Elders Toowoomba

The Challenge

Elders’ relocation presented both operational and strategic challenges. The new branch required:

• Safe and efficient stock management: Handling diverse inventory including agricultural chemicals, feed, and machinery components demanded compliance with AgSafe standards and safe DG storage solutions.
• Improved safety systems: Improved safety systems: The facility needed clear separation between pedestrian and forklift zones to protect staff and customers.
• Customer-focused retail presentation: The retail area had to project the professionalism of Elders’ brand while enabling flexible merchandising.
• Minimal downtime: The full transition had to be achieved without interrupting business continuity or customer service.

Elders needed a partner capable of overseeing every stage, from design and compliance to supply and installation, within a single coordinated project plan.

The Solution

Warehouse Fit Out

• Storeplan installed 58 Schaefer Selective Pallet Racking bays, engineered for heavy agricultural use with load capacities up to 3,000kg per beam level.
• Dedicated DG storage bays with mesh caging and swing gates provided compliant, secure containment.
• Racking up to 6.45m high arranged in efficient back-to-back runs maximising the space.
• SWL signage and Rack Pro End Protectors ensured long-term safety and asset protection.

The result: a compliant, high-density storage layout enabling faster movement between goods receiving, dispatch, and retail areas.

Outdoor Storage Solutions

• To support larger inventory, Storeplan installed galvanised outdoor selective pallet racking (4-bay run, 4850H × 2600W × 838D).
• Constructed from corrosion-resistant materials suitable for Queensland’s climate.
• Reinforced with galvanised baseplates and end protectors for durability.
• Increased capacity without expanding the building footprint.

This addition provided Elders with reliable, long-term external storage that maintained compliance and safety standards year-round.

Safety Infrastructure

• A key component of the project was the integration of the Verge Eco Handrail System to create safe pedestrian pathways.
• Over 40 metres of handrail installed with soft-close PA gates to control access.
• Dedicated gateway for eyewash station access, ensuring full WHS compliance.

These installations enhanced site safety, clearly defined traffic flow, and set a new internal benchmark for operational standards across the Elders network.

Retail Showroom Fit-Out

• Storeplan designed and fitted black pegboard gondola shelving to deliver a professional, modular retail space.
• Back-to-back runs (1500H × 1200W × 450D) with adjustable shelving.
• Flexible pegboard panels for easy reconfiguration and visual merchandising.
• A clean, cohesive layout that aligns with Elders’ national retail branding.

The finished showroom created an inviting environment that enhanced product visibility and supported an improved customer experience.

Results & Impact

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined movement between warehouse and retail zones.
• Safety Compliance: Full alignment with AgSafe and WHS standards.
• Customer Experience: Professional, visually consistent retail environment.
• Sustainability: Galvanised, modular infrastructure supporting long-term use and adaptability.

Client Feedback

“This project showcases the power of our long-standing partnership with Storeplan. Their comprehensive approach. From initial design through to installation and compliance, allows us to focus on what we do best: serving our agricultural communities.”

Laura Waddington, Corporate Property Operations Lead, Elders

Conclusion

The Elders Toowoomba redevelopment reflects the evolving landscape of agricultural retail, where efficiency, safety, and customer experience intersect.

Storeplan’s partnership approach ensured a seamless transition into a compliant, future-ready facility that supports Elders’ mission to serve Australia’s rural communities with excellence.