Monthly Archives: October 2023

IWS Group is Proud to Announce the Appointment of Richard Harden as the New Chief Executive Officer

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IWS Group New CEO Richard Harden

Richard Harden is appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of IWS Group. This strategic move is part of IWS Group’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustained growth, ensuring its continued leadership within the market.

With an extensive leadership background, Richard Harden brings a wealth of experience to IWS Group, having previously held CEO and MD positions at renowned companies such as Stuart Turner Ltd and WILO. Additionally, he served as President of the trade organization BPMA. Throughout his career, Richard has excelled in enhancing top-line growth for private equity-backed firms by forging strategic partnerships and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies that have led to substantial growth milestones.

Under Richard’s capable leadership, a central focus will be on harnessing the collaborative strengths of IWS Group to provide customers in the industrial workspace with comprehensive, seamlessly integrated solutions. This approach aims to elevate customer satisfaction while reinforcing the overall impact and effectiveness of IWS Group’s offerings within the market.

Commenting on his new position, Richard said, ā€œItā€™s clear IWS Group is a very ambitious company with a strong track record of organic and acquisition-driven success and a clear vision for growth, which is what attracted me to the position. The future of the group excites me, and I am delighted to lead it into its next phase of growth and innovation.ā€

ā€œWeā€™re extremely excited to have Richard on board as our new CEO,ā€ said Neil Stephenson, Chief Financial Officer for IWS Group. ā€œRichardā€™s extensive leadership background and his proven track record of accelerating market share aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for IWS Group. His dynamic leadership and innovative approach is just what we need to navigate the evolving market landscape and propel IWS Group to new heights. We look forward to the fresh perspective and the boundless energy he brings to our team, and weā€™re confident that under his leadership, IWS Group will continue to thrive and achieve great success.ā€

About IWS Group:

IWS Group is a family of market-leading product brands, manufacturers, and service companies that deliver essential services and supplies to the logistics, material handling, and various industrial sectors across Europe and beyond. The current IWS Group portfolio comprises BeaverswoodĀ®, Brandsafe, Rack Group, and Anco Storage, each of which contributes to the group’s enduring success.

The Power of Preventative Maintenance ā€“ How to Reduce Downtime and Extend the Lifespan of Warehouse Racking

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We all know that preventative maintenance is better than reactive maintenance, as it reduces accidents and down time, plus the cost of damaged goods and repairs. However, determining the ideal level of preventative maintenance to achieve the best return on investment (ROI) can be challenging. Read how to focus on creating a pragmatic plan tailored to your workplace, specific risks, and budget.

We’ll highlight the primary advantages and outline essential steps to consider when developing your plan.

How a preventative maintenance plan can benefit your business.

  • Decreased Downtime and Reduced Repair Costs
    Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues before they lead to equipment failure. By addressing these issues proactively, downtime can be minimized, and the need for costly racking repairs can be reduced.
  • Increased Racking Life Expectancy
    Proper maintenance extends the working life of warehouse racking systems. By regularly inspecting and maintaining critical components, the overall lifespan of the racking can be prolonged, reducing the need for premature replacements.
  • Improved Equipment Efficiency and Quality
    Well-maintained warehouse racking systems operate more efficiently, allowing for smoother material handling processes and optimized storage capacity. Regular maintenance ensures that the racking is in optimal condition, minimizing the risk of accidents, product damage, and inefficiencies.
  • Less Damaged Goods
    Stored assets are often damaged when racking failure occurs resulting in not just the cost of unusable stock but also replacement cost and the impact on delivery and customer service.
  • Improved Safety
    A ROI will always include the wellbeing and safety of employees and by keeping equipment in good working order, accidents, injury, sick leave and claims should be reduced and ideally engineered out.
  • Maintaining Compliance and Following Regulations
    Racking systems are considered work equipment, and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) requires that they are maintained in good working order. Also the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is an overarching legislation which requires employers to provide a safe working environment. Regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs can help ensure that racking systems meet all these requirements.
  • Enhanced Corporate Reputation
    A preventive maintenance plan demonstrates a commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. This can enhance the reputation of your business and the overall brand image, leading to increased customer trust and potential business opportunities.

While companies have shown that an effective preventive maintenance program can deliver a better return on investment, it’s important to note that the specific ROI and cost savings will vary depending on factors such as the size and purpose of the warehouse, the complexity of the racking systems, the frequency of maintenance activities, and the training of employees.

To build the best preventive maintenance plan for your warehouse racking, here are some useful steps:

Understand your Racking Systems

Begin by gaining a thorough understanding of the warehouse racking systems in place. This includes the type of racking (e.g., selective, drive-in, push-back), their load capacities, and any specific maintenance requirements recommended by the manufacturer.

Identify Critical Components

Identify the critical components of the racking systems that require regular inspection and maintenance. This may include upright frames, beams, connectors, base plates, and safety accessories.

Determine Maintenance Frequencies

Determine the appropriate maintenance frequencies for each component based on factors such as usage intensity, load capacity, and environmental conditions. This will require consideration of goods being transported into and around the racking and the methods of transport with associated risks. Ā Some components may require more frequent inspections and maintenance than others.

Establish Maintenance Procedures

Define clear maintenance procedures for addressing identified issues. Ensure that the procedures align with manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices.

Assign Responsibility

Assign responsibility for the preventive maintenance plan to qualified personnel who have the necessary knowledge and skills. This may involve training existing staff or hiring external experts if required.

Implement a Tracking System

Implement a tracking system to record and monitor maintenance activities. This can be done using computerised maintenance management software (CMMS) or a simple spreadsheet. The tracking system should include details such as inspection dates, maintenance actions taken, and any follow-up requirements.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Now that you have defined what, why and how often things needs to be maintained, establish a schedule for regular inspections. Consider also the factors such as the workload of the warehouse, peak seasons, and any specific requirements of the racking systems. Regular inspections should be conducted at predetermined intervals to ensure timely identification and resolution of issues.

Develop Inspection Checklists

Create detailed inspection checklists that cover all critical components and potential issues. These checklists should include visual inspections for signs of damage, corrosion, misalignment, or other abnormalities. Additionally, consider using specialized tools such as load testers to assess the structural integrity of the racking systems.

Document and Analyse Findings

Document all inspection findings and maintenance actions taken. Analyse the data over time to identify recurring issues, trends, or patterns that may require adjustments to the preventive maintenance plan. This analysis can help optimize the plan and improve its effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement

Regularly review and update the preventive maintenance plan based on feedback, lessons learned, and changes in the warehouse operations including;

  • if materials and services can be deployed or sourced more efficiently and cost effectively,
  • should impact protection solutions be implemented or improved.
  • can storage or workflows be redesigned,
  • do employees require training.

Continuous improvement ensures that the plan remains effective in preventing major issues and optimising the lifespan of the racking systems.

Training for Warehouse Teams

Empowering your warehouse teams with adequate training is critical in supporting a preventative maintenance plan. Warehouse teams should be trained to recognize signs of wear, damage, or instability in the racking system. This includes understanding the importance of load limits, recognizing damaged components, and knowing when to report potential safety concerns. Training should also equip personnel with a clear protocol to follow in the event they encounter a safety issue. Encouraging an open reporting culture ensures that any observed problems are promptly communicated to supervisors or maintenance teams for swift resolution.

By following these steps, businesses can build a comprehensive and effective preventive maintenance plan for warehouse racking, leading to cost savings, improved safety, and increased operational efficiency.

Warehouse Racking Specialists

With four decades of industry leadership in the UK, Rack Group has been a trusted partner for businesses, enhancing the longevity of their racking systems while optimising safety and operations. Our comprehensive racking services cover the entire lifecycle, encompassing emergency repairs, maintenance, inspections, and training. Whether you require assistance in developing a preventative maintenance plan or support for specific aspects of your operations, Rack Group is here to help you.

šŸ“ž 01226 78 44 88

šŸ“§ info@therackgroup.com

The Benefits of Local Businesses Partnering with Rack Group

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As an industrial storage business located in Yorkshire, you have a unique opportunity to tap into Rack Group’s valuable services that can transform local businesses and the way you manage your warehouse, and storage systems.

Rack Group, head quartered in Barnsley has decades of experience and expertise in industrial racking, offering a range of benefits that can significantly benefit your business operations. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of partnering with Rack Group’s industrial racking experts right in your backyard.

Rack Group, Industrial Racking Experts

Local Presence, Global Expertise

Rack Group’s roots are firmly planted in Yorkshire, as a trusted local partner. However, their expertise extends far beyond the region. With over 40 years of industry experience, Rack Group has served businesses across the UK and beyond.

This means you get the best of both worlds: the personal touch of a local partner and the world-class knowledge of a global expert.

Lightning-Fast Response Times

Rack Group’s reputation for being fast and responsive is one of their standout qualities. In the fast-paced world of warehousing, time is of the essence Having Rack Group just around the corner translates to lightning-fast response times. Whether it’s urgent inspections, timely repairs, or immediate consultations, their local presence ensures that help is never too far away.

This rapid response capability minimises disruptions to your daily operations and keeps your warehouse running smoothly. Rack Group also provide a range of dedicated training courses which can easily be provide either at the dedicated training centre in Barnsley or onsite.

Cost-Effective Collaboration

One of the many benefits of working with Rack Group as a local business is the reduction in travel cost and time. With their close proximity to your location, you can eliminate the need for extensive travel or transportation costs associated with sourcing expertise from afar.

This cost efficiency can have a positive impact on your bottom line, allowing you to allocate resources more effectively.

Boosting Local Economy

By choosing Rack Group, you’re not only optimising your warehouse operations but also supporting a local business in Yorkshire. Your collaboration contributes to the growth and sustainability of the local economy, fostering a sense of community and shared prosperity.

It’s a win-win scenario where your business benefits, and so does the region you call home.

Tailored Solutions with Local Insight

Rack Group understand the unique challenges and opportunities that businesses in Yorkshire face. This local insight allows them to offer tailored solutions that are specifically designed to sourcing new premises which requires local knowledge, and regional considerations.

Sustainability

Rack Group is committed to sustainability, and their local presence aligns perfectly with environmentally responsible practices. With reduced travel distances for their team, you’re helping to lower carbon emissions and support eco-friendly initiatives.

Rack Group further contributes to a greener future as their barrier solutions are non-toxic and fully recyclable. By choosing Rack Group as your partner it will bolster your dedication to sustainability while also benefiting from a greener approach to business.

No Nonsense Cost Savings Approach

Rack Group’s services are designed to save you both time and money. By optimising your storage solutions and extending the lifespan of your racking systems, they help you avoid costly repairs and replacements.

Their proactive approach means that potential issues are identified and addressed before they become expensive problems.

Trusted Neighbourhood Experts

Having Rack Group as your local industrial racking experts means you’re working with a team deeply ingrained in the Yorkshire community. They’re not just service providers; they’re trusted neighbours who understand the importance of local business relationships.

When you choose Rack Group as your local industrial racking experts in Yorkshire, you unlock a multitude of benefits that go beyond traditional service providers. With cost-effective collaboration, rapid response times, and the support of a local business, you’re making a smart choice for your warehouse operations. Your partnership with Rack Group not only optimizes your business but also bolsters the local economy and contributes to a sustainable future for all local businesses.

For local businesses, whether you need assistance with racking inspections, protection, repairs, installation or training, Rack Group’s industrial racking experts are ready to help. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your business with Rack Group’s expertise and local services!

For more information on The Rack Group’s products and services, please contact us today for further details.