Welcome to the New Warehouse podcast. In this episode recorded at Promat 2023, Kevin hosts Daniel Aguirre, Sales Manager at Nucor Warehouse Systems (NWS). Nucor is renowned as the largest steel producer in North America, with over 300 locations and a team of 31,000 members. NWS, a division of Nucor, specializes in providing end-to-end solutions in the pallet racking sector. With a strong emphasis on safety and sustainability, Nucor Warehouse Systems stands out as a leader in the industry.

Safety: A Top Priority for Nucor Warehouse Systems

Aguirre shares NWS’s impressive track record of over 50 live projects completed without a recordable safety incident last year: “Being the safest steel company in the world is number one in our culture.” A key component of their safety success is implementing a comprehensive safety manual for installation work on-site. By ensuring that all installers are certified and follow this manual, NWS guarantees the well-being of both their employees and customers. Aguirre states, “We’re the first to create a safety manual for on-site installation work. We ensure that all our installers are certified and follow that manual.”

Sustainability: A Commitment to Recycling and Reconfiguration

Nucor Warehouse Systems focuses on safety and is also deeply committed to sustainability. As a vertically integrated steel manufacturer, NWS prioritizes recycling and reconfiguration. Aguirre adds, “We have the vertically integrated capability to recycle old steel racks, tear them down, utilize our scrap partner to recycle that steel, and reconfigure it to the most sustainable and optimized solution for the warehouse.”

They transform the steel into new, sustainable rack solutions by leveraging their ability to recycle old racks through their scrap partners.

Responding to Industry Trends: Going Higher and Automating Warehouses

As warehouses grow taller and automation becomes increasingly widespread, the warehousing industry is experiencing a significant shift in design and functionality. This evolution calls for innovative racking solutions and advanced engineering to accommodate the demands of automated systems and optimize vertical space utilization, ensuring efficient and sustainable warehouse operations. 

Aguirre shares with some warehouses reaching heights of up to 125 feet, NWS ensures the integrity and strength of their racking systems through meticulous engineering and design work. They adapt to evolving requirements, providing high-tolerance rack solutions that align with the needs of automation and efficient space utilization. Aguirre highlights the changing landscape of warehouses, stating, “Overall, North America is being more strategic with land usage and focusing on automation. We provide racks with higher tolerances that meet the requirements of finished products and drive projects to completion.”

Key Takeaways

• Nucor boasts an impressive record of over 50 live projects completed last year without any safety incidents. They have implemented a comprehensive safety manual for on-site installation work and ensure all installers are certified.
• Nucor is committed to recycling and reconfiguration, leveraging its vertically integrated capabilities to recycle old steel racks and transform them into new, sustainable rack solutions. This focus on sustainability sets them apart in the industry.
• As warehouses grow taller and automation becomes more prevalent, they need high-tolerance rack solutions that meet the needs of automation and efficient space utilization.

Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Guest Information

For more information on Nucor Warehouse Systems, click here.

To connect with Daniel on LinkedIn, click here.

For more information about warehouse safety, check out the podcasts below. 

Episode 320: Improving Safety with Lopos

EP 305: GMR Safety at MODEX 2022

EP 288: Safety with Toyota Material Handling