Strategic Updates with Automation to Excel
A global manufacturing plant producing safety, PPE and industrial products was looking to build a new warehouse in Nebraska. They needed support from warehouse experts to devise a racking system that could manage a wide range of pallet sizes and would be designed to easily integrate future automation. This project represented a major investment in the company’s logistics and warehouse infrastructure, so they needed a partner with the ability to understand material handling and productivity. They didn’t just need products, they needed expertise in engineering, planning and product flow.
INITIAL CHALLENGE
The long-term plans were to introduce automation into the warehouse, so every element of the racking system had to meet precise engineering specifications. That meant a basic, off-the-shelf rack layout would not work. The racking had to be designed for flexibility and future adaptability, which required a high level of customization and coordination. Every detail of the project, from layout and spacing to structure and anchoring, needed engineering approval. Additionally, the company needed this solution delivered on a tight timeline to stay on track with the overall warehouse construction schedule. Because pallet sizes were not standardized, each rack section had to be designed to fit specific products and loads.
OUR SOLUTION
Riekes worked closely with the customer to design several customized racking configurations that supported all of the pallet and load height needs. Riekes created detailed CAD drawings of each rack section, which were then submitted and approved by the customer’s engineering team. The teams worked closely to identify opportunities to reduce rack costs without sacrificing function and flexibility. Riekes sourced netting, anchors and wire guidance from multiple trusted partners. Two specialized crews completed the installation, one for the racking and one for the wire guidance system, each working according to a coordinated timeline managed by Riekes. Throughout the process, our sales team maintained consistent communication with the customer, providing timely answers to questions and proactively managing the schedule. Riekes delivered a complete plan that outlined rack delivery dates, installation phases and equipment handoff. Every update and detail was tracked to meet the customer’s internal goals.
THE RESULTS
The completed system added more than 4,000 pallet positions to the same warehouse footprint. Each rack configuration was approved by engineering and the layout is fully aligned with future automation plans. The warehouse now has the ability to scale up without redesigning its infrastructure, allowing for expansion without additional construction or retrofitting.
The detailed design, strong vendor relationships and responsive project coordination helped Riekes stand out as a trusted partner. By keeping the process transparent and efficient, Riekes helped the customer stay on schedule while meeting all technical requirements. The installation went smoothly, with no surprises or delays, and the solution provided long-term value by giving the customer room to grow and even modernize operations in the years ahead.