If you are trying to make the best use of your vertical space, you may have looked into installing a mezzanine floor. Usually found between two main levels of structure, a mezzanine floor is an intermediary level, floor, or platform. Although they can cover the whole floor space of your building, often, they only cover a portion to allow for easy loading of stock between levels. Simply put mezzanine floors are a cost-effective solution to space limitations.
Throughout this blog we will be exploring which industries benefit from installing mezzanine floors and how? Here at Premier Mezzanines, we pride ourselves in the level of quality of service we provide when installing mezzanine floors throughout Bristol and the South West. This wealth of experience has enabled us to provide you with a list of our most common type of client and how they benefit from mezzanine flooring, we will be investigating, manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce and retail.
1. The Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry is constantly being pushed to optimise production space whilst simultaneously keeping costs down to allow for larger profit margins. In fact, ‘acornic.co.uk’ report that in 2024 “55%” of companies “have increased their supply chain investment to ensure efficient operation, reduce costs and increase satisfaction with partners and customers” The mezzanine floor in this use case is the perfect solution, it can provide additional space for a variety of uses providing the load capacity is adhered to and explained correctly. These used include production, storage or administrative areas such as offices.
Why Mezzanine Floors Work for Manufacturing
- Cost Effective: Simply put, mezzanine floors are extremely cost-effective when compared to other options. Expanding into a larger or additional premises can be both costly in the traditional sense and time wise. A complete upheaval of all workers, equipment and stock is a mammoth task.
- Flexibility: Mezzanine Floor design is extremely flexible and can fit most company’s needs with little effort. Whether your objective is adding increased production space or creating an office space above the factory floor, mezzanine floor design offers unrivalled versatility.
- Real-Life Examples: At Premier Mezzanines we have provided many local companies with mezzanine floors who operate in the manufacturing industry. A perfect example is our work for local chemical manufacturer and retailer ‘Barrettine Group’. We assisted ‘Barrettine Group’ in installing a mezzanine floor around 2 chemical storage tank which needed to be filled from the top, hence the need for floor surrounding the top of both.
2. Logistics and Warehousing
It goes without saying that in the logistic and warehousing industries space is at a premium especially in large urban areas such as Bristol. ‘Statista’ in its report about commercial real estate in the UK backs up this claim by reporting “warehouses are forecast to generate the highest rental growth and capital value increase in the UK commercial real estate sector”.
To compound this situation the just-in-time delivery model is becoming the go-to, in these sectors. ‘AGI Global Logistics’ defines “Just-in-time” as a model “aimed at minimising inventory storage costs and improving overall efficiency”. This mix of rising rental costs for commercial spaces and the need to minimise inventory storage has created the perfect storm for a rise in mezzanine flooring installations.
Why Mezzanine Floors Work for Logistics:
- Storage Optimisation: The main draw is the ability for companies operating in these sectors to maximise their storage capacity by utilising their available vertical space. This can be particularly useful when storing seasonal or overflow inventory.
- Improved Workflow: With the ‘Just-in-time’ model being aimed at streamlining operations improved workflow is where mezzanine floors really shine. Being able to increase your floor space by up to 100% allows for better inventory management, improving workflow and cutting costs.
- Customisable Solutions: As previously mentioned, mezzanine floors can be designed to accommodate different specific needs. This is particularly vital when incorporating systems which have specific layout requirements such as conveyor systems or pick-and-pack areas.
Premier Mezzanines often assists companies specialising in logistics in the Bristol and South West area. One client was Sofa Express, operating out of Gloucester, they came to Premier Mezzanines desperately needing additional storage space to facilitate large containers of extra stock arriving in the near future. A carefully planned mezzanine floor layout was designed to incorporate the existing mezzanine floor area and relocation of two staircases whilst almost doubling their existing storage space. Read the full case study here.
3. E-commerce Industry
E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally with ‘statista’ claiming that “Revenue in the eCommerce Market is projected to reach US$129.70bn in 2024” and that’s just the UK alone. Quick growth within an industry demands scalable solutions to problems throughout every facet. Mezzanine flooring has become an increasingly popular solution in e-commerce warehouses, they provide additional space needed to deal with high inventory turnover and are scalable to allow for rapid growth.
Why Mezzanine Floors Work for E-commerce:
- Scalability: E-commerce businesses often grow rapidly and therefore can outgrow their existing spaces. Mezzanine floors provide a solution with can grow with the business by adding additional storage or operations as the business needs them.
- Efficiency: Mezzanine floors can assist in creating a more efficient workflow for e-commerce warehouse staff. By creating distinct areas for different stock, picking and packing or office areas it allows for more focused working.
- Case Study: Rough Trade came to Premier Mezzanines needing a mezzanine floor installed into their existing warehouse in Bristol. Their focus was to increase the floor space in their new premises so that they can keep up with the demand of their ever-growing business. With very little office space already in the unit, part of the mezzanine was to be used for 2 meeting rooms complete with solid partitions with windows, new doors, and suspended ceilings in both. This separation of the office space allowed for more focused working and obviously the mezzanine provided approx. 170sqm of added space to the unit.
These points highlight the important role mezzanine floors play in helping the e-commerce industry as it rapidly expands,
4. Retail Industry
The retail is obviously all about maximising profits on the products you sell. One way to maximise profits is keep operating costs to a minimum, this can often be achieved by operating online only and becoming an ecommerce business. However, what if your business hinges on displaying or letting prospective customers try out products, well this is where expanding your floor space vertically can really help keep operating costs to a minimum.
Why Mezzanine Floors Work for Retail:
- Multi-Level Retail Space: As illuded to above mezzanine floors are a cost-effective way to provide you with extra space in your current unit without an expensive extension or relocation. However, leading on from this is the idea of creating a unique experience which customers will remember. Multi-level retail spaces can enhance the shopping experience whilst also increasing the amount of display area available for products.
- Improved Customer Flow: Leading on from the above point, creating multiple levels can allow for better customer flow management. Positives of this can be reduced congestion, increased efficiency, improved security and if done correctly, higher overall revenue.
- Storage and Office Solutions: Retailers can also used mezzanine floors to create additional storage space for inventory or create office areas which sit above the sales floor creating a divide between operational and customer-facing spaces which is key to customer experience.
It is clear to see from the above points how retail spaces in urban areas such as Bristol can be enhanced by the addition of a mezzanine floor.
Conclusion
Mezzanine floors provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for a variety of different industries. Whether you’re in manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce or retail you may a mezzanine floor can help you make the of your existing space without the need for expensive expansion or relocations.
If you’re considering installing mezzanine flooring in Bristol or the surrounding areas, we’re here to assist with that. With a proven track record of project being delivered on time and within budget we can help you design and install a mezzanine floor which meets your specific needs. Contact us today for a consultation and discovery how we can help your business grow.