With rising storage real estate expenses across the Chicago metropolitan area, making use of every bit of current space in your warehouse is vital.

Warehouse vacancy rates remain extremely tight throughout the region, and many businesses are having difficulty finding additional warehouse space. The industrial corridors near O'Hare, along I-55, and in the Southwest suburbs face particularly high demand, making expansion challenging for growing operations.

Taking advantage of the vertical space in a warehouse by adding an elevated steel platform, or mezzanine, can boost storage and production capacity significantly. These platforms allow you to grow your operations and storage skyward while still using the surface below as you would ordinarily.

Why Choose a Warehouse Mezzanine Over Relocation?

For businesses that outgrow their production, warehouse, or distribution facilities, relocating can be an exceptionally costly and inconvenient exercise. Industrial mezzanines offer a relatively less costly and minimally invasive method of expanding without having to move your entire operation.

Warehouse mezzanines can be appropriate for all kinds of businesses, from modest warehouses to massive distribution centers. In short order, a mezzanine installation can easily increase your performance and deliver a significant return on investment. There are many choices available, from typical prefabricated mezzanines to specially engineered, multi-story steel mezzanines.

Benefits of Prefabricated Mezzanine Solutions

In addition to gains in efficiency and density, mezzanines provide functional advantages as well. Their elevated position gives managers an excellent vantage point for monitoring warehouse operations and safety practices.

Industrial platform structures can take many forms, and typical systems serve several purposes. Configurations are often designed with mezzanine office modules, allowing breakrooms, offices, and conference areas in addition to storage capacity.

The majority of mezzanine solutions provide easy assembly and disassembly. In almost all cases, structural modification of the warehouse itself is completely unnecessary. As business requirements change, so can your mezzanine structure. They are simple to adjust and reconfigure as your needs evolve.

Mezzanine storage areas are accessible with mezzanine stairs, and products can be loaded and retrieved via gates designed for forklift access. In addition, many designs incorporate mezzanine lift solutions or vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRC) to move products on and off the platform efficiently.

Industrial Mezzanine Classifications

Freestanding: A structural or freestanding warehouse mezzanine system maximizes floor space and features easy assembly and disassembly. Structural designs are appropriate for parts and product storage.

Rack Supported: Rack supported, or "catwalk" mezzanine options make it possible to add storage areas above pallet rack solutions. Rack supported alternatives typically employ several gates for loading and unloading pallets within the racking system.

Shelf Supported: For augmenting storage of smaller products, shelving supported mezzanines are sometimes added above shelving systems. Although shelf supported systems are quite economical, they are not as versatile as freestanding or rack supported options.

Mezzanine Systems in the Chicago Area

If you’re exploring the possibility of a mezzanine for your facility, we provide systems for all types and sizes of operations. Our team understands the unique challenges facing warehouses in the region and can design a solution that fits your specific space and budget requirements.

Call a material handling expert at Associated today to discuss your warehouse mezzanine project!

The Associated Chicago service area includes Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Rockford, Springfield, Elgin, Peoria, Champaign, Waukegan, Cicero, Bloomington, Schaumburg, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Bolingbrook, Decatur, Skokie, Palatine, Des Plaines, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Mount Prospect, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Normal, Oak Park, Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove, Glenview, Plainfield, Elmhurst, Lombard and all surrounding areas.

Associated | Chicago Material Handling Equipment Supplier

4101 Winfield Road, Suite 300
Warrenville, IL 60555
(630) 588-8800