Overview
Elders Bendigo required a robust warehouse storage system capable of supporting the varied stock profile of a busy rural retail operation. The site needed to accommodate bulk palletised products, smaller hand-loaded items and controlled goods, while making practical use of the available warehouse footprint.
Storeplan designed, supplied and installed a multi-configuration Schaefer selective pallet racking system. By combining high-capacity pallet storage, dedicated mesh-deck shelving, secure dangerous goods cages and rack protection, the completed layout created a more cohesive environment for storing, accessing and managing stock.
The Challenge
- Accommodate a broad mix of rural merchandise with different sizes, weights and handling requirements.
- Increase storage capacity by using the warehouse’s available vertical space without expanding the building footprint.
- Provide practical access to both palletised stock and smaller hand-loaded goods within the same coordinated system.
- Create secure, clearly defined storage for dangerous goods as part of the overall warehouse layout.
- Protect exposed racking components and provide clear load information for teams working throughout the facility.
- Gallery
- The Solution
- Results & Impact
Storeplan configured a series of single-sided and back-to-back Schaefer selective pallet racking runs, with bay widths and beam levels selected to support different storage tasks.
High-Capacity Selective Pallet Racking
- At 6,050mm high, the system increased capacity by making better use of the building’s available height.
- Multiple high-capacity racking runs were planned for efficient forklift access and flexible pallet placement.
- The completed configuration supported the movement and storage of bulk rural merchandise.
Hand-Load and Dangerous Goods Storage
- Dedicated bays combined pallet levels with mesh-deck hand-load shelving, creating practical pick-face storage for smaller products.
- The hand-load levels avoided using valuable floor space for separate shelving systems.
- Three bays incorporated 3,600mm-high dangerous goods cages with mesh roofs, sides and secure gate sets.
Rack Protection and Load Guidance
- Single and double rack-end protectors were installed in exposed areas to help safeguard critical components from vehicle contact.
- Safe working load signage gave warehouse teams clear capacity guidance at the point of use.
- Protection and signage supported the correct day-to-day operation of the installed system.
- Greater use of vertical space: The 6,050mm-high racking system increased storage capacity within the existing warehouse footprint.
- Flexible stock storage: A mix of pallet bays and mesh-deck hand-load levels accommodated products with different sizes and handling needs.
- Clearer product zoning: Purpose-planned storage areas helped separate bulk inventory, smaller goods and controlled products.
- Secure dangerous goods areas: Integrated cages provided enclosed storage with mesh roofs, sides and lockable gate sets.
- Improved rack protection: End protectors helped reduce the risk of impact damage in active warehouse zones.
- One coordinated layout: Pallet storage, shelving, protection and signage were delivered as an integrated warehouse solution.
Conclusion
The Elders Bendigo project demonstrates the value of designing warehouse storage around the full range of products the operation handles. Rather than applying one standard configuration throughout the facility, Storeplan tailored each zone to its intended use.
The completed system gives Elders Bendigo a practical foundation for safer access, clearer stock organisation and long-term operational use, all within the site’s existing footprint.
Planning a rural warehouse upgrade? Start planning a safer, better-organised storage system with Storeplan.
