Pallet rack design has undergone significant transformations since its inception, with key milestones shaping its current form. According to Google’s featured snippet, the keyhole punch design revolutionized the industry, offering a more efficient and secure way to structure storage systems.
Once upon a time, there was a Chicago-based company named Acme Steel. They had been in business under various iterations since 1887, surviving two world wars, the Great Depression, and numerous other challenges. However, in the 1950s, they faced robust competition and excess capacity. To overcome these challenges, Acme sought new markets and opportunities for their steel, a quest that unlocked a new world for the pallet rack and materials handling industries.
Are you interested in learning more about cantilever racking for sale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
The Good News
The good news was Acme produced steel up to 14" wide; the bad news was they could only produce steel up to 14" wide. Post World War II competition intensified in the steel industry, with competitors producing steel up to 60" wide, accessing broader market opportunities. Determined to compete, Acme assembled a team of engineers to innovate new uses for steel no wider than 14".
In 1957, engineer Bill Lorden recommended that pallet rack was a potential product for Acme, setting the wheels of a historic design in motion. He requested funding to engineer and design a pallet rack product. Nick Zagotta, a team member, recalls, "We talked to people in the rack business and examined sample pieces. We did not want to make it like anyone else's," he explained.
In 1958, Acme management officially appropriated up to $3500 or 500 engineering hours for Bill and his team to develop a new pallet rack design using 14" steel.
The Key
The engineers ultimately settled on the keyhole design, foundational in today's roll-formed pallet racking, often referred to as the "teardrop" punch. Lorden’s team also designed connections allowing uprights and beams to be secured without nuts and bolts, making assembly easier than current offerings.
Industry Impact
Acme applied for a patent, and by March 1960, they had shipped their first order! Within 6-7 years, competitors were redesigning their pallet racking to ensure compatibility with Acme's keyhole design. Lorden's design had become the "key" to market entry for these products.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Ezlock pallet racks.
Common Cantilever Rack Capacity & Size Charts - Warehouse1
Over the years, variations and modifications have been developed for roll-formed pallet rack hole punching. We’ve even blogged about it in 'Roll-Formed Pallet Racking... What’s with All Those Holes?' But we wouldn't be where we are today without the creativity of Bill Lorden and the Acme Steel Company team.
In 1964, Acme merged with Interlake Iron Corp. to form Interlake Steel Corp. Bill passed away in 2019, but we honor his and his colleagues' significant contributions to the industry.
The History of Pallet Racking & Warehouses
From the industrial revolution to the rise of Amazon, warehouses have been pivotal in business history. But where did it all begin? How did warehouses and pallet racking become so essential to companies and economies?
The Year 15,000 BW (Before Warehouses)
Warehouses, in different forms, have existed since humans engaged in agriculture. Settling down meant storing harvested food, making early warehouses necessary. However, modern warehouses are a more recent invention.
The Modern Warehouse, Pallet Racking Systems, and the Industrial Revolution
A planned and efficient warehouse with organized pallet racking systems emerged during the Industrial Revolution. This innovation allowed humans to produce surplus, crucial for the development of jobs beyond farming.
Warehouses Today and the Importance of SEMA Approved Pallet Racking Inspections
Post-Industrial Revolution, warehouses evolved to become more functional. Today, warehouses serve various roles—from historical buildings repurposed for art to advanced structures fueling online shopping. Companies like Amazon excel with well-maintained warehouses and pallet racking systems.
Current challenges involve balancing growth and safety. SEMA approved pallet racking inspections and courses are vital for safety and profitability. Contact Storage Equipment Experts Ltd for a SEMA approved racking inspection.
We are the world's best Ezlock pallet racks manufacturer. Our specialized staff will help you find what you need.
Comments
Please Join Us to post.
0