QTS Ltd

Nene Group PLC acquires UK mesh solutions manufacturer, Qube Total Solutions Ltd (QTS)

QTS Ltd — 12/04/2021

Nene Group PLC can proudly announce the recent acquisition of Qube Total Solutions Ltd (QTS) based in Pinxton, Nottinghamshire.

QTS Ltd has nearly 20 years’ experience as a manufacturer of wire-mesh material handling solutions and will continue to operate independently whilst remaining a true trade only business under the Nene Group umbrella, benefiting from investment to expedite future growth opportunities.

This acquisition allows Nene Group PLC to further expand on its position within the storage industry, as it adds QTS Ltd to its already successful and growing list of subsidiaries, which includes Nene Group (Commercial Property investments), Nene Housing Developments, Nene Storage Equipment Ltd and more.

In its certainty to remain independent, Nene Group PLC has retained the existing Senior Management Team of QTS Ltd but would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Chairman and Founder of QTS Ltd, Shaun Ingram and wish him all the best for his well earned retirement.

Nene Group PLC remains committed to delivering consistent high levels of service excellence to its customers and remains focussed on creating prosperous environments for its employees, accepting nothing less from its respective subsidiaries.

Not only does this acquisition demonstrate the dynamic, forward thinking strategy of Nene Group PLC, but It also enables QTS Ltd to succeed in its clear mission to become the market leader of wire-mesh material handling solutions and preferred partner of choice to its growing trade customer base.

QTS Ltd Managing Director, Craig De-Lara had this to say “QTS is already a recognised name due to its lengthy standing in the Storage and Warehousing Industry, having grown from a modest importer of roll-cages and wire-mesh decks nearly two decades ago, to being the UK’s largest wire-mesh deck manufacturer and growing mesh solutions supplier. Proudly supplying to over 90% of the markets racking manufactures, installers and trusted distributors nationally, QTS remains a trade only supplier to its long standing and valued customers. As such, QTS keeps its independence, but will benefit immensely from the necessary investment of Nene Group, to help accelerate its goals to expand into new markets and new territory with the introduction of technology, modern machinery and investments in its people.”

QTS Join MIM with Plans to be a Panellist at Made Futures

QTS Ltd — 09/03/2021

QTS, a leading manufacturer of wire mesh-based material handling solutions for the logistics industry, recently joined Made in the Midlands to network and learn from leaders within UK manufacturing. Craig De-Lara, Managing Director at QTS, also has plans to be a panellist at the Made Futures event ‘Meet Britain’s Makers: East Midlands’.

With a history spanning over 18 years, QTS has built up an enviable reputation and remains the specialist mesh manufacturer of choice, for pallet racking manufacturers and key distributors across the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe.

Craig decided to sign QTS up to be part of the Made in Group after sharing a similar affiliation with the digital drive of the trade association and hopes this will help elevate the business in its own digital journey. After Craig’s appointment to Managing Director at QTS in January 2021, Craig also feels, by being part of the group, he can extract knowledge, best practice and fresh ideas from industry leaders who have been working in the sector for many years, through networking events such as Virtual Breakfast Mornings.

“I am hoping to interact and build relationships with all kinds of business leaders. I believe the more you interact with a broad spectrum of people, the more you can learn. If you limit yourself, you miss opportunities for something new, something different. This will allow QTS to evaluate what is currently out there, remain competitive and understand what we can continue to do as a business to grow. In summary, we hope to utilize the platform to network with as many people as possible.” Craig explained. “Therefore we will put in the work to get the best benefits from the Made in Group.”

QTS is currently going through an innovative transformation, putting manufacturing in an e-commerce light. This has encouraged the company to look at its online marketing presence and customer engagement, heavily investing in these two aspects of the business. Craig continued:

“Personally, I would like to bring a new and dynamic spin on something that seems like a traditional industry to the Made in Group. The entire world is going through an extremely difficult time at the moment and sharing mindsets and looking at new opportunities is vital in uncertain times.”

At Meet Britain's Makers - East Midlands event for Made Futures, Craig will be discussing the potential impact of Brexit, what he believes makes for a good career in manufacturing, and what QTS brings to manufacturing.

Introducing the Newly Re-designed rackGUARDIAN™!

QTS Ltd — 14/11/2023

At QTS Ltd, we never settle for the status quo. Our mission to provide optimal warehouse solutions has driven us to refine and enhance our products continually. We're elated to introduce you to the re-designed rackGUARDIAN™, our latest advancement in ensuring unparalleled warehouse safety.

Enhance your warehouse's safety standards with the rackGUARDIAN™ pallet racking safety mesh. This sturdy and vital safety feature firmly attaches to the rear of pallet racks or within the flue spaces. Our design-registered safety brackets ensure a secure and durable barrier, safeguarding your employees and merchandise from potential accidents and falls. Trust rackGUARDIAN™ to fortify your warehouse's health and safety measures effectively.

For more information, visit our website: https://bit.ly/3QUnEi2

QTS Open Week: An Overview

QTS Ltd — 02/01/2024

QTS recently marked a significant milestone by hosting its inaugural Open Week from 23rd to 27th October at our Nottinghamshire facilities. The event offered attendees an in-depth look at our operational processes and product range, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Highlights of the Open Week:

Factory Tour Led by John Foster: Attendees explored the QTS factory, gaining insight into our manufacturing process, from initial concepts to final products. This tour underscored our commitment to quality, as evidenced by our ISO9001 certification.
Product Showcase in Our New Showroom: Visitors experienced our complete product range, including the newly designed rackGUARDIAN™ anti-collapse mesh system, in a hands-on, interactive showroom setting.
Presentation on rackGUARDIAN™ System: A detailed presentation highlighted the development and strength of our innovative rackGUARDIAN™ system, complete with an impactful testing video demonstration.
Quote to Site™ Software Demonstration: A major feature of the week was the demonstration of our Quote to Site™ customer software, showcasing its efficiency in reducing quote-generation time and improving operational productivity.

The event concluded with a networking session, allowing for valuable face-to-face interactions with our customers. The Open Week was not only an educational platform but also a testament to QTS's growth and commitment to our clients. We invite those who couldn't attend to contact their account manager for a personal visit to our facilities.

For a full breakdown of the day, visit our blog: https://www.qts-ltd.co.uk/a-recap-of-qtss-first-ever-open-week/

Silent Auction for Rainbows

QTS Ltd — 01/09/2021

Finally our silent auction for Rainbows children’s hospice is now live! We have an amazing opportunity for you to win a round for 4 at the exclusive JCB Golf & Country Club.

About Rainbows Children’s hospice:

“Sadly, some children simply don’t live long enough. Since 1994 we’ve opened our doors and hearts to those children and the people who love them most. And now more than ever, we need your help to keep on bringing care and happiness to our children and families.

As the East Midlands’ only hospice for children and young people, we provide vital care and support to families impacted by life-limiting conditions

Your support means we can provide end of life care, symptom management, short breaks and respite care. We can also be there to support parents and siblings through their bereavements.

Our team are there for families when they need us the most, but we couldn’t do our work without the help of people like you. We know that together we can bring more love, smiles and laughter to our children, young people and families.”

– Rainbows children’s hospice

How to Enter:

To win the silent auction for Rainbows, email your highest bid along with your full name and contact details to:
competition@qts-ltd.co.uk

Competition opens at 9am on the 1st September and will close at midnight on the 15th September 2021.

The reserve price is set at £300 (£75 per person). Bids below this will not be counted. Your donation must be made by the winner to our JustGiving page (link below) within 72 hours of notification. Failure to do so will result in the prize going to the second highest bidder.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/qtsforrainbows

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us here or email competition@qts-ltd.co.uk

How to organise a warehouse for efficiency

QTS Ltd — 09/09/2021

“How to organise a warehouse” is normally the first question that someone would ask themselves whenever they have a space for storing items. You could be a newly emerging e-commerce company or a well-established operation, organisation should always be at the front of your mind.

The biggest benefit of organisation is efficiency. An efficient warehouse will maximise its profits and grow much faster than an unorganised one. Along with that, you will be able to maximise the storage space available to you. Warehouse space is at a premium following the e-commerce boom that has followed the covid pandemic so making the most of the space available to you is pivotal. An increase in organisation will also help to keep your stock and your operatives safe, the latter being one of the most important things about running any business.

Where to start with how to organise your warehouse?

If you have a blank canvas this will be a little simpler than a pre-existing warehouse with a large stock holding and pre-existing infrastructure.

Firstly, to maximise the space available, you are going to want a racking system. This is usually characterised by a succession of uprights connected with beams that the pallets can be placed on top of. Whilst this is the cheapest option, it does leave room for error:

1. If the pallet isn’t placed on the beams properly, the pallet could fall and cause damages to products.
2. Usually, the depth of the racking is between 900mm and 1100mm. If the items, you are storing are not palletised then it has nothing to sit on.
3. If the pallet the goods are on is damaged it could break at any time and cause damage to the products on the lower levels or warehouse operators.

The solution is to use a form of decking across the beams to ensure that the above situations don’t happen. Fortunately, this is our speciality. We design and manufacture a wide range of mesh decks, known as the easySHELF™, to suit nearly all eventualities. There are 2 main types of deck available, wooden and wire mesh. Read our previous blog on why you should choose wire mesh decking over wooden decks.

What next?

The next best step would be to clearly label each level and run of the racking system. This means that when the operators walk down the aisle, they will be able to tell what is where. Although this seems obvious, a lot of old warehouses don’t keep up with relabelling racking as products and positions change which causes confusion and is inefficient. This could also be accompanied with a map of some description for operatives; this is especially important for large sites.

Another good way to improve organisation is to compartmentalise the bays using dividers. This creates dedicated picking bays and ensures the different products remain separate. This is also more suited to lose items which makes it easy for operatives to pick multiple items for an order. An example of this might be clothing for an online retailer. We design and manufacture our own dividers, known as easyDIVIDER™, out of our Nottinghamshire based manufacturing facility,

At QTS, we offer a variety of storage solutions that suit nearly every situation. Our stock products that are the most common solutions can be purchased from our online shop. If what you require is more bespoke in nature, contact one of our sales team today.

How to organize your warehouse shelving

QTS Ltd — 15/03/2021

Warehouse efficiency isn’t just about keeping a clean warehouse, it’s about organization and how to use your space efficiently. This can be a big task to undertake, so let’s start with one of the basics – warehouse racking and shelving.

Warehouse shelving can be a minefield, if you’re not sure what you’re looking for or where to begin it can be hard to know what options are out there.

Shelving, racking & storage

Investing in high quality shelving will make you warehouse more efficient. Think of your shelving as the skeleton, that holds everything in place.

Running your warehouse with old shelves? It might be time to consider an upgrade. You should have enough warehouse racking and shelving to fit all your inventory. How organized you keep your inventory depends on what kind of racking system you have.

Select your shelving solutions

Make sure the shelving system you’re using suits your needs. Pallet racking systems are the preferred choice for most people, as they are very durable and safe. This type of warehouse racking also allows you to make the most use of your vertical space. However, there are several types of warehouse racking chose from such as:

Drive-in or drive-thru racking
Flow-through racking
Push back shelving
Cantilever racks

However, it’s best to consider the size and volume of products that come through your warehouse before making any decisions. Once you have the shelving that best meets your needs installed, label all shelves and areas.

Number and labelling system

By creating a numbering and labelling system for your warehouse shelving, you’ll make it easier to locate inventory. There are several labelling systems that you could use. A good suggestion is to code aisles with letters followed by a number. This would mean the 15^th aisle in your warehouse would be A-15. However, you can create any system that make the most sense to you and your operation.

Manage your space

Organizing your warehouse is an on-going task, always improving your strategies. One of these important tasks is optimizing your space. Vertical space utilization is key in warehouses, as horizontal expansion is often expensive, requiring re-modeling.

You can make the most of vertical space by:

Increasing the height of your storage racks. This is the easiest and most common option. However, it’s important not to exceed manufacturers specifications on height or overload the weight of racking.
Making your aisles narrower. This can save enough space to create one or more aisles if you’re careful. Be mindful that your aisles will still need to be wide enough for forklifts or other machinery that you use in your warehouse.
Creating a mezzanine storage as a second floor above the current warehouse space. This can be expensive, but it’s still a cheaper option than expanding horizontally. This can make using a mezzanine a good medium-to-long term solution. In some warehouses where a full mezzanine isn’t a logical choice, installing racks over the dock area can be an option.
Having a good old-fashioned clear-out is never a bad choice. Keeping old inventory that’s obsolete or damaged can take up a lot of space. Getting rid of old stock can make space that can otherwise be used for new inventory.

Health and safety

It’s important that when considering warehouse shelving and organization you take health and safety into consideration. Most of this is just common sense, such as keeping high-volume items within easy reach. Mitigate lifting injuries by placing heavy or bulky items on pallets. Place these items where it’s easy for forklifts and other machinery to lift and pick these items when needed. The addition of anti-collapse mesh to the back of the pallet racking systems will add an extra level of safety against falling items.

Review your organization

After your reorganization, it’s important to continually review your warehouse regularly. Have conversations with your staff about what is working and what isn’t. Are you maximizing your total warehouse space? Are you happy with your labelling system and picking speed? Make sure you aren’t readjusting thing too often, as it takes time to adjust to new ways of working. For most warehouses a yearly review is plenty.

Need more information?

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you with your warehouse shelving needs.

Introducing the D-divider vertical pallet racking dividers...

QTS Ltd — 30/03/2023

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH!

Introducing the D-divider vertical pallet racking dividers...

Our Vertical pallet racking dividers are made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and stability, allowing you to store lengthy items vertically easily.

With our Vertical pallet racking dividers, you can improve your inventory management and order-picking efficiency. You’ll be able to locate and retrieve products quickly and easily, significantly increasing your productivity and reducing your operational costs.

Find out more...

Why should you choose wire mesh decking over wooden decks for your warehouse?

QTS Ltd — 09/06/2021

If you are in the warehousing industry it is essential that you know the difference in your decks. As you will know, the beams on your racking system can hold a large amount of weight. However, you will often need the extra support to ensure the safety of your goods and operatives. This is where wire and wooden deck come into fruition.

The two most common types of decking are wire mesh and timber. But what is the difference between them, and which one is better suited to your warehouse?

Do you need wooden or wire decks on your racking system?

Decking is a vital part of a pallet racking system. It is designed to create an infill between the beams to prevent items or pallets falling. This also massively reduces the risk of broken pallets or in-correct loading of bays causing damage to products or operatives.

What are timber decks?

There are two types of styles that are available for the wooden decks:

Closed decks are solid panels of wood which means no small items will fall through. These are ideal for storing lightweight items but become problematic when storing heavier, palletised goods. They are commonly made from chip board which is cheap but will damage easily and require regular replacements.

Open decks are created from slats of wood that are formed into a deck and positioned over the beams to create a stable level for storing pallets. They do offer a strong solution, however, there are many downfalls to them which makes them a less effective method for storing your goods.

Why are wire mesh decks a better alternative?

Wire mesh decks are created from steel wire that is welded in a grid fashion that creates the mesh style. These are then supported using steel support bars that are pressed into a shape that offer a great amount of support. At QTS, our easySHELF™ stock decks are designed with 4mm steel wire with 3 support bars which can support up to 1,000kgs. We do have the ability to offer totally bespoke solutions that can hold much higher amounts of weight. This is done by increasing the steel parameters or adding support bars.

Historically timber decks were the cheap alternatives to wire mesh. Current macroenvironmental situations have dictated the price of both materials. However, recently timber price has increased exponentially making them more expensive than the steel alternatives.

The key benefits of wire mesh decks over the wooden alternative are:

Steel is notorious for its strength, and this is for the right reasons. QTS are proud British manufacturers and only source our steel from reputable UK and EU sources. This means we are getting the highest quality materials possible and not using the weaker alloys that come from the far east.
Wire decking is preferred by insurance companies as it allows smoke to rise easier. This means fire detection and prevention systems pick up the potential danger earlier which will minimise damage.
Dust build-up is a major issue with timber decking. This means that there is a high level of maintenance required to ensure that the warehouse doesn’t become a hygiene issue.
Wooden decking is not suited to log periods of outdoor exposure. Wooden decks become weak under damp conditions. Wire mesh can be hot-dipped galvanised to create an extremely durable deck in both cold and damp conditions.

If you have always used timber decks, I hope you can see the benefits that wire mesh decking can offer you. Our sales team are always on hand to give you a quote; get in touch here.

QTS Set for a Fantastic Showcase at LogiMAT 2024

QTS Ltd — 05/02/2024

We are excited to announce that QTS will be returning to the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre for LogiMAT 2024.

Join us from 9 AM to 5 PM to explore our latest innovations in warehousing solutions.

From cutting-edge products to industry-leading expertise, we're bringing it all to LogiMAT 2024.

Check out our press release for a sneak peek into our preparations: https://bit.ly/3Uj8y82

Be sure to visit us at Stand 1GA28 and experience firsthand the future of warehousing solutions. Stay tuned for more updates.

We can't wait to see you there!

Is Anti-Collapse Mesh Necessary for Your Warehouse Racking?

QTS Ltd — 04/12/2023

Ensuring warehouse safety is paramount, and anti-collapse mesh addresses two critical areas: protecting people and stock. Reports indicate a high number of accidents from falling objects in warehouses, a risk significantly mitigated by using anti-collapse mesh. Additionally, it helps prevent stock damage caused by mishandling or unstable stacking of pallets, safeguarding both personnel and inventory. This makes anti-collapse mesh an essential component in maintaining warehouse safety and operational efficiency which is why it is advocated by safety organisations and insurers.

To find out if your warehouse would benefit from anti-collapse mesh, read this blog: https://bit.ly/3TaaVJI

Security cages and partitions – What are they and why do I need them?

QTS Ltd — 07/07/2021

Wire mesh security cages and security partitions have a multitude of uses in warehouses, factories, and other commercial units; more often than not, their main purpose is for safety and security. This blog will look at the different types of cages and partitions available and suggest some of their uses.

What are wire mesh security cages and partitions?

The QTS wire mesh cages and partitions are steel mesh panels created from 2.8mm wire mesh configured in either 50x50mm or 25x25mm mesh apertures. These are attached to a 20x20 box section frame which provides rigidity to the structure. The panels are then secured to 60x60mm posts that are bolted to the floor.

The three main uses for security cages and partitions are:

Security cages for high value items
Aerosol cages
Partitions around areas of machinery

Security cages for high value items

The most common use for our storGUARD™ cages is to secure high value items or high value assets like forklifts. The completely modular system allows the cages to be any size that is required, with multiple different door and lock options for varying levels of security. Our lock partners, Gatemaster, offer multiple options from a standard key lock mechanism all the way through to digital locks on one side to quick release on the other – they have got it covered.

Aerosol cages

Aerosol cages are characterised by their 25x25mm mesh aperture panels designed to store pressurised cannisters, for example the storage of deodorant cans. The smaller aperture mesh is used to help stop pieces of the container flying out and causing harm to the people around it in the event of an explosion. These are a must have for most insurance companies if you are holding anything that is potentially explosive.

Partitions around areas of machinery

Machinery in factory spaces obviously create a potential hazard for anyone that has access to the factory space. An easy way to avoid accidents and create a safe environment is to create mesh partitions around specific machinery or areas of machinery that pose a risk. These areas, like the secure cages, can also have added security by adding a locking option that will only allow authorised personnel into the potentially hazardous area.

QTS cages – a modular and kit-based system.

At QTS, we have designed our storGUARD™ mesh partitions and cages to be a completely modular system. We have 3 set panel widths (700mm, 1200mm & 1500mm) that come in 2 heights (1100mm & 2200mm). Our standard posts, designed to suit the 2200 high panels, come as a package with the fixtures and fittings required to attach the panels. These are then used to create a system that is built in a panel – post – panel configuration. You can then add a choice of doors, locking options, post splice kit to increase the height and even add a roof.

We have also taken away the hassle of having to work out what you need. We have created 4 kits of some standard sizes that can be brought straight from our online shop and easily assembled. You can see them here.

If you have any questions or would like us to design a system for you then talk to one of our sales team today.

Pre-galvanized vs Hot-dipped galvanised vs powder coating

QTS Ltd — 17/08/2021

Pre-galvanized vs Hot-dipped galvanised vs powder coating is what you should be thinking of when you purchase steel products. Much like you would not choose to wear an anorak in the Arctic, you would not leave your steel mesh decks un-coated. An un-finished mesh deck would not be up to the job. At QTS, we take pride in providing you with the best possible warehouse solution, which is why we have a range of finishes available depending on your needs.

What coating do I need?

There are three main coatings that we offer here at QTS and the use of them is dependent on their application.

Pre-galvanised:

Pre-galvanised steel is produced by running carbon steel wire through a bath of Zinc. When it comes out the other end, the excess zinc is removed to produce a smooth finish. Coating thickness may vary with grade and strand diameter. This provides a barrier against the elements that cause the corrosion when mixed with the iron in the steel

Benefits of pre-galvanised steel:

Improved corrosion resistance
Cost effective
Better appearance for a longer time (reduced rusting)
Increased pressure ratings

Hot-dipped galvanised

Hot-dipped galvanised products involve a deep chemical cleaning prior to the coating process. This allows for stronger bonds to form between the steel and the zinc coating. This process is always done at the end of the production process so there will never be any exposed areas of steel which increases its life span.

Corrosion protection
Increased durability over standard pre-galv
Greater hygiene
Less maintenance

Powder coated

Powder coating is a dry finishing process that is used to finish all our storGUARD and rackGUARDIAN products and can also be added to our mesh decks. Powder coating is often the preferred choice when the aesthetics of the warehouse is a concern. We typically powder coat all of our products in a RAL 7042 (traffic grey). However, we can offer any RAL colour at an additional price; this can be a handy way to get your branding across in your warehouse.

Corrosion resistant
Long lasting
No maintenance
Aesthetically pleasing

For more information or to get a quote from one of our sales team, get in touch today!

What is the right support for your pallet racking system?

QTS Ltd — 28/06/2021

Pallet racking is essential for any warehouse or factory. It allows the user top drastically to increase the capacity of their space. Pallet racking allows product to be stored on multiple levels without the risk of causing damage.

What is the problem with not adding additional support?

A typical bay has beams that run between the uprights and pallets can then be stored by placing it on top of both beam profiles. The issue here is that they typical beam profile is around 50mm in depth. This is a small area for an operator to position a large and heavy load that can often lead to accidents through misplaced pallets or damaged pallets falling off the system. Luckily, we have some solutions to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you…

Pallet support bars:

The first method that we recommend is our easyBAR™ pallet support bar range. This solution is usually executed by placing two pallet supports under each pallet position. This provides sufficient support for your pallets to help reduce some of the risks that were discussed above. However, sometimes we would recommend adding more bars if you are dealing with an exceptionally heavy pallet load. We recommend this if the pallet is too small to span the beams and would be solely positioned on the support bars. At QTS we produce three main types of pallet support bars:

Standard pallet support bar – 50x50mm box section that sits flush to the beam level
Raised pallet support bar – 50x100mm box section that allows the pallet to sit above the beams which allows forklifts to easily get under the pallets.
Garment rail support bars – rounded profile bar that is perfectly suited to the storing of clothes in warehouse spaces.

See our range of pallet support bars and further specification on our online shop.

Although Pallet Support Bars are great, they also have their downside. Pallet support bars still leave a large opening for loose items to fall through. Not only can this cause revenue loss through damage to products, but its also a risk to your staff working below. This is where our easySHELF™ rang of wire mesh decks come into their own…

Wire mesh decking:

Wire mesh decking is placed on the top of the pallet racking beams and is important is any selective pallet racking system. The easySHELF is made up of two components. Firstly, the support channel, which rest on the loading beams and provides most of the support. And secondly, the wire mesh, which provides additional coverage across the support bars to create a complete shelf.

If you are wanting a more uniform support than just the pallet supports, then the wire mesh decking is the way to go. The Wire mesh decking provides extra support to damaged pallets and provides the versatility to store cases that are not palletized too. You might have seen some warehouses using a wooden alternative to wire mesh. But wire mesh decking is preferred by many warehouses and fire inspectors. They allow sprinklers to spray through the decks to the lower racking levels and reduce damage caused by fire. We have written a blog to inform you of the benefits of wire mesh over wooden decks.

Hopefully, you now have all the information you need to decide what support would best suit your pallet racking system. If you have any more questions, our sales team are always here to help.