They literally started from a hand drawn sketch.
The Client Challenge: Transforming a Retail Space into a Distribution Hub
The owners of several NAPA Auto Parts stores west of Chicago, Illinois, undertook an ambitious project: converting a large, empty retail building in Princeton into a combined new store and regional Automotive Storage distribution center (DC).
The initial plan, sketched out by the owners themselves, envisioned a large-scale, two-level storage solution. They required a system that was not only structurally sound for the demanding DC environment but also highly flexible for diverse automotive parts and offered superior storage capacity.
Key Requirements:
- Multilevel Design: A large Multilevel Systems footprint (85′ x 95′) was needed, including two storage levels, two landing areas, and four stairways.
- Wider Bay Capacity: The owners specifically requested 48-inch bays for easier parts storage and retrieval, a feature that proved difficult to find among standard manufacturers.
- Custom Aesthetics: The system needed to match NAPA’s distinct color branding (NAPA blue shelving) while maintaining critical safety standards.
The WPSS Solution: Deluxe Industrial Shelving Multilevel System
WPSS teamed up with independent systems integrator, RMH Systems, to refine the hand-drawn concept into a robust, professional reality. Based on the client’s need for strength, flexibility, and wider bays, WPSS recommended the Deluxe Industrial Shelving system over alternative options like RiveTier.
Engineering for High Density and Flexibility
- Deluxe Shelving Advantage: The superior strength and flexibility of the Deluxe Industrial Shelving made it the ideal platform. It successfully accommodated the client’s desire for 48-inch bays, providing a significant capacity advantage over competitors’ standard 36-inch bays.
- High-Density Storage via Vertical Space: The two-level design maximized Vertical Space, effectively doubling the square footage for storage within the existing facility footprint.
- Critical Access Tunnel: The final design included an engineered tunnel through the system, allowing fork truck access for the efficient movement of goods.
Collaborative Design and Branding
WPSS ensured the final product met all functional and aesthetic requirements through close collaboration:
- Real-Time Collaboration: WPSS engineers worked interactively with RMH and the NAPA owners via video conferencing to fine-tune the design, ensuring the final plans precisely matched their vision.
- Custom Coloring: The shelving was fabricated in a precise NAPA blue match, with all safety components (stairs, railings, and kick plates) colored safety yellow for high visibility and compliance.
Results: Quality, Speed, and a Long-Term Partnership
The project was executed under tight deadlines, demonstrating the value-added components of the WPSS process from sales and engineering through fabrication and delivery.
High ROI: The combination of an experienced team, high-quality Deluxe Industrial Shelving, and custom engineering delivered a final product that exceeded expectations, earning the client’s delight and laying the groundwork for a long-term relationship.
On-Time Delivery: WPSS successfully met all accelerated deadlines, synchronizing manufacturing and delivery to support the urgent installation schedule.
Positive Partnership: The integrator noted that WPSS was “on it” anytime a problem arose, delivering quick solutions and maintaining open communication throughout the process.
Ready to work on your next project? Big or small, WPSS has experts ready to assist! We provide layout guidance, spec sheets, and recommend best-practice clearances to ensure an efficient and space saving design. Contact us today for a quote.