Tamworth Building Supplies
Since 1990, Tamworth Building Supplies (TBS) has been a trusted partner to trade builders and DIY enthusiasts in the New England and North West regions of New South Wales. As the largest independent hardware retailer in this area, TBS has built a reputation for offering a comprehensive range of trade-quality tools and materials.
Overview
As TBS continued to grow, so did their vision for an upgraded, more efficient facility. While their existing setup had served them well over the years, TBS saw an opportunity to create a refreshed, modern space that would better support their expanding range of products and enhance the experience for both staff and customers. With a focus on maximising space, streamlining organisation, and creating an accessible, easy-to-navigate environment, TBS set out to transform their facility into a more functional and welcoming hub for the local trade customers. This commitment to innovation and improvement led them to pursue a tailored storage solution that would support their goal of being the premier building supplies destination in New England and North West NSW.
- Gallery
- The Solution
The Challenge
TBS faced a significant challenge in optimising their storage space to serve multiple functions: efficient inventory management, order fulfilment, and accessibility for both staff and walk-in customers. Their storage area needed to accommodate a wide variety of building supplies and materials, each with unique handling requirements. Additionally, the space had to be organised in a way that allowed for easy navigation and quick access to products, ensuring a seamless experience for customers and efficient operations for staff.
The Solution
Storeplan provided TBS with a tailored storage solution designed to meet these diverse requirements. The project included:
Mezzanine Floor System:
- A rack-supported mezzanine floor system added an additional 168 square meters of storage space, allowing TBS to maximise vertical space efficiently.
- The mezzanine floor was outfitted with pigeon-hole storage systems underneath, providing dedicated spaces for different types of items.
- For safety and accessibility, two fully welded steel staircases and handrails were included, along with a Verge Rollover Pallet Gate for secure and convenient product transfer.
Pallet Racking System:
- Racking systems that provided accessible, organised spaces for storing large items. Safety mesh was added near stair access points to prevent items from falling.
- Key safety features, including rack armour protectors and end protectors, were installed to enhance operational safety.
Vertical Storage for lengthy building products like Steel Rods:
To address the storage needs for long and bulky building materials, Storeplan included vertical storage solutions within the pallet racking system, tailored for items like steel rods and other lengthy building products. This vertical storage feature allowed TBS to store these items upright, saving valuable floor space while keeping materials accessible and organised. By accommodating tall and slender products in a designated vertical section, TBS could maintain a clean, efficient layout and ensure that these materials were safely stored yet easy to retrieve. This addition helped TBS maximise storage density and streamline handling processes for their staff.
Pigeon Hole
As part of the racking system, a pigeon-hole storage system specifically designed to accommodate TBS’s diverse range of timber pieces. This system provided dedicated compartments for various timber sizes, ensuring easy access and efficient organisation. The pigeon-hole design not only maximised storage space but also allowed staff to quickly locate and retrieve materials, reducing handling time and keeping the workspace orderly.
Cantilever Racking
To further optimise storage for bulkier, heavier building materials, Storeplan incorporated cantilever racking into the facility. This type of racking is ideal for items like lumber, sheet goods, and other oversized products that are challenging to store on traditional shelves. The cantilever racking provided sturdy, open shelving that supported heavy loads while allowing for easy access and safe handling.
Summary
The design, layout and installation for TBS was a successful, well-organised, efficient storage system that supports both the operational needs of staff and the shopping experience of walk-in customers. The mezzanine floor and pallet racking system provided a practical solution to maximise space, enhance accessibility, and ensure safe handling of various inventory items. This project has empowered TBS to better serve its customers while managing its growing inventory efficiently.
