Faced with critical space constraints, A major dairy equipment dealer, partnered with WPSS to install a 2-Level Deckover System using RiveTier Boltless Shelving. This solution maximized Vertical Space under low ceilings, providing an economical 700 sq. ft. expansion without the need for new construction.
The Challenge: Expanding Inventory in a “Land-Locked” Facility
Fisher & Thompson, one of the largest milking equipment dealers on the east coast, faced a severe storage crisis at their Pennsylvania headquarters. Serving 13 locations across seven states, the facility had reached its breaking point.
Key Issues:
- Rapid Growth: Expanding their footprint into Virginia increased the company’s size by 30%, necessitating a massive increase in parts inventory.
- Space Constraints: The facility was “land-locked” with no room to expand outward.
- Low Ceilings: The building featured tapered ceilings, with some areas as low as 16’7”, making traditional high-bay options difficult.
- Obstructions: The design had to accommodate office doors and beams that threatened to interfere with any second-level structure.
Inventory Manager Dave Wentzel and his team needed a solution that would utilize their wasted overhead space without the high cost and disruption of a new building.
The Solution: RiveTier 2-Level Deckover System
Fisher & Thompson partnered with a storage professional who brought in the engineering team from Western Pacific Storage Solutions (WPSS). After a site visit and careful analysis of the low ceiling heights, the team recommended a shelf-supported work platform (mezzanine) rather than a free-standing structure.
Why RiveTier?
The solution utilized RiveTier Boltless Shelving to construct a 2-Level Deckover System. This approach offered distinct advantages:
- Boltless Assembly: The RiveTier system installs quickly without nuts and bolts, speeding up the project timeline.
- Cost-Effective Support: By using the shelving itself to support the deck (deckover), the client avoided the high costs of I-beams and heavy structural supports required for a free-standing mezzanine.
- Custom Engineering: WPSS engineers navigated tight constraints, designing bays that allowed clearance for office doors and pedestrian traffic under the platform.
Results: 700 Sq. Ft. of Economical Storage
The project, completed smoothly in just a few months, transformed the facility’s storage capabilities.
| Outcome | Benefit to Client |
| Maximized Space | Created an additional 700 sq. ft. of storage by utilizing the “wasted” space 8-10 feet off the ground. |
| Economical Solution | The deckover design provided a second level at a fraction of the cost of a free-standing mezzanine or new building. |
| Optimized Workflow | Slower-moving products were moved to the second level, streamlining access to high-demand parts on the ground floor. |
| Vertical Efficiency | Successfully leveraged vertical space despite low, tapered ceilings and structural obstructions. |
By choosing a RiveTier Deckover System, Fisher & Thompson achieved the storage capacity they needed to support their 30% growth while remaining in their existing headquarters. 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.