Small Suggestions Leading to Big Discovery Changes
A Midwest-based manufacturer of meat processing equipment was moving from a tight, overcrowded space into a new warehouse. They needed it to be designed to support growth in the future. To ensure this, they needed a layout that increased pallet storage, improved product flow and created space for daily operations and future expansion with safety at the core of their mission.
INITIAL CHALLENGE
The company’s old warehouse slowed down their operations. They were growing fast and needed more pallet positions to improve the product flow and utilization of the space. It was also important to design workstations where technicians could safely repair saw blades without affecting other warehouse tasks.
OUR SOLUTION
The new warehouse design used both new and existing racking for space utilization. The plan created more pallet positions than expected and allowed for better organization. Ergonomic picking areas were added for small parts workstations for technicians. These defined spaces made it easier and safer for employees to do their jobs.
To make movement through the warehouse smoother, Riekes also recommended changing forklifts. Before making a decision, the customer toured the Riekes Customer Experience Center. During their visit, they saw equipment in action, tested out options and explored solutions they hadn’t thought of before. This helped them feel confident in the design and showed how the warehouse could support both current needs and future changes. For example, the final design would include a space within the rack layout for demos and training sessions, which helps the company support their sales and customer service efforts.
A clear timeline kept work on track, while ongoing feedback helped refine decisions and solve issues quickly. The equipment selection also played a key role.
THE RESULTS
The final design delivered a warehouse that is more organized, safer and easier to work in. Product touches dropped from six to two, saving time and improving productivity. Employees now have more room to move, better tools at their stations and dedicated technician areas that speed repairs and improve daily work. A built-in demo space gives the team a place to train customers and showcase how the equipment performs.
In this case, a smaller forklift provided better maneuverability and control, making operations safer and more efficient. The right planning, paired with the right equipment, kept the project moving smoothly and on schedule. The result is a warehouse designed to support real work today while allowing room to grow tomorrow. With fewer handoffs, smarter flow and space built around the people who use it, the operation is set up to work efficiently from day one and scale with confidence.