Top Shelving and Racking Solutions – UK Manufacturer

Shelving and racking systems underpin the efficiency and safety of modern retail, warehouse, and industrial environments. For more than three decades, CAEM has stood at the forefront as a trusted UK manufacturer, delivering modular, precision-engineered shelving and racking that meets the evolving needs of businesses across the country. As demand for robust, adaptable storage continues to climb, especially in sectors driven by e-commerce and logistics, choosing the right supplier has become critical to long-term operational success.

Introduction to Shelving and Racking

Shelving and racking form the backbone of organised, productive spaces, whether on a bustling shop floor or in the heart of a distribution centre. At their core, these systems help maximise every inch of available space, keep stock accessible, and maintain a safe working environment. The UK warehousing and storage sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with market value rising from £283.10 billion in 2023 to £305.23 billion in 2024, demonstrating the dynamic expansion driving storage infrastructure demand.

The warehousing and distribution logistics market specifically reached USD 189 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6%, forecast to reach USD 318.1 billion by 2033. This sustained growth reflects how businesses are prioritising supply chain resilience, technological advancement, and sustainable practices. The sector now supports 4,980 warehousing and storage businesses in 2024, up 5.8% from 2023, with this figure expected to reach 5,025 businesses by 2025.

Several key trends are reshaping storage requirements across the UK. E-commerce expansion continues accelerating demand for warehouse space, particularly for last-mile delivery solutions and multi-channel distribution centres. Meanwhile, widespread adoption of robotics, automation, and integrated logistics management systems is fueling operational efficiency and enabling scalable, flexible warehouse models. Sustainability initiatives are also gaining prominence, with greater focus on energy-efficient buildings and renewable energy adoption shaping investment and design priorities.

Manufacturers like CAEM have shaped the industry by combining over 60 years of global expertise with a commitment to innovation, safety, and customer support. Their solutions are trusted by leading retailers including Boots, Sainsbury's, and Tesco, reflecting their reputation for quality and adaptability within this rapidly evolving landscape.

Types of Shelving and Racking Systems

The UK market offers a comprehensive array of shelving and racking systems to address diverse operational needs. Industrial shelving systems are engineered for durability and high load-bearing capacity, essential for warehouses and backroom storage. CAEM's gondola shelving stands out for its modularity and versatility, supporting everything from lightweight displays to heavy-duty inventory.

The TN9 Modular Shelving represents their flagship system, featuring uprights folded twenty-four times for unmatched stability, fully modular configurations, and customisable powder-coated finishes. Accessories include slat and perforated panels, wire shelves, and heavy-duty supports, making TN9 a flexible choice for both retail and industrial storage solutions. The S50 50mm Shelving, compatible with most 50mm systems, proves ideal for seamless upgrades or expansions while offering robust construction and a wide selection of colours and finishes.

The M25 25mm Shelving maximises merchandising space with its 25mm pitch and central back panel, maintaining a slim profile and low base for enhanced product visibility. For challenging environments, UNIZINC Storage Shelving delivers zinc-coated, boltless construction that excels in chilled, outdoor, and high-humidity conditions, providing both strength and corrosion resistance.

For specialised high-density applications, LS9 and IF50 Systems integrate shelving with high-level racking, supporting vertical space optimisation and rapid inventory access. CAEM also supplies modular drawers and pharmacy cabinets, custom furniture programmes, and comprehensive shelving accessories ranging from LED lighting to bespoke wire shelving, all tailored for sector-specific requirements.

Industry Performance and Real-World Applications

Recent case studies from across the UK demonstrate how strategic shelving and racking implementations address operational challenges while delivering measurable results. ProCook, the leading direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand, faced significant storage constraints following their London Stock Exchange listing in November 2021. The company's rapid pandemic-driven growth created insufficient warehouse space, forcing reliance on external storage facilities and inefficient stock movement between separate sites.

ProCook's implementation included 2700mm, 3000mm, and 3600mm bays of pallet racking, plus 2800mm bays of long span shelving. This comprehensive solution successfully consolidated operations into a single bulk holding location for both e-commerce and retail stock, eliminating multiple storage sites while providing sufficient capacity for future expansion.

Similarly, Beers Timber & Building Supplies required specialised storage for diverse building materials inventory. Their solution combined cantilever racking in the main yard for large timber packs, pallet racking in the warehouse for bulk storage, vertical racking for shorter timber lengths, and multiple rows of gondola shelving for retail display. This tailored approach addressed unique storage requirements while improving both operational efficiency and customer experience.

Norfolk-based clothing brand Blakely demonstrated how rapid deployment can address immediate expansion needs. Their Link51 Adjustable Pallet Racking system provided a quick solution for storing multiple pallets of clothing inventory, enabling swift accommodation of business growth without operational disruption.

Choosing the Right Shelving and Racking

Selecting optimal shelving and racking solutions requires careful evaluation of space constraints, load requirements, and future scalability needs. Current industry efficiency factors highlight the importance of strategic system selection. Layout and warehouse design, particularly flexible, modular layouts, enhance space utilization and adapt to shifting demand patterns, making modularity a crucial consideration for long-term success.

Item size, frequency of access, and operational workflow patterns shape the best-fit system selection. CAEM's modular designs like S50 and M25 allow retailers to expand or reconfigure layouts as business needs evolve, ensuring shelving and racking investments remain adaptable to changing requirements. The integration of warehouse management systems, real-time data analytics, and IoT devices has become essential for streamlining operations and improving visibility.

Material selection carries equal importance. Steel construction, as used in CAEM's shelving, offers superior strength and longevity, while specialised options like zinc-coating provide added protection in demanding environments. Adjustable features, colour choices, and comprehensive accessories enable precise tailoring to both functional requirements and branding standards.

Professional consultation proves invaluable for optimising these complex decisions. CAEM's expert team provides comprehensive guidance, including in-house prototyping and bespoke design services, ensuring each solution maximises space utilisation, supports workflow efficiency, and aligns with budget constraints. Their consultative approach has helped major UK retailers achieve increased sales, improved layouts, and more efficient space utilisation.

UK Safety Regulations and Compliance Requirements

Industrial shelving and racking systems in the UK operate within a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to ensure workplace safety and structural integrity. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 establishes employers' fundamental duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and others affected by work activities, which directly encompasses storage racking systems.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 require that work equipment, including racking, is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained, and operated only by trained personnel. These regulations work alongside the Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to ensure workplaces remain in safe condition, directly covering storage systems.

The Health and Safety Executive provides specific guidance through HSG76: Warehousing and Storage – A Guide to Health and Safety, which covers the complete lifecycle of racking systems including design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance. This guidance emphasises employers' responsibilities to minimise risks and hazards while ensuring systems are of sound construction and adequate strength.

EN 15512 specifies requirements and testing methods for structural design of adjustable pallet racking systems, addressing structural analysis, heavy load considerations, component testing, and required safety factors. While not statutory, SEMA codes are widely acknowledged and referenced by HSE, with failure to follow these codes potentially used as evidence of non-compliance during enforcement action.

Critical compliance checkpoints include professional design and installation following manufacturer and SEMA/EN standards, regular inspections by competent persons including both routine visual checks and periodic expert inspections, systematic maintenance with prompt defect remediation, comprehensive employee training on safe operation procedures, and thorough risk assessment ensuring proper load management and collision protection.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Professional installation forms the foundation of safe, reliable shelving and racking performance. CAEM recommends engaging experienced installation companies with proven expertise to ensure full compliance with UK health and safety regulations overseen by HSE and SEMA authorities. Essential installation requirements include secure floor anchoring, precise alignment, clear load labelling, and comprehensive protection against machinery impact.

CAEM's installation services encompass custom fixture manufacture, on-site assembly, and space optimisation tailored to unique operational requirements. Their systematic approach ensures proper integration with existing infrastructure while maximising storage capacity and workflow efficiency.

Post-installation maintenance proves equally critical for sustained performance and safety compliance. Regular inspections must include both routine visual checks and periodic expert assessments, with immediate reporting and corrective action when damage is identified. Comprehensive maintenance schedules should follow manufacturer guidance while incorporating documented procedures for defect management and repair prioritisation.

CAEM provides extensive post-installation support including maintenance guidance, emergency assistance, and upgrade consultation to adapt fixtures as operational needs evolve. Their aftercare programme includes access to replacement parts, technical support, and reconfiguration services ensuring systems deliver consistent performance throughout their operational lifespan.

Following these established best practices ensures shelving and storage solutions maintain their structural integrity, safety compliance, and operational effectiveness year after year while supporting business growth and adaptation.

Benefits of Quality Investment

High-quality shelving and racking systems deliver measurable operational excellence and financial returns that extend far beyond simple storage functionality. Current market performance demonstrates these benefits clearly, with retail warehousing forecast to deliver double-digit total returns of 11.4% in 2025, leading all commercial asset classes.

Durable systems support heavy loads and withstand frequent operational demands, significantly reducing accident risks and eliminating costly premature replacements. Efficient storage layouts maximise available space while streamlining picking and restocking operations, contributing to improved overall organisation and productivity. Enhanced shelving and racking systems directly improve inventory visibility and stock management, supporting faster replenishment cycles and reducing shrinkage, particularly crucial in FMCG and medical retail environments.

Industry analysis reveals how strategic storage investments translate into tangible operational gains. Well-designed systems typically increase storage density by 25-40% while improving picking accuracy and reducing labour costs through enhanced accessibility and organisation. These improvements generate measurable returns through increased sales capacity, reduced operational overhead, and improved customer service levels during peak trading periods.

Modular, evolutionary designs like those offered by CAEM provide additional value through adaptability and expandability. Systems can be easily reconfigured or expanded as business requirements evolve, ensuring initial investments remain valuable throughout changing operational demands. This flexibility proves particularly valuable in today's dynamic retail and logistics environment where adaptability has become essential for competitive advantage.

Sustainability considerations also contribute significantly to long-term value creation. CAEM's zero-footprint manufacturing policy, powered by renewable energy and incorporating extensive recycled materials, aligns with growing corporate responsibility requirements while reducing environmental impact. Quality refurbished systems present cost-effective alternatives that support responsible business practices while delivering comparable performance and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used for CAEM shelving and racking systems? CAEM manufactures their systems from mild steel, recognised for exceptional strength and durability, with specialised finishes such as zinc-coating providing enhanced protection in challenging environmental conditions.

Which system proves most suitable for heavy-duty applications? The TN9 system is widely recognised for its superior load capacity and configuration flexibility, making it particularly well-suited for demanding retail and industrial environments requiring robust performance.

Can CAEM shelving be reconfigured after installation? All CAEM systems feature modular construction allowing shelves to be adjusted for height and angle positioning, enabling straightforward reconfiguration as operational needs change or expand.

Who should handle installation of these systems? Professional installation by experienced companies with proven expertise is strongly recommended to ensure full compliance with UK health and safety standards and optimal system performance.

How is ongoing safety maintained? CAEM advocates a comprehensive inspection system incorporating daily visual checks and periodic expert assessments, with immediate reporting and corrective action protocols when damage is identified. Complete maintenance guides and safety checklists are provided to all clients.

What support is available after purchase? CAEM offers comprehensive aftercare including maintenance guidance, replacement parts access, emergency support, and consultation on upgrades or reconfiguration requirements to support evolving operational needs.

For detailed information, guidance, or quote requests, visit CAEM's website or call +44 01782 794500.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Strategic shelving and racking solutions prove vital for driving efficiency, safety, and sustainable growth across retail, warehouse, and industrial operations. As a leading UK manufacturer, CAEM combines decades of expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and client-focused service to deliver solutions that evolve alongside business requirements.

Whether your needs encompass bespoke retail displays, heavy-duty storage systems, or scalable industrial solutions, CAEM's extensive range and expert support ensure seamless progression from initial consultation through installation and ongoing optimisation. The company's track record with major UK retailers, combined with their commitment to safety compliance and environmental responsibility, positions them as a reliable partner for long-term storage infrastructure development.

Current market dynamics, including sustained growth in e-commerce, increased automation adoption, and heightened focus on supply chain resilience, make strategic storage investment more critical than ever. Businesses that prioritise quality, compliance, and adaptability in their shelving and racking choices position themselves advantageously for future growth and operational excellence.

To transform your storage capabilities and future-proof your operations, reach out to CAEM for tailored consultation, technical specifications, or project requirement discussions. Their comprehensive approach ensures optimal solutions that deliver measurable returns while supporting your business objectives and growth aspirations.