The logistics industry is an important contributor to the UK economy, moving millions of goods daily across supply chains that join up production lines, warehouses, distribution hubs, and transport networks.
Moving a high volume of goods around brings the challenges of safe working and damage prevention. Poor handling, inadequate storage solutions, and unstable packaging can result in accidents and damaged goods, leading to financial losses and delays. This is where stillages, cages, A-frames, and other containers play a vital role. These solutions help businesses minimise risks, protect their products, and maintain a safe working environment. JS Burgess’ range of steel stillages, cages and bins not only streamline operations but also contribute to logistics safety, organisation, and cost-effectiveness.
What are the different storage options?
Stillages
Stillages act as robust platforms, ensuring goods are securely stored or transported without damage. They can be standardised for general use or custom-designed for specific applications. For example:
- Tyre Stillages: Designed to securely store and transport vehicle tyres, preventing deformation and damage.
- Pipe Stillages: Ideal for long and cylindrical items like pipes, rods, or tubing, providing stability and preventing rolling during transit.
- Glass A-Frames: Used for carrying delicate glass panels, the A-shaped design ensures weight is evenly distributed, keeping panes stable and protected during transit. Industries such as construction, glazing, and manufacturing rely on A-frames.
- Pallet Stillages: A hybrid between a traditional pallet and a cage, pallet stillages are especially useful for bulky or irregularly shaped items that cannot be secured on traditional pallets.
- Post Stillage: Featuring a flat base, similar to a pallet stillage, but with vertical steel posts at the corners. These posts provide structural support for goods, allowing them to be stacked or secured vertically.
Cages
Steel cages are frameworks used to store and move goods securely. Their open structure allows for easy identification of contents, better airflow and reduces the overall weight. They can be stackable or collapsible, making them ideal for saving space when not in use. They are widely used in industries such as retail, automotive, and manufacturing for transporting components or materials.
Stillages and steel cages typically include a forklift-friendly base with integrated fork pockets or a raised frame. This design allows forklift tines to slide underneath the unit, ensuring smooth lifting and manoeuvring. Stackable design options allow forklifts to optimise vertical storage space.
Steel: an ideal material for logistics storage solutions
For several reasons, steel is an exceptional material for manufacturing stillages, cages, and A-frames. It’s incredibly strong; unlike wooden or plastic alternatives, steel solutions are built to last for years, providing excellent return on investment. They can resist damage caused by rough handling and heavy use and operate in extreme temperatures. Steel is also highly recyclable; at the end of its life, it can be recycled and repurposed.
Improving Efficiency and Safety
Steel stillages, cages and other steel containers are crucial in modern logistics operations. Their strength, versatility, and durability make them indispensable tools for safely storing and transporting resources from the factory to companies and consumers.
In addition to improving efficiency, they also contribute to workplace safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that over 7,000 injuries occur annually in the UK’s warehousing and storage sector, highlighting the inherent risks in these environments. By securely storing and transporting goods, stillages and cages minimise the risk of accidents through manual and improperly handled items.
For businesses aiming to streamline operations, improve safety, and protect their products, steel solutions provide a smart, long-term investment that supports every step of the supply chain. Whether you need standard equipment or custom-designed solutions, JS Burgess delivers quality, durable products on time and on budget. Get in touch with us today.