https://www.caem.co.uk/ls9-longspan-shelving
Longspan Shelving - Maximize Storage Space Efficiently with Caem UK Solutions
Ever walked into a warehouse or retail space where everything just makes sense? Where items are easy to grab, safely stored, and every inch of space is put to good use? This isn't just wishful thinking for businesses - it's totally doable with the right storage setup. Longspan shelving is a game-changer in professional storage, bringing together versatility, strength, and efficiency in one package. Here at Caem UK, we've fine-tuned these systems to help all kinds of businesses transform how they store stuff, whether it's heavy industrial parts or bulky retail merchandise.
Understanding Longspan Shelving Systems
Longspan shelving is a tough storage solution specifically designed for medium to bulky items that need serious support. These systems have become must-haves in warehouses, workshops, and commercial spaces where making the most of your space directly affects how well your operation runs.
What really sets Caem UK's longspan shelving apart is how much weight it can handle. Our standard systems hold up to 400 kg per shelf, while complete rack units can support up to 2,000 kg when the weight is spread evenly. This means even your heaviest items stay safely stored without putting strain on the structure.
Our longspan shelving is modular and adjustable, so it can adapt to changing storage needs. You can quickly change shelf heights and setups, usually without needing special tools - perfect for businesses whose inventory keeps evolving. We use high-quality materials including steel frames with options for different shelf surfaces:
- Timber decking works great for dry goods and general merchandise
- Steel decking offers better durability and is easy to clean when storing liquids or containers
- Mesh decking allows for airflow, visibility, and meets fire safety rules by letting sprinklers work through them
The wide span design, with fewer vertical supports than regular shelving, maximizes your usable storage space while making it easier to grab and handle items. This feature is especially helpful in places where quick access to inventory matters.
Caem UK's Longspan Shelving Range
We've developed a full range of longspan shelving solutions to tackle various storage challenges across different industries. Our flagship LS9 longspan shelving system has become the go-to choice for businesses looking for reliability, strength, and flexibility.
Premium LS9 Longspan System
Our LS9 system represents the best in longspan shelving technology, delivering excellent performance for many different uses:
- Enhanced Load Capacity: Built to safely support heavier loads with capacities from 500-1000 kg per level depending on how you set it up
- Quick-Assembly Design: Features our unique boltless connection system that cuts installation time by up to 40% compared to traditional systems
- Customizable Dimensions: Available in depths of 600mm and 900mm, heights up to 5400mm, and spans of 1200mm, 1500mm, 2400mm, and 2700mm to fit your space needs
Industry-Specific Solutions
Caem UK offers specialized longspan configurations tailored to specific industry needs:
- Retail Display Longspan: Combines efficient storage with merchandising features, including adjustable display angles and built-in lighting options
- Warehouse Heavy-Duty Systems: Reinforced frames and beams built for maximum durability in busy distribution environments
- Workshop Accessible Storage: Designed for frequent access with comfortable shelf heights and optional pull-out drawers
Benefits of Implementing Caem UK Longspan Shelving
Space Optimization and Operational Efficiency
Putting in Caem UK's longspan shelving delivers real improvements in both space use and workflow efficiency. Our systems have helped businesses boost their storage capacity by up to 40% compared to conventional shelving by making smart use of vertical space and custom configurations.
Market growth stats highlight the business value these systems provide. The global longspan shelving market was valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2032, showing widespread recognition of these systems' practical benefits.
ROI and Business Impact
Businesses using Caem UK longspan systems typically see:
- Picking times cut by 25-30% thanks to better access and organization
- Less damage to products through proper support and spacing
- Lower long-term maintenance costs due to durability and easy part replacement
The market's projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7% from 2023 to 2030 reflects the real business benefits driving continued adoption of these storage solutions.
Safety and Compliance
Our longspan shelving systems are designed and made to meet all relevant UK safety standards, including:
- Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) – Section 2, which establishes employers' legal duty to maintain safe equipment
- BS EN 15635 Standard for storage in metal racking, which specifies proper use and maintenance requirements
- HSE Warehouse and Storage Safety Guide HS(G) 76 guidelines for warehouse racking safety
Every Caem UK installation includes thorough guidance on meeting these regulations, including proper anchoring requirements when the height-to-depth ratio exceeds 4:1, ensuring both legal compliance and workplace safety.
Case Studies: Longspan Solutions in Action
Retail Transformation: Home Goods Retailer
A national home goods retailer with 45 UK locations struggled with inconsistent storage systems across their stores. After implementing Caem UK's retail-specific longspan shelving:
- Back-of-house storage capacity jumped by 35%
- Staff reported 40% faster restocking times
- Inventory accuracy improved by 22% through better organization
- Annual damage reduction saved about £12,000 per store
Warehouse Efficiency: E-commerce Fulfillment Center
An online marketplace fulfillment center in Manchester was struggling with rapidly growing product counts and seasonal inventory swings. Our customized longspan solution delivered:
- Space for 30% more products in the same floor area
- Modular design allowing seasonal reconfiguration in 48 hours instead of a week
- Integration with their picking software through our compatible bin labeling system
- 28% improvement in order processing times during busy periods
Comparing Longspan Shelving to Alternative Storage Solutions
When weighing up storage options, understanding how they compare helps businesses make smart decisions:
Feature |
Longspan Shelving |
Pallet Racking |
Standard Shelving |
Mobile Shelving |
|
Load Capacity |
400-2000kg |
1000-4000kg |
100-300kg |
200-800kg |
|
Space Efficiency |
High |
Medium |
Low |
Very High |
|
Accessibility |
Excellent |
Good |
Good |
Limited |
|
Setup Flexibility |
Very High |
Medium |
High |
Low |
|
Cost Effectiveness |
High |
Medium |
Very High |
Low |
|
Best For |
Medium-weight items, varied inventory |
Palletized goods |
Light items, archives |
Limited space situations |
Installation and Maintenance Best Practices
Professional Installation Services
While Caem UK's longspan shelving is designed to be intuitive, professional installation ensures optimal safety and performance. Our certified installation teams provide:
- Site assessment and layout planning
- Proper anchoring based on floor type and load requirements
- Level verification and stability testing
- Compliance documentation for workplace safety requirements
"Proper installation isn't just about getting the job done - it's critical for both safety and performance," says James Thornton, Caem UK's Technical Director. "Our teams make sure every upright is perfectly vertical and every beam is correctly secured to handle its rated capacity, which drastically cuts the risk of failures or accidents."
Safety and Compliance Requirements
Following HSE guidelines and BS EN 15635 standards, regular inspections are essential:
- Weekly visual checks by staff for damage or misalignment
- Quarterly documented inspections of all components
- Annual expert inspection by qualified rack safety professionals
- Immediate addressing of any identified damage using the traffic light system (green, amber, red) to classify urgency
Long-term Maintenance Strategy
To maximize the lifespan of your longspan shelving:
- Put strict load management protocols in place
- Train staff on proper loading techniques
- Keep clear records of any modifications
- Use only compatible components for repairs or expansions
- Plan for periodic reassessment as your business needs change
Emerging Trends in Longspan Storage Solutions
The industrial storage landscape keeps evolving, with several key trends shaping the future of longspan shelving systems:
Capacity Utilization Optimization
With 67% of industry respondents reporting a critical need to improve capacity utilization in 2025, businesses are focusing more on maximizing existing space rather than expanding. This trend has pushed Caem UK to develop advanced configurations that make better use of vertical space through strategic mezzanine integration and specialized racking arrangements.
Automation and Technology Integration
The ongoing labor shortage in warehousing has sped up automation adoption. Caem UK's latest longspan systems feature:
- Designs that work with automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Mountings for IoT sensors to monitor loads and track inventory
- QR code integration for digital inventory management systems
- Compatibility with robotic picking systems
Sustainability Features
Environmental considerations have become essential in industrial storage design. Our newest longspan systems include:
- Recyclable materials with smaller carbon footprints
- Energy-efficient components for temperature-controlled environments
- Reusable and reconfigurable designs that minimize waste
- Sustainable manufacturing processes certified to ISO 14001 standards
Choosing the Right Longspan Solution for Your Business
Picking the best longspan shelving system requires careful thought about several factors:
Needs Assessment
Start by evaluating your specific requirements:
- Item dimensions, weights, and quantities
- How often items need to be accessed and picking patterns
- Available floor space and ceiling height
- Growth projections and flexibility needs
Consultation Process
Caem UK's consultation approach includes:
- On-site assessment by storage specialists
- 3D modeling of proposed solutions
- Load calculation and safety verification
- Integration planning with existing systems
Implementation Planning
Successful implementation requires:
- Clear timeline development
- Strategies to minimize disruption to operations
- Staff training on optimal usage
- Compliance documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the maximum weight Caem UK's longspan shelving can support?
A: Our standard configurations support up to 400kg per shelf level, with
heavy-duty options capable of handling up to 1000kg per level when properly
configured and installed.
Q:
Can longspan shelving be installed in retail environments?
A: Absolutely. We offer specialized retail configurations featuring finished
edges, integrated lighting options, and display-oriented designs while
maintaining industrial-grade strength.
Q:
How quickly can Caem UK deliver and install a longspan shelving system?
A: Standard configurations can typically be delivered within 2-4 working days,
with installation scheduled based on project scope. Custom solutions may
require additional lead time.
Q:
Is longspan shelving suitable for temperature-controlled environments?
A: Yes, our systems are designed to perform in various environmental
conditions, including cold storage, with appropriate material specifications to
maintain integrity in temperature-controlled settings.
Q:
What safety regulations apply to longspan shelving installations?
A: Key regulations include the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), BS EN
15635 Standard, and HSE Warehouse and Storage Safety Guide HS(G) 76. Our team
ensures all installations meet these requirements.
Q:
Can existing shelving be reconfigured as needs change?
A: Yes, one of the primary advantages of our longspan systems is their modular
design, allowing for reconfiguration, expansion, or modification as your
storage requirements evolve.
Take the Next Step in Storage Optimization
Transform your storage capabilities with Caem UK's industry-leading longspan shelving solutions. Our expert team is ready to help you evaluate your needs and design a system that maximizes space efficiency while enhancing operational performance.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation:
- Call our storage specialists: [Contact Number]
- Email for a detailed quote: [Email Address]
- Request an on-site assessment through our website
Discover why businesses across the UK trust Caem for their most challenging storage requirements, and experience the difference that properly designed longspan shelving can make to your operations.