Purchasing guide: Choosing the right Racking and Shelving with Manutan

Shelving and racking are understated but essential components of an efficient warehouse. Your goods are often transported, stored, moved, protected or even prepared using industrial equipment which also requires special attention. In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose the right shelving for your needs. 

What should you consider when choosing industrial racking? 

Do you need industrial racking for your new business, to extend your storage areas or to renew your facilities? It is essential to start by assessing your needs. 

Consider what it is that you need to store

Start by defining the properties of the items and products for storage. Are they lose or packaged in containers? Are they solid, liquid, or greasy? Do they require ventilation? Their properties will determine the type of racking required. 

Consider the number and size of the objects and goods for storage, this will allow you to determine the exact dimensions of the shelves and the number of rows required. 

Weight is also an important consideration because different systems will have varying weight restrictions. There are distinct categories that give you a good idea of what kind of shelving to choose once the load has been established: 

• Light-duty shelving is good for a load of less than 300 kg
• Medium-duty shelving should be adequate for loads between 300 kg and 700 kg
• Heavy-duty shelving will be needed for a load of over 700 kg 

Be familiar with the storage environment 

The features of the racking you choose for your warehouse or workshop depend on where and how your goods are stored. 

If your products are stored indoors, choose painted metal shelving, which is easy to maintain and looks attractive. If your goods are displayed outdoors, choose a galvanised material that is resistant to weathering and rust corrosion. 

What issues are at stake in the choice of storage racking? 

The choices you make when it comes to equipping your industrial warehouse have an impact on the ‘Well-working’ of your employees and on the productivity of the company. Industrial storage solutions must also comply with European regulations. 

Appropriate layout for well-being at the workplace 

Appropriate racking and shelving contribute to a better working environment for professionals. In addition to optimising storage and workspaces, they facilitate stock management and handling in warehouses. Racking is therefore a source of ‘Well-working’ in the warehouse. ‘Well-working’ is a concept that brings together the notions of personal development and the smooth operation of the company. 

Storage for increased productivity 

Good management and the right equipment make your warehouse more efficient. There are several measures that can be implemented on a daily basis as well as in the long run to improve productivity. 

First, a proper shelving layout optimises the use of space in the storage area. Then, processes can be optimised through regular assessments of needs and long-term optimisation objectives. 

What storage standards must be respected? 

If you handle foodstuffs or chemicals, be careful to comply with the regulations, especially in the European market: 

• The food standard and/or HACCP1 system for food products; 
• ESD/Anti-static certification (EN 61340-5) for electronic products; 
• EUR-EPAL Pallet certification for products that are compatible with European standard pallets. 

Think Lean Management. The right industrial equipment for your business saves time and space. Don’t overlook the colour and complementary accessories (labels, lids, dividers, etc.). Every detail counts. 

What types of Manutan racking and shelving should I choose? 

Do you require racking adapted to your business? Manutan offers a large product range. We have developed a range of robust and versatile industrial storage racks for professionals. Our racking and shelving are manufactured in the European Union and have a 10-year warranty. 

Using online configurators, you can create your own customised racking by specifying the dimensions, number of levels and shelves, finishes, etc. There are also special garage shelving units for tyres or shelving units with retention bins for your bottles and cans. 

Light-duty shelving 

Manutan light-duty shelving is built to support up to 300 kg per level, ensuring that the load is evenly distributed across each shelf. You can choose between several colours, from an epoxy paint finish (anthracite or blue) to a galvanised steel finish. 

This industrial shelving is available in several options: 

• From 2 to 15 storage levels; 
• From 500 mm to 3,000 mm in height; 
• From 400 mm to 1,600 mm in width; 

• From 300 mm to 800 mm in depth; 
• Wire-mesh or chipboard shelves. 

The size of the light-duty shelving allows you to choose the most suitable configuration for your storage location. Opt for the eco-pack, the kit of 4 light duty shelving units to reduce your expenses by rationalising the purchase cost of your shelving.  

Medium-duty shelving 

This industrial rack offers great stability and multiple configuration possibilities thanks to the wide range of structures and accessories available. The Manutan medium-duty industrial shelving is designed for a load between 300 kg and 700 kg per shelf. 

You can choose your medium-duty shelving based on several parameters: 

• From 3 to 6 storage levels; 
• From 900 mm to 3,000 mm in height; 
• From 900 mm to 2,500 mm in width; 
• From 300 mm to 1,000 mm in depth; 

• Chipboard, metal, or melamine shelves. 

You can choose between an epoxy paint finish (blue or light grey) or galvanised steel. 

Heavy-duty shelving 

These robust Manutan storage racks, such as pallet racking, are designed to support heavy to very heavy loads. They are suitable for sectors such as logistics, transport, mass distribution, manufacturing, and metalwork. 

Choose your equipment from the options available in the Manutan heavy-duty shelving range: 

• From 3 to 6 storage levels; 
• From 1,980 mm to 2,440 mm in height; 
• From 1,525 mm to 2,440 mm in width; 
• From 455 mm to 915 mm in depth; 
• Chipboard, metal, melamine or wire-mesh shelves. 

The galvanised or epoxy finish (light grey or blue) offers good resistance to impact and various storage environments. 

Special shelving 

The special tyre shelving, manufactured in France, provides resistance and durability. This shelving is stable and durable and can handle medium to heavy loads. 

Manutan’s retention shelving is equipped with 10-litre bins made of material that is compatible with aggressive and corrosive chemicals. These racks are used for the storage, organisation and transport of liquid containers that are susceptible to leakage. They are specially designed to protect your employees from the risks associated with the storage of chemicals. The user-friendly design of the bins prevents accidents in the event of a leak and makes them easy to handle when transporting them. 

Manutan also offers shelving designed for the office environment. Archive shelving is specially designed to organise and secure files in archive boxes. They are divided into two categories, fixed and mobile shelving. 

Choose quality and simplicity at a reasonable price with the Manutan brand. Benefit from a 10-year warranty for all our products (3 years for consumables) and additional services such as installation/assembly and free returns. 

Now you have all the tools you need to optimise space and efficiency in your warehouse. You can find out more about the ‘Shelving & Racking’ product range of the Manutan brand.