.
The installation represents the latest in a series of facilities provided by Link 51 for Virgin Atlantic Engineering. With the contract awarded on the basis of this well established track record, the range of storage systems available, cost and back up service, the project represents the latest stage in an on-going relationship between two of the leading companies in their respective fields.
Link 51 is the UK's leading storage equipment manufacturer and is part of
Whittan Storage Systems – the UK based, pan-European, storage-focused manufacturing group. Other group companies include Link Lockers, Moresecure,
N C Brown, Polypal and Permar.
Whittan Storage Systems group supplies products and services across the Continent and indeed, further afield, with sales of some £130 million and a workforce of over 1000. Through manufacturing facilities in four countries and sales operations in six, all Whittan Storage Systems' customers benefit from its commitment
to its core business.
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