02

May

5 Reasons Why You Should Install Mezzanine Floors

Space is a fundamental part of any warehouse and business. It’s used for storing stock, functional office space, creative studios, or even logistical purposes. When growing as a business, naturally your premises need to grow too, catering for the additional needs and demands of customers and clients. Whilst relocating or extending might be the first thing that comes to mind, you may want to reconsider your current space and how it can be transformed and utilised efficiently by using storage systems like mezzanine floors.

Mezzanine floors are a popular option for many businesses, and we can see why. They are versatile and can be custom-built for your needs, maximising the current usable space without having to expand the building’s footprint.

Read on and discover the top five benefits of installing a mezzanine floor in your warehouse.

 

1. Mezzanine floors = additional, flexible floor space

Whilst it may seem obvious, adding additional floor space is the number one benefit of installing a mezzanine floor.

However, the mezzanine floor does far more, increasing the profitability of your business by utilising an area you can’t normally use – your overhead space. This is important in an area such as a warehouse where the height of the building is typically vast and often neglected. Why extend outwards when you already have the space to build up? In some cases, you can almost double the floor space you have with very little outlay.

Mezzanine floors are not only to limited storage facilities and with the correct design for your specific requirement, they can also support other business needs such as increased production or an office area.

The size of the mezzanine floor won’t limit your requirements either. Providing the mezzanine meets safety standards set out in UK Building Regulations, the floor can be as large as your space enables and even accommodate multiple levels.

Mezzanine Floors

2. Mezzanine floors create a multifunctional warehouse

Warehouses are often used as a central hub for everything, from customer service, office space to delivery and returns. Some warehouses offer the full 360 service with the need for training areas and recycling zones. They might even have a customer shop or outlet on site too.

Using a mezzanine floor allows you to centralise your business and consolidate operations into one space e.g. instead of separate locations, you could instead look at splitting the space in your warehouse for specific roles. Perhaps you need to separate your e-commerce business from your retail and trade business – this could be the perfect solution.

The advantage of having one space is collaboration between teams. Different departments can work closer together and understand systems better when they are all under one roof. They can support one another and resolve issues quicker through better communication. A mezzanine floor allows you to be more flexible with your operations and gives you the space you need.

Mezzanine Floors

3. A cost-effective business alternative

Installing a mezzanine floor could seem an expensive outlay, but in reality, it is far more cost-effective than renting another warehouse or relocating to a new unit. With the correct mezzanine for your business, the space should increase productivity and efficiency. Plus, by designing the floor for your exact specification, you can easily future-proof the space by accommodating future growth and changing requirements.

As an attractive asset for other businesses, it can even increase the value of your building if you’re planning on selling it. However, if you do become too attached, as a semi-permanent structure you may take it with you when relocating.

Mezzanine Floors

4. Minimum hassle, maximum benefit – Mezzanine Floors

Refurbishing a new warehouse, installing your shelving, relocating your stock and office equipment, and updating your return details can take months to do. That’s on top of dealing with the challenge of running a business efficiently. Installing a mezzanine level will minimise your downtime. The mezzanine can be modular in a bespoke design to meet your individual needs, allowing a fast and efficient installation that reduces disruption to day-to-day operations.

It’s worth noting that mezzanine floors are considered semi-permanent structures. As such, these structures do not require planning permission and you only need building regulations approval. We’d always recommend checking with your landlord and local authority with regards to floor slab suitability and means of escape. Get in touch with our team and we can help with any questions you might have.

5. It’s not a quick fix

Although a mezzanine floor is classed as a non-permanent structure, that doesn’t mean it’s only temporary. In fact, just like your racking, you should view your mezzanine floor as a long-term solution that is designed and built to last. The design of your floor will incorporate the weight load requirements to ensure that the platform will safely support activities.

This makes your mezzanine floor an ideal choice when looking to future-proof operations. Instead of moving to a larger site, you can expand and work with what you already have. It means less risk and more growth.

Of course, as with any structure, you will need to conduct regular inspections to maintain its weight-bearing load and structural integrity.

Mezzanine Floors

Looking to install a mezzanine floor in your warehouse?

Are you ready to take the next step in growing your warehouse and business? At Teepee, we’ve been providing high-quality warehouse solutions for over 35 years. We are your trusted partner, ensuring that your warehouse or workplace is as efficient as it can be. Our experienced team will work with you to create tailored designs that meet your needs. We will conduct the necessary assessments to ensure your structure meets safety, building and quality standards. Get in touch with our specialists today.

01

Feb

Warehouse Trends 2024 – How to Plan Warehouse Racking Systems

Is your warehouse ready for 2024? At this early stage of the year, it is the ideal time for businesses to review their warehouse and work on a plan that will boost productivity and increase efficiencies. Maybe you’ve run out of storage space? Do you need to review your warehouse racking systems or your picking and packing timescales are too slow? Do you need to upgrade your warehouse management, or do you want to analyse changes in customer behaviour? In this new era of increased e-commerce, the warehouse and logistics industry is rapidly changing. However, new warehouse trends and developments are arising that could provide the answers.

So where is the best place to start? With so much noise, it’s hard to pinpoint the changes that will provide the best Return On Investment. If you’re worried about the affordability of new technologies, not sure how easy they are to implement or concerned about disrupting warehouse life, this blog is just for you.

With over 30 years of experience working in the storage equipment and warehousing industry, we know a thing or two about how you can give your warehouse a push in the right direction. Our complete guide will give you some pointers. We look at ways to improve the agility of your supply chain, and how you can future-proof your warehouse for this new revolution in warehouse trends.

Warehouse Trends - add workable space with a mezzanine floor

Optimising Your Warehouse Space

Before looking at new warehouse trends and what to invest in, let’s start off your 2024 plan with something you already have – your warehouse space. With the cost-of-living crisis challenging our year ahead and warehouse space at a premium, how can we make changes without breaking the bank?

In recent years, warehouse owners have faced the problem of not having enough storage capacity. This could be due to rising costs or a lack of availability of suitable units. Moving doesn’t always have to be the answer. Instead, look at making the best use of your space and invest in a new warehouse racking system. You may not realise it, but your racking could be the key that unlocks a lot of the problems you may experience in your warehouse.

  • Lack of storage?
    Choose warehouse racking systems which increases the density and capacity of your space. For example, a multi-tier structure adds additional storage space and maximises the full height of your building. Or create additional floor space within the same unit with a warehouse mezzanine floor. If you haven’t got the height opt for a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) which decreases the aisle width and allows more racking within the same space.
  • A need for speed?
    Ensure your layout works for the throughput of your stock. Its journey from the moment it arrives in the warehouse until the moment it leaves should be seamless. To speed up the process, the design of your warehouse racking systems should enhance the flow of the stock, making it easy to locate and removing sticking points. You could even opt for a system such as push-back racking. This operates on a FILO (first in, last out) system which provides less need for manual stock rotation to increase picking and packing timescales.

Future Proofing: Keeping up with Warehouse Trends in 2024

Is your warehouse ready for the future? Can it maximise your business for years to come? Although your warehouse might have supported your business performance in the past, there is no guarantee it will do so in the future. This is especially true when you look at the rise of e-commerce and the demands it places for faster delivery times and multifunctional spaces.

Of course, installing the best warehouse racking systems for your space can help, but to stay competitive in 2024 it is also critical to understand what the new warehouse trends are and how they can improve your business. To help you out, here we share what we believe the future holds. Not that we are psychics or anything.

Warehouse trends - automation

Automation Trend

Even though we have just stepped into 2024, the warehouse industry knows that the advancements in warehouse automation and AI will continue to be a hot topic. After all, integrate these technological advances and it can improve productivity, increase the flow of stock, deliver consistent results. However, for a lot of smaller logistics, cost has been a prohibitive factor. As the growth and uptake of automation continue, prices are expected to come down and, with the efficiencies it can deliver, should offer a high Return On Investment for businesses.

Of course, any new technology must be the right fit for your warehouse and work with your space. To be successful, the new solutions have to be harmonious with the traditional – your warehouse racking systems. Get advice from industry experts on how automation, robotics or AI will work for you and whether the design of your racking accommodates key elements. For example, does it provide clearance for the movement of automation or build on the improvements the new technology can deliver?

Data is King!

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are not new in the modern warehouse and most businesses have one in place to improve efficiencies. However, as technology advances, now might be the time to address whether your WMS still works for your business.

WMS are essential for providing real-time analytics and insights into the movement of your stock and managing your supply chain fulfilment. Combine the system with AI, especially with hybrid operations, and it can improve the process even further. This will increase the efficiency of your warehouse by avoiding the chance of stockouts and enabling quick response times. Get the right warehouse racking systems in place to support your WMS and it can transform your warehouse.

Warehouse trends - inspection

Sustainability

As transparency becomes a big factor, customers are expecting businesses to share their contributions to reducing carbon emissions. As the new generation becomes more conscious about environmental impacts and methods towards achieving net zero targets, sustainable efforts by businesses have become a major factor that has influenced buying behaviour/ purchasing decisions. Warehouse owners must prioritise the integration of sustainability at an early stage.

It can be challenging to implement sustainability in the logistics industry. Yet even small changes can be implemented that can make significant savings on carbon emissions. Whether it’s implementing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC or increasing the number of recyclable materials used in your packaging. Also, examine the credentials of your warehouse racking systems. Look at where it has been manufactured and the journey it makes to your warehouse. Alternatively increase the lifespan of your equipment by adopting a rigorous inspection regime

Warehouse trends - work environment

Quality Work Environments

With rising mental health issues over the past 10 years, the focus on well-being in the workplace has become an important factor. Fostering a positive work environment has proven to have a great impact on employee engagement and organisational performance.

You can support your team by introducing a positive work culture. Specify designated break areas that are comfortable and relaxing. Equip them with the knowledge to perform their job correctly. When it comes to your racking this has the added benefit of keeping them safe! Send them on a training course like our Rack Inspection Training course. Delivered by our expert instructors, the course provides them with the knowledge to work safely around warehouse racking systems. They will also learn how to recognise damage to the equipment. Training is a great way to bring peace of mind to any work environment.

How can Teepee help?

We hope this blog gives you a better understanding of how to give your warehouse a boost in 2024.

Need some help? Why not get in touch with Teepee and see how we can help to upgrade your business in 2024? As a SEMA Distributor Company and through our experience with a wide range of industries, we can provide a full turnkey solution that delivers everything you need to maximise your performance and increase safety:

  • Start with our free site visit to establish the best design solution for your space.
  • Project managing from start to finish. We oversee a smooth and seamless delivery with all works meeting required quality and safety standards.
  • Supplying a flexible storage solution to meet the unique needs of your business, including warehouse mezzanine floors.
  • Installing the highest quality standards with very little interruption to your business
  • Providing aftercare: maintenance, repair & inspection.
25

Jan

Mezzanine Floor Installation Avoiding Disruption

Teepee’s 7 Top Tips to Minimize Disruption When You Have a Mezzanine Floor Installed

Expanding your workspace with a mezzanine floor can be a game-changer for your business, providing much-needed room without the hassle and cost of moving to a larger facility. While the installation process can seem daunting, careful planning and strategic execution can minimize disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, we’ve compiled seven top tips to minimise any potential disruptions whilst you undergo a Mezzanine floor installation.

Mezzanine floor installation

  1. Plan and Schedule Your Installation Proactively

A well-crafted plan is the cornerstone of a smooth installation. Collaborate closely with your mezzanine floor supplier to identify the least disruptive periods for your operations. Coordinate the installation around your business’s least busy times, such as weekends, or during scheduled downtime. This ensures that the disruption is minimal and controlled, allowing your regular operations to continue as smoothly as possible.

 

  1. Choose an Experienced and Skilled Supplier

The right mezzanine floor supplier plays a pivotal role in minimising disruption during your installation. Opt for a company with a proven track record of efficiently installing mezzanines without compromising quality. Experienced suppliers understand how to work within your constraints and are skilled at ensuring the installation process is as non-intrusive as possible. They should also understand your unique needs and can tailor their approach to minimise disruptions within your operations.

 

  1. Consider Modular Mezzanine Systems

 

Modular mezzanine systems are designed to revolutionise your mezzanine floor installation for quick installations and minimal disruption. These systems often come with prefabricated components that can be assembled on-site, reducing the need for extensive construction work. This approach significantly shortens the installation timeline, allowing you to regain your workspace sooner.

 

  1. Communicate with Your Team

Open and clear communication with your team is essential for a smooth transition. Let your employees know about the mezzanine floor installation plans, including the expected timeline and any changes in workflow or access to certain areas. Addressing their concerns and keeping them informed can help reduce anxiety and maintain productivity.

warehouse mezzanine floor installation

  1. Utilise Temporary Storage Solutions

Before the installation begins, consider temporary storage solutions to relocate items from the installation area. This ensures that valuable equipment and inventory are protected during construction and minimizes disruptions caused by moving items around during installation. This proactive approach ensures that your belongings are safely secured while construction takes place, minimising disruption and potential damage.

 

  1. Coordinate Logistics

Coordinate the logistics of the installation process with your mezzanine floor supplier to streamline logistics management. This includes scheduling deliveries, arranging for necessary equipment, and ensuring that the installation crew has access to the site without interrupting your daily operations. This coordinated approach guarantees efficiency and minimizes disruptions to your workflow.

 

  1. Post-Mezzanine Floor Installation Adjustments

After the mezzanine floor is installed, expect initial fine-tuning to ensure optimal performance and seamless integration with your existing workspace. Collaborate closely with your supplier to address any minor adjustments or additional work needed to fully optimise the mezzanine floor and enhance your overall functionality.

 

Contact Teepee Today for Your Minimally Disruptive Mezzanine Floor Installation!

Installing a mezzanine floor is an investment that can significantly expand your workspace, enhance efficiency, and elevate your business to new heights. With careful planning, open communication, and the assistance of an experienced mezzanine floor supplier like Teepee Warehouse Solutions, you can minimize disruption during the installation process.

By following these seven tips, you’ll not only ease the transition but also ensure that your business continues to thrive throughout the installation of your new mezzanine floor.

Contact Teepee Warehouse Solutions today to discuss your mezzanine floor installation and discover how we can help you optimise your space without disrupting your business’s operations.

 

28

Sep

Types of Mezzanine Floors

If you are looking to acquire a mezzanine floor for your company building, then you must know the differences between each type of mezzanine floor to know which one will be the best for your requirements, and most importantly, what are their functions. Therefore, we at Teepee Warehouse solutions, have pulled some nice information to help you.

What Is a Mezzanine Floor?

A mezzanine floor is an intermediate floor constructed between the building floor and roof. It can and should be tailored made for each client, so it can increase storage and/or productivity capacity by maximising the building floor space.

What Are The Mezzanine Floor Functions?

Mezzanine floors are easy to install, easy to maintain and very durable, and the best part is that they can help you to save lots of money by increasing your floor space and taking away the necessity of relocating and paying for a bigger space when it is not necessary.

The mezzanine floors also have a modular and fully demountable design, so if you need to extend or do need to relocate, there are no headaches!

They can include many features, which again, can be tailored to each requirement and building space. These are:

mezzanine floors solutions

  • HVAC – Air ventilation and cooling or heat systems
  • Fire-protected staircase enclosure
  • Fire rating of mezzanine
  • Electrical work such as data cabling, small power, lighting, and smoke detection
  • Access equipment such as goods lift and conveyors
  • Partitions with acoustic, glass, steel walls, etc.

 

 

 

Types of Mezzanine Floors

Each type of mezzanine floor will acquire different features. These can have one or more functions, and one or more tier levels and the final design will be also done accordingly to the client’s requirements. The types of mezzanine floors available are:

Great to create extra space for picking and packing operations, storage of pallets, and archive storage facilities. Without compromising floor space.

Great to create extra floor space for open-plan offices, training rooms, meeting rooms, staff breaks, and toilets. You can add an office mezzanine floor to a warehouse and a manufacturing environment.

Great to increase floor area to cope with increased demands and manufacturing area, it can also extend production area, manufacturing rooms, inspection rooms, and maintenance rooms.

Great to add more space for storage of goods, working space, and as well as the office mezzanine floors, the retail mezzanine floors can also be added toilets and offices for meetings and receiving clients.

Mezzanine Floor Functions

Hiring a Warehouse Solution Service

Just make sure to select a reliable service that will follow all guidelines so your premises will be under all regulations and your mezzanine floors will also be durable and efficient. At Teepee Warehouse Solutions, we can install and design the best mezzanine floors, accordingly to your requirements and needs.

Our team is highly trained and certified, and our customer service is just excellent. We are committed to excellence, and we aim to provide the best service possible with minimal disruption.

As well as the mezzanine floors, we also offer a nice range of warehouse solutions, including pallet racking, racking inspection training and shelving. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We are happy to answer any queries you may have!

30

Aug

Benefits of a Mezzanine floor installation

What are Mezzanine Floors?

Mezzanine floors are the ideal solution for premises that need extra space but don’t have enough floor space available. They are intermediate floors constructed between the roof and the floor, creating then another floor level and maximising a redundant vertical space.

Benefits of a mezzanine floor installation

It doesn’t matter if you require to build extra office space or another warehouse floor level, a mezzanine floor installation can bring many benefits to any premises they are built. These include:

mezzanine floor benefits

  • Cost-effective solution – much cheaper than relocating, mezzanine floors are also easy to install and maintain.
  • Easy to extend or relocate – They are fully demountable with a modular design, so in case you do relocate in the future, you can also demount and reinstall your mezzanine floor
  • Provide extra floor area – utilizes redundant vertical space creating an intermediate floor, maximizing floor area and space, to whatever the need.
  • Tailor-made design – They may suit most requirements, regardless of whether it is a single floor level or a multi-floor level. For example, mezzanine floors can also have open floor space for extra storage or be used as an office.
  • Different installation features – Such as the open/partitioned space, the mezzanine floors can also the installed with electrical work (lighting, data cabling, smoke detection), HAVC (heat and air ventilation), goods lifts, fire-protected staircase enclosures and more.

Benefits of Mezzanine floors for each industry

  • Retail: Retail mezzanine floors generate extra working and/or storage space. They can incorporate a new sales section or even new stores.
  • Industrial: Industrial mezzanine floors can increase manufacturing and production facilities. They can be used as storage with an open-plan floor mezzanine or as inspection rooms if partitioned.
  • Office: Office mezzanine floors are a premium space inside a manufacturing environment and can be quite comfortable and well-constructed with different partitions, HAVC, floor coverings and more.
  • Warehouse: Warehouse mezzanine floors can also serve many purposes, be it storage, office space, training rooms, etc.

Teepee Warehouse Solutions is in the field since 1987 and all our staff is trained accordingly to SEMA standards. If you have any queries about our mezzanine floor installations, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

26

Oct

What can a mezzanine floor do for you?

Mezzanine flooring has many different advantages to suit various requirements. But what can a mezzanine floor do you for you and your business? Find out below…

Provide extra storage

A mezzanine floor can increase your floor space up to 50% and provide additional capacity for stock or anything else that you may need to store.

Create an office space

A common use of a mezzanine floor is to increase or create office space within a warehouse. It creates a second floor within your existing premises for additional offices or to add an office if necessary.

Both floors (the ground floor and the mezzanine floor) can be used for office space.

Integration of other warehouse storage systems

Many other warehouse storage systems such as pallet racking and industrial shelving can be integrated within a mezzanine floor.

Benefits of mezzanine flooring for different industries

Retail stores, shopping centres and grocery shops

All retail and grocery stores often receive a lot of footfall and custom. Due to this, owners are constantly looking at ways to improve and expand on the facilities available to the customers. Instead of relocating or purchasing additional land, a mezzanine floor will provide all the additional space you need.

Mezzanine floors can be used for grocery stores to incorporate a clothing section or for shopping centres to add additional stores.

Production industry

Mezzanine floors are often used in the production industry as it is a fast-growing sector. They are used to overcome any challenges a company may be having with space and storage.

If later, you then find you need to move premise as you are still lacking space, the mezzanine floor can be taken down and re-constructed at your new premise.

Manufacturing companies

Mezzanine floors can be designed and constructed with different loading weights in mind meaning they are the perfect solution for manufacturing companies wanting to expand on their storage and space.

03

Oct

THINK MEZZANINE BEFORE MOVING

Is it time to think mezzanine before moving? If your current business premises are starting to feel a little cramped, the chances are you’re contemplating a move.

As companies grow, the need for versatile space often increases at a faster than ideal rate, meaning that a costly and inconvenient move can seem like the only option. Here at Teepee, we know that needn’t be the case.

We’ve been helping to transform businesses for over 30 years, creating flexible, additional space within existing premises. Whether you’re looking to create additional areas for offices, storage, production or staff, mezzanine floors can double your usable space and cost significantly less than relocation.

Although in most cases mezzanine installation is simple, we’ve also worked on many complex projects where the installation has required planning permission or even floor piling. Our fully project managed service will identify the best ways in which to structure a mezzanine floor taking into account end use, location and access points.

Our team will plan space to maximize usability, complete with electrical points, lighting, heating and water feeds. We work hard to understand your business’ needs and our experience is invaluable in identifying potential project pitfalls and how to avoid them.

We’re expert at keeping clients operational during fit out with minimal downtime, either working seamlessly with other contractors or offering a full turnkey solution.

Find out how we can save you time, money and free up some space. Contact our friendly team by emailing sales@teepee.co.uk or calling 01384 256969.