Why Industrial Shelving Matters
In warehouses and factories, every square metre must deliver. The right industrial shelving system converts floor space into safe, productive capacity. At Dreymar Industrial, we help South African operations select shelving based on load needs, aisle flow, and growth potential, so your site runs lean today and scales with confidence tomorrow.
Our toolkit spans:
- Robust steel & stainless shelving for durability.
- PVC shelving for hygienic zones.
- Mobile systems & mezzanines for high-density storage.
- Integrated solutions including racking, access towers, and materials handling equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Start with workflow and inventory – match shelving to SKU size, weight, hygiene requirements, and pick velocity; size aisles for trolleys, pallet jacks, or forklifts.
- Choose the right materials for conditions – steel for general stock, stainless (304/316) for corrosive or hygienic zones, PVC for clean areas. Apply galvanizing or powder coating depending on exposure.
- Design for safety and compliance – certified shelf and bay load ratings, anchored frames, mesh/solid decks, and audits per EN 15635/SEMA.
- Maximise space and ergonomics – keep fast movers in waist-height pick zones, use wide-span for cartons, pallet racking for pallets, and add mobile shelving or mezzanines to increase density.
- Think modular and lifecycle value – adjustable, boltless shelving systems make reconfiguration easy. Compare shelving prices on total cost of ownership, not just sticker price.
- Partner with local experts – choose an Industrial Shelving Supplier in South Africa with engineered layouts, quick spares, compliant installation, and ongoing inspections.
What Makes Great Industrial Shelving
1. Assessing Inventory and Workflow
Good planning starts with your SKUs and pick paths:
- Dimensions: cartons, bins, or parts dictate shelf depth and bay width.
- Velocity: fast movers at ergonomic heights, slow movers higher or lower.
- Environment: stainless steel for hygiene, PVC for clean zones, galvanized steel for humid/coastal.
- Aisles: set widths to suit pallet jacks or trolleys.
- Integration: connect shelving with racking for reserve storage, or mezzanines for vertical expansion.
2. Weight Ratings and Safety
Load ratings keep shelves compliant and safe:
- Shelf & bay loads must be certified and displayed.
- Anchoring & bracing prevent sway or collapse.
- Deck options: solid for small parts, mesh for airflow/fire compliance.
- Audits: scheduled checks to EN 15635 standards.
Example: Steel shelving typically carries 120–300 kg per shelf, 800–1,800 kg per bay. Stainless or PVC variants suit lighter, specialised applications.
3. Materials and Durability
- Steel Shelving – versatile and strong.
- Stainless 304/316 – resists corrosion and meets hygiene standards.
- PVC – light duty in sterile zones.
- Coatings – powder coat for dry indoors, hot-dip galvanised for humid or wet areas.
4. Space Planning and Ergonomics
- Keep fast movers at waist height.
- Design aisles: 1.2–1.8 m for trolleys, 2.0–2.4 m for pallet jacks.
- Use wide-span shelving for cartons and bulky items, pallet racking for palletised loads.
- Add lockers, cabinets, and waste bins near pick zones to cut congestion.
5. Modularity and Lifecycle Value
- Adjustable beams and boltless frames for easy reconfiguration.
- Expansion paths via mobile bases, add-on bays, or mezzanine tiers.
- Compare shelving prices on lifecycle cost, not just purchase price—durability and reusability save money over time.
Comparing Common Shelving Systems
|
System |
Best For |
Notes |
|
Pallet Racking |
Bulk palletised goods |
Wide aisles for forklifts; heavy bay loads |
|
Wide-Span Shelving |
Cartons, totes, odd sizes |
Medium bay loads; manual picking |
|
Cantilever Shelving |
Long goods (pipes, timber, panels) |
Open access; arm stops essential |
|
Mobile Shelving |
Archives, MRO spares, pharma |
Increases density 50–100%; requires rails |
|
Mezzanines |
Multi-level storage |
Unlock vertical space without expanding footprint |
Budget and Total Cost of Ownership
When scoping shelving, include:
- Acquisition & installation (frames, anchors, layout changes).
- Safety features (guards, signage, audits).
- Maintenance & inspections (quarterly checks, spares stock).
- Reconfiguration costs (boltless = faster, cheaper changes).
- Lifecycle (replace bent uprights, corroded shelves, or non-compliant units).
Implementation and Vendor Selection
A qualified Industrial Shelving Supplier should provide:
- Site surveys & CAD layouts for SKUs and workflows.
- Load certifications & compliance docs per EN 15635 / SEMA.
- Installation by certified teams with torque checks and anchoring.
- Training for operators on safe loads and SOPs.
- Ongoing audits & spares availability within 48–72 hours.
Conclusion
Choosing the right industrial shelving is about more than storage, it’s about uptime, safety, and growth. At Dreymar Industrial, we supply and support steel, stainless, PVC, and mobile shelving solutions tailored to South African warehouses and factories. From consultation to installation to lifecycle support, we make sure every square metre works harder for you.
Ready to re-engineer your warehouse space? Contact Dreymar Industrial SA to book a site assessment and request a tailored shelving specification today.
FAQs
- What is industrial shelving and why is it important?
Industrial shelving is engineered storage for warehouses and factories. It maximises floor space, keeps SKUs organised, and ensures safe, efficient workflows. - How do I choose between pallet racking and wide-span shelving?
Use pallet racking for pallets and forklifts; choose wide-span for manual carton picks. Match system to SKU type, picking method, and equipment. - When should I use cantilever shelving?
Cantilever shelving is ideal for long goods like pipes, timber, and sheet panels. Arms provide open-front access and flexible adjustment. - What materials work best in different environments?
Steel for general use, stainless for hygiene/corrosion, PVC for clean zones, and galvanised finishes for humid/coastal environments. - 5. How often should shelving be inspected?
Do visual checks weekly and full audits quarterly. Inspect anchors, beams, uprights, and signage; tag damaged bays out of service immediately.