Reach New Heights with Pre-Engineered Mezzanines

Integrating Mezzanines & Work Platforms into Your Industrial Facility

Mezzanine structures and work platforms allow your facility to go higher, literally and figuratively. They allow you to take full advantage of your facility’s vertical space and maintain all operations or workflow needs within your current structure. When your facility has to expand, it can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you’re glad to have the opportunity for growth; on the other hand, you now have the task of determining whether or not you need (or can afford) to move offsite. Mezzanines take this dilemma off your hands by affording you the space to integrate your new operations and/or expanded inventory.

What Are Pre-engineered Mezzanine Structures Used For?

Simply put, prefabricated mezzanines can be anything you need them to be, from an expanded platform for inventory or equipment storage to housing fully outfitted modular office or conference spaces with plumbing, electrical and other utilities. Some of the common uses for mezzanine structures include:

• Inventory and equipment storage
• Inplant office space
• Equipment platforms
• Conference and breakroom space
• Workshop space
• Cleanrooms and environmental Rooms

Mezzanine structures are available using our Quick-Ship ordering process. Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI) offers full-service, turnkey installation to get your new mezzanine integrated quickly into your operations and workflow.

Making It Happen: How Are Mezzanine Structures Made and Installed?

The primary structural elements in a mezzanine structure include columns, framing, and a level and sufficiently strong and level floor. While there are standard sizes for baseline construction, stronger and higher-capacity elements are available for heavier-duty purposes. Surfaces can be used that will withstand pallet jack traffic, conveyors, pallet racking, shelving, and modular storage cabinets. Column size, placement, framing system, and slab capacity will help define what features the structure needs for finalized construction.

The design and building specs for mezzanine structures will vary based on a variety of factors. When starting the process of integrating these structures into your building, ask yourself:

• What is the purpose of this structure?
• Will it be for indoor or outdoor use?
• Will it fit the design and footprint of the facility’s current layout?
• Is there sufficient exit access?
• Will this structure accommodate future growth plans?

The good news is that there is a mezzanine building for all purposes, including single and two-story models, heavy-duty equipment storage, pick-module platforms, employee spaces, and more.

 Is Your Floor Safe for Your Mezzanine Platform?

You’ll want to assess immediately whether or not conditions on the ground are suitable and safe for a mezzanine. Building on an unsafe or unlevel ground can lead to serious safety risks. Make sure your contractor conducts a comprehensive slab analysis to determine the strength of your concrete and what special footings and other structural elements may be needed to make it safe and level. Floor strength is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). In many cases increasing the baseplate size can replace footers resulting in cost savings.

Does the Structure Meet Safety and Code Requirements?

Work with a company that will ensure compliance with all fire, safety, and OSHA codes, including all egress requirements. Criteria for compliance include factors like an adequate number of steps that meet building code, appropriate railing, and safety features, clearly defined access gates, and more. Other factors to consider are height requirements above ground and HVAC extension requirements within your facility. Safety features like gates and guardrails, stairs, landings, and VRCs,  should be built to ANSI MH28.3: 2009 standards and OSHA guidelines. A PE (professional engineer) stamp ensures a higher level of quality, safety, and peace of mind for your structure while helping you satisfy regulatory requirements.

How Long Will the Installation Take?

Normal lead time for manufacturing is six weeks, with a two-week installation for small to medium structures. Allow two to four weeks for approval of drawings and permitting. Normal lead time for permits can be up to four weeks. Local codes authorities often require a PE-stamped drawing and egress plan for permit approval. Permits also normally include fire protection and electrical as part of the process.

Let WOI Take You Higher

When you’re ready to design and install a safe, quality-built prefabricated mezzanine structure in your facility, contact WOI. Our team has been at the forefront of mezzanine design and construction for over 20 years. We provide comprehensive guidance and professional installation. We offer expert architectural services, turnkey design, and installation, and handle all administrative aspects of the project, including all compliance and permitting.

With our 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™, WOI guarantees that we will 1. Listen to your needs, 2. Execute your project with special attention to your unique application, 3. Stick to project timelines, 4. Ensure a safe environment, and 5. Pay close attention to the appearance of the finished product. The WOI team will walk you through each stage of the process and provide expert customer service to deliver great results and peace of mind. 

Contact a member of our team today and let’s chat or Zoom. Call (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.