Link 51 two-tier shelving systems help to keep the power running

Some 35,000 part-coded components – many held in high volume – are now housed in a new Link 51 two-tier shelving facility installed for power generation company, Sembcorp Utilities UK Ltd. The project at the organisation's Middlesborough premises is now meeting not only Sembcorp's own internal component supply requirements, but is also providing additional capacity allowing it to provide a third party storage service for several companies nearby.

Sembcorp's principal activities focus on the generation of steam and water power, primarily for use by nearby process industries including a water treatment plant, while also providing a call off facility for the National Grid when required. The need, therefore, to maintain continued, reliable operation is paramount and, in turn, this calls for access to many thousands of individual components – all now held in the Link 51 facility.

“This new development has allowed us to rationalise our stockholding into one centralised location serving both our own and external third party needs,” comments Stores Manager, Chris Gibbs. “The Link 51 design succeeds in providing a wide choice of drawers, dividers and shelving width options which reflects the vast diversity in the nature and size of the components that we house,” he continues.

The Link 51 design is centred on the company's robust and versatile Euro-shelving range, arranged in 11 back-to-back aisles on both levels. A lockable area where selected products can be held as required has also been incorporated as have a powered conveyor, which provides access between the two levels, two personnel access stairways and mesh backing at key points of the structure for safety purposes.

“The combination of services which we were able to obtain from Link 51 in terms of equipment range, design input and, of course, competitive costs were all fully taken into account alongside the company's willingness to work with our own team to design the optimum layout,” continues Chris Gibbs. “As a central facility, we are delighted with the role played by the installation and also by the effectiveness of being able to retain components in one location. This benefits not just our power generation business but also our associated protection operation that encompasses fire, security and para-medical services.

“We believe this is an important step forward both for our own operation and for those for whom we provide a third party service. We believe it will stand us in good stead for a continued successful operation for many years into the future,” he concludes.