MANUFACTURERS OF MEZZANINES, PLATFORMS, CATWALKS & STAIRS
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NEW MEZZANINE SPACE Keeps Volvo On The Move Volvo's National Parts Distribution Center in Rutherford, New Jersey is the hub for all small parts orders originating from dealers around the country. When new car models are introduced, a flood of new parts is required to be available to dealers on a moment's notice, to keep pace with Volvo's excellent service record. That's why, in the spring of 1996, local material handling dealer, Paul Fiorello, Allied Products and Systems Sales Representative for Crown Lift Trucks, was called to help out.  Volvo's plan to expand its parts inventory space was simple. Eight years earlier, Volvo had installed an extensive first-floor shelving system, covering an area of nearly 15,000 square feet. Volvo wanted to "splice" additional shelving on top of the existing shelves, and install a second level platform in the aisleway to gain access to the new shelving. Mr. Fiorello quoted shelving, platforms, and installation to achieve that result, then set about to survey actual site conditions. Upon close examination, it was determined that the earlier shelving installation did not permit the add-on option for additional shelving. Undeterred, Fiorello re-tooled his proposal to include an entire mezzanine over the existing shelving to install on a clean, level new surface.
Furthermore, Fiorello was able to partner with Schmidt, and the shelving provider, and installation crews to deliver the entire project at the same cost as originally quoted. Fiorello managed the project, assembling drawings, layouts and plans for the work, and teamed up with Schmidt Structural Products for the custom mezzanine. Together, they provided the free-standing structural mezzanine and installation, and designed it to blend in to the environment with compatible paint colors. In all, a total of approximately 14,000 square feet of new floor space was added, measuring 175 ft x 80 ft, with stair/landing access at both ends of the new structure. Schmidt's installation crew was able to accomplish their task during normal business hours, with no interference to Volvo's picking routine.
The entire installation was completed within 6 weeks of order entry. In the end, Volvo got more than they bargained for, due to the creativity of Fiorello's approach and the cooperation of the suppliers. "This is not unusual for us," said Fiorello. "Our organization is a factory branch of Crown Lift Trucks, but we routinely handle a multitude of allied products and services for our customers, such as racks, shelving, mezzanines, and turnkey material handling solutions. We've enjoyed an extraordinary relationship with Schmidt for over ten years. They always come through in a pinch." As a result of the cooperation of supplier and distributor, Volvo was able to add additional parts stock to meet their dealers' requirements without missing a beat. |
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