Rif Logistics invests in storage

When relocating to its new flagship DC in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, the company turned to BS Handling Systems to design, source and install its racking infrastructure. The 10m high, 1100mm deep pallet racking solution designed by BS Handling provides 5000 pallet locations. The installation leaves ample room for processing and packing zones plus a cross dock area.

“Prior to acquiring our new DC,” explains Dominic Bacon, director at Rif Logistics. “We operated three smaller, separate sites in Milton Keynes. This meant our overheads were unnecessarily high and we had little opportunity for growth. Bringing the operation under one roof allowed us to not only gain efficiencies, but also to create capacity for the rapid growth we are enjoying.”

“Our new 60,000 sq. ft. DC has enabled us to increase our turnover by over 50% and attract new customers, specifically in the ambient, non-hazardous consumer durables market. The racking itself has been capitalised over the length of the facility’s lease and so effectively, it pays for itself straight away. In addition, we have the added benefit of the racking still having a decent value at the end of its life.”

BS Handling was asked to quote alongside some of the more established racking suppliers. In the end, however, it wasn’t a difficult decision to award the contract to BS Handling for several reasons, says Dominic.

“First, the solution BS offered us was exactly what we were looking for, not just what they wanted to sell. Secondly, it was competitively priced which, of course, is always very important in any negotiation. And finally, I felt comfortable dealing with Robert because, as the owner of the business, I knew he would listen and act on what we said. The designs BS Handling presented were very impressive. Not only did they make maximum use of the height of the structure, but also, by using a narrow aisle configuration, the solution enabled us to maximise the floor space without having to go to the expense of a very narrow aisle format,” explains Dominic.