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The automotive industry is fast-paced - every second counts when repairing cars quickly and keeping customers happy. Having the right parts on hand for these fixes is crucial. As inventory starts to grow, the need for more storage space becomes more apparent. Moving buildings is not always practical, or affordable. So, what’s the best solution for your dealership?

                Mezzanines are a great solution for creating more space in your current operations. By adding in a second level, you can maximize storage space without the cost of a building expansion or relocation. The first step? Check if your building has enough clear height to accommodate a mezzanine. Some buildings may even have enough ceiling height for multiple mezzanine levels.

                When it comes to designs, there are several great options. Two of these include shelf-supported and free-standing mezzanines, each offering a unique way to create storage space depending on your needs.

Free-Standing Mezzanines

                What is a free-standing mezzanine?

                A free-standing mezzanine is a self-supported structure that creates additional storage space below. These mezzanines use structural columns that platform beams are the bolted to, creating space below that can be used for more storage, a service area, or office. This type of mezzanine can come standard or customized to best for your space and needs. Depending on what you’re storing on these levels and your process for retrieving these items, there are several decking materials available.

                How many stories can a free-standing mezzanine be?

Most commonly, a free-standing mezzanine creates a second level above the ground floor, but they can also be designed for a third or even fourth level

                What is the PSF of a free-standing mezzanine?

The most common standard storage load capacity is 125 psf, but they can be designed to hold mush more than that.

                How customizable are free-standing mezzanines?

Free-standing mezzanines are highly customizable. You can choose the size, placement of columns, stairs, and pallet drop gates.

                What does installation of a free-standing mezzanine look like?

The installation of a free-standing mezzanine is very quick compared to standard construction. For example, a 20’x20’ storage platform can be installed in less than 1 week.

                What are the benefits of a free-standing mezzanine?

Free standing mezzanines are made to order and designed to fit your exact space down to the inch. This mezzanine is also great in that it can be modified or moved around as your operations grow or discover different needs. It can also be reconfigured and easily expanded. Free Standing mezzanines are a much more cost effective solution compared to traditional construction or building expansion.

Shelf-Supported Mezzanine

                What is a shelf-supported mezzanine?

                A shelf-supported mezzanine is a storage solution that uses shelving units as structural support, keeping inventory easily accessible. It is best for storing more parts as you can use the warehouse shelving on both levels. This is great for lower clear height buildings. Similar to the free-standing mezzanine, there are also several decking materials available.

                Can a shelf-supported mezzanine be installed over my existing layout?

Yes, a shelf-supported mezzanine can be installed over your existing shelving, as long as the shelving is rated to support a mezzanine. If so, it makes it even easier for you integrate it into your current layout.

                How is a shelf-supported mezzanine rated?

                A shelf-supported mezzanine is typically rated for 125 psf.

                What are the benefits of a shelf-supported mezzanine?

                If you’re in need of high-density storage, then the shelf-supported mezzanine may be the right choice for you. By having extra warehouse shelving that is used as support for the mezzanine, it’s a cost-effective way to have more storage. This mezzanine also offers smaller dealerships a great way to use vertical storage and storage space for underneath. In areas with limited clear height, this mezzanine is a great solution.

Why Should I Use a Mezzanine in My Dealership?

                Mezzanines are a great way to maximize your space - essentially doubling the space that you have. If you are in need of an expansion, mezzanines allow you to build up, avoiding the hassle of relocation and instead expanding upwards in your current facility.

                These versatile storage solutions can accommodate fast-pace growth, increased inventory, and improve workflow demands. By having a second level, this allows you to have more in-stock, therefore your team doesn’t have to wait around as long for parts to ship, they can just be stored in your facility.

                With this newfound space, you can also integrate industrial shelving tailored to your needs, including automotive parts storage drawers and shelving.

Work With Industrial Shelving Systems

                Mezzanines are an effective way to create more space for parts and inventory. They truly transform your floor space by using your vertical height to store more. Whether it’s a shelf supported mezzanine or a free-standing mezzanine, this storage solution is great for dealerships.

                The Industrial Shelving Systems team is here to make sure that the implementation of your new storage solution is as easy a process as possible for you. At the beginning of the project process, we’ll conduct a full assessment of your facility space and the inventory you have (or want to have on hand). From there, we’ll be able to recommend the best storage configuration for you – customizing this solution to best fit your space and needs. Then, we’ll be able to design a new storage solution for you and have union or non-union labor come install this solution. Once your new storage solution is up and running, we’ll always be here to answer any questions, adjust things as needed, and be a resource for you in your storage needs.

                Reach out to us here or give us a call at 1-800-875-6201 to learn more about mezzanines or other storage solutions you may be interested in.