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IN DEPTH: Material Handling

New Racking Ideas
One new category of racking C.T. Darnell has created helps dealers handle automated saw systems. Devising an efficient system in a layout that hinders effectiveness can reduce capabilities. “All the cutting and storing that is needed can be handled efficiently with the right shed design,” Darnell says. That requires a wide, shallow plan with an open side and protection on the back, with roller conveyers. “More dealers are investing in saw equipment today, but they don’t have the setup to handle it well. Designing a building to work effectively with the needs of the saw will speed up production and maximize efficiency to turn out the job quicker.”

Dealers are open to new ideas if it optimizes their site. “Dealers are getting very creative in how they use their space,” says Krauter. “They want to maximize the space and use it as efficiently as possible, and they’re willing to reconsider what they’re doing if there’s a better approach.”

Krauter-Auto Stak has seen growth in popularity for its stacking racks, a portable millwork rack that can be stacked three or four units high. “It has casters so it can move to where it’s needed to pull together the order and then be rolled into the truck,” he explains. It sometimes remains in the truck to ship the orders, saving more steps. “It makes efficient use of forklifts.”

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The company also has designed “microyards,” featuring three-tier mezzanine systems that maximize cubic-storage space. “We offer a variety of systems so dealers use completely different ways of thinking about their storage than what they’ve been using.”

A-Frame-vertical-storage-rack---Krater-AutostakThe A-Frame Vertical Storage Rack from Krauter-AutoStak Lumberyard Solutions features a tilt-back base design with a continuous face plate, which allows a variety of products, including mouldings, boards, ladders and pipe to be stored. The racks, with different base depths available, were made to accommodate any length run of products.

Some dealers are retrofitting existing yards, he notes, while others are revamping new acquisitions. Some are adding protection to existing racks. “A lot of dealers now are retrofitting their existing yards from cantilever racks to new roofed structures,” he says. “They are looking to adapt their existing racking to provide new layouts and create new buildings.”

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