Automotive storage solutions that keep the country moving
The new state-of-the-art building was to be home to Caterham’s production, engineering, motorsport and commercial teams.
The 54,000 sq ft facility – a multi-million-pound investment from owners VT Holdings, one of Japan’s largest retailer groups – is within close proximity to the existing factory, enabling the retention of the skilled workforce who are responsible for hand assembling all cars.
Following a nine-month fit out and transformation, the new building now features the very latest paint booths, an engine shop, a parts warehouse and 33 individual bays, where each car builder is responsible for the complete build of a Caterham Seven car.
Caterham enthusiasts can book a factory tour of the new facility. The brand also plans to offer a range of other customer experiences including events and vehicle handovers.
As is the way we work, we use our initiative and take complete ownership of our projects from start to finish, working alongside all stakeholders to ensure smooth running and delivery every step of the way.
While talking to Caterham and its consultant architect about storage solutions for the new building based near the Thames Estuary, other requirements soon came to light.
As well as the parts, where and how were the cars being stored while in production? How were the parts going to reach production lines?
The outcome is that we have supplied, delivered and installed an indoor car park for 50 vehicles awaiting delivery, a bespoke car lift platform to a mezzanine car deck for models nearing completion and two goods lifts (one in and one out) to enable parts to reach the areas of the building where they are needed.
Problem-solving calls for experience and knowledge to create bespoke solutions. Knowing the building was near the estuary and taking account of the need for a mezzanine car deck; we conducted slab tests to ensure the building’s concrete floor was capable of supporting the struts needed to hold up the mezzanine.
It was, but it would not support a two-storey mezzanine as was originally mooted.
The end result is a 465sq/m mezzanine floor at a height of 3,450mm adjoining a further 720sq/m parts department mezzanine, which can house 50 cars either part built or fully completed ready to be shipped to customers.
The bespoke vehicle lift was also tailored to Caterham’s individual needs given the size of the vehicles. It measures 4m x 2.1m, is capable of carrying 750kgs and was specially modified to accommodate the extra length of a Caterham Seven and due to the exhaust being lower than the chassis itself.
But back to the beginning and the initial reason for our commission – shelving and racking.
The new HQ gave Caterham the opportunity to take its storage facilities to the next level given the thousands of parts in storage.
The outstanding service we provide is equally matched by the quality of the world-renowned products we supply, so we too went to the next level to ensure stock and storage work in perfect harmony.
That meant our team spent days handling every single part being stored, which amounted to 12,500 lines, ranging from fuses and switches to bespoke seats, role cages, bonnets, doors, glass, wiring, pipes, shock absorbers, drive shafts and more – a substantial increase on the approximation we had been given.
The result is quite a complex but easy to navigate storage system that significantly improves Caterham’s stock management.
Here’s what we created:
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and is transformational for the business.
“Not only will we be able to increase our production capacity by 50%, but Caterham fans and customers will also be able to see first-hand where our cars are assembled.
“It’s a hugely impressive modern facility and I have no doubt they’ll be blown away by it. I certainly am and I know our staff are thrilled to be operating in such a world-class facility.”
As is the way we work, we use our initiative and take complete ownership of our projects from start to finish, working alongside all stakeholders to ensure smooth running and delivery every step of the way.
While talking to Caterham and its consultant architect about storage solutions for the new building based near the Thames Estuary, other requirements soon came to light.
As well as the parts, where and how were the cars being stored while in production? How were the parts going to reach production lines?
The outcome is that we have supplied, delivered and installed an indoor car park for 50 vehicles awaiting delivery, a bespoke car lift platform to a mezzanine car deck for models nearing completion and two goods lifts (one in and one out) to enable parts to reach the areas of the building where they are needed.
The boltless SSI Schaefer solutions we install are fully scalable and able to grow with your business, meaning you can always upgrade or retrofit. They are easily adjustable, user friendly and futureproof.
And once you become a Linco Automotive client our exceptional service and support extends far beyond installation.
We’re on hand for ongoing requirements such as reconfigurations, relocations, and additional accessories. We are committed to making sure our clients get the best out of the world class storage solutions we supply.
Such is our trust in our designs, and the products we supply, we offer a buy-back option if you don’t need the storage anymore. We also offer free storage for installations waiting to be reinstalled.
For more information, or to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Click here to get in touch or call us on 0333 577 2595.
Contact our team of specialists for open and honest advice about your next project or bespoke requirements.
Contact us