Continuing its long stand relationship of providing Import Services Ltd with quality products and a first rate service, Linear Storage Solutions was the automatic choice when it came to selecting a provider to fit out the specialist retail supply chain logistics company’s new warehouse extension in Southampton. The new facility, leased from Associated British Ports (ABP), will boost Import Services’ overall capacity from 40,000 pallets to 53,000 pallets, augmenting the 20,000 pallet locations installed by Linear Storage Solutions three years ago.

Bournemouth based Linear Storage Solutions has fitted out the new extension with Link pallet racking (supplied through Moresecure Storage Products) and provided Import Services with a turnkey operation that included design and installation. In addition, Linear, a specialist in the design and supply of all types of storage equipment solutions, has enhanced the racking system with column protection to protect the racking from truck impact and labelling to improve product recognition. The total value of the contract was £300,000. Now fully operational, the warehouse facility will handle a throughput of between 10 to 15 containers per day as well as daily pallet movements of 2000 to 3000 - depending upon seasonal fluctuations.

Costing £3.7 million, the 23,000 square metre extension is creating 25 new jobs and has enabled Import Services to move to a 24-hour operation. It has been built to achieve the highest environmentally-friendly rating thanks to its green credentials – which include more than 3,000 solar panels installed on the roof. It is one of four sites operated by Import Services – the others being in Hedge End, Nursling and Totton. Linear Storage Solutions is the the company’s preferred storage equipment partner for all four sites, providing a wide range of products including racking, shelving, live storage, consultancy, racking inspections and ancillary products.

Linear Storage Solutions worked closely with the ABP and Import Services whilst the building design was being finalised. It conducted an in-depth survey of the site and then submitted detailed CAD drawings. To maximise the space available, Linear Storage Solutions installed a Narrow Aisle (NA) racking configuration, which is operated in conjunction with Import Services’ NA Flexi trucks. The NA racking makes optimum use of the floor area and warehouse height while still permitting individual access to all pallets.

Commenting Operations Director, Roger Loveless said: “As a company we like to use regional suppliers. We trust Linear Storage Solutions, which has always provided us with a first-rate service and always delivers on time and on budget. In addition, it offers us a single source solution for our material handling needs. We are delighted with the system which is working really efficiently and has enabled us to deliver improved distribution levels”.