FRIES Group optimises space with custom OHRA storage platform

FRIES, one of Germany’s leading wholesalers of wood and floor coverings and a family-owned company, has literally taken logistics at its Kiel headquarters to a new height. By installing a storage platform, the company can now fully utilise the hall’s ceiling height.

Founded in 1959, FRIES is one of Germany's leading wholesalers of wood and flooring. With over 600 employees, it supports tradespeople in their sales to end customers

The new installation created an additional 270sq.m of usable space on a second level at a height of 3.8m, where bulky pallets of insulation material are now stored in blocks. This expansion has also made room for a new work area, thus eliminating the need to construct an additional hall.

Previous storage conditions not optimal

Each pallet of insulation material measures 2.4m high with a volume of 3.5m3, which poses a logistical challenge – not because of its weight, but its dimensions. Previously, FRIES stored the pallets on a cantilever racking system designed for 2m panels, which significantly limited storage capacity. In addition, the racks were located under an open-sided roof, providing only limited protection from the elements.

Storage platform as a cost-effective expansion

To optimise space and improve storage conditions, FRIES decided to add a second level to the existing hall. A storage platform offered a cost-effective and flexible solution.

The freestanding steel structure can be easily adapted to on-site requirements. As FRIES had already equipped almost its entire warehouse with OHRA shelving and was highly satisfied with its robustness, the company once again commissioned the Kerpen-based specialist for heavy-duty racking systems to supply and install the new platform.

Tailor-made to the site conditions

OHRA designed a custom storage platform tailored to the hall’s specific requirements, including payload capacity, stair positioning and the goods transfer point.

The platform measures 33.8 x 8m and can handle 1,000kg per square metre – well above the load required for the relatively lightweight insulation pallets.

The supports are arranged in a 5 x 4m grid, leaving a clear height of 3.5m below the structure to create a spacious, flexible workspace. The platform flooring consists of chipboard panels with a white lacquered underside, which, combined with ample lighting and generous headroom, ensures a pleasant and ergonomic environment for staff working below.

New workspace & expanded capacity

With the new storage platform, FRIES has taken full advantage of the hall’s height for the first time. Previously, work was confined to the ground level, leaving valuable vertical space unused.

Now, the platform not only provides additional storage capacity but also creates a new work area, all without the expense and disruption of constructing a new hall.

The upper level is used for block storage of insulation materials, while the existing cantilever racking remains in use for items that require individual access and are less suited to block storage.

Watch the project video here: https://youtu.be/CSfxNBxkHvA

For further information in OHRA, see www.ohra.co.uk.