Warehousing is changing fast. Rising real estate costs, expanding inventories, and increasing expectations for speed and accuracy are forcing facilities to rethink how they use space. Expanding outward is no longer the most efficient or affordable option.
Instead, many organizations are finding opportunities by looking up.
At McMurray Stern, we help warehouses make better use of their facilities by turning underused vertical space into efficient, safe, and scalable storage solutions built to support today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.
When Space Runs Out, Challenges Add Up
Industrial space is harder to find and more expensive than ever. At the same time, warehouses are expected to manage more SKUs, move inventory faster, and meet higher safety standards, often without increasing their footprint.
Common challenges include:
- Limited floor space that restricts growth
- Congested aisles and inefficient picking routes
- Increased safety risks from lifting, climbing, and traffic overlap
- Labor constraints that reduce productivity
These pressures are not temporary. They reflect a long-term shift in how warehouses must operate to remain competitive.
Making Better Use of Vertical Space
When floor space reaches its limit, the most valuable area is often overhead. Vertical and high-density storage solutions allow facilities to convert unused cubic space into functional, accessible storage without relocating or expanding.
Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs)
VLMs store inventory in trays within a vertical enclosure and deliver items directly to the operator at an ergonomic height. This reduces travel time, improves picking accuracy, and makes better use of available vertical space.
High-Density Mobile Storage
Mobile storage systems reduce the number of fixed aisles by moving shelving along guided rails. With fewer aisles required, warehouses can significantly increase storage capacity within the same footprint.
Mezzanine Systems
Mezzanines add usable levels within an existing warehouse, creating space for storage, assembly, or workstations without the cost or disruption of new construction.
Together, these solutions help warehouses store more, stay organized, and operate more efficiently.
Storage That Supports Safety and Performance
Smart storage design balances density with safety and ergonomics.
Less Strain, Better Ergonomics
By bringing inventory to the operator, vertical systems reduce bending, reaching, and climbing. This helps lower fatigue and minimize workplace injuries.
Clearer Paths, Safer Movement
Consolidating storage vertically frees up floor space for better pedestrian and equipment flow, reducing congestion and collision risks.
Secure, Controlled Access
Access controls and inventory tracking can be integrated to protect high-value or sensitive items while ensuring materials are available when needed.
At McMurray Stern, safety and performance are considered from the very first design conversation.
Proven Results in Real Facilities
One distribution facility experiencing rapid inventory growth was preparing to relocate due to space limitations. Instead, they partnered with McMurray Stern to implement a combination of vertical storage and high-density systems.
The outcome:
- Increased storage capacity within the existing footprint
- Faster picking and replenishment processes
- Reduced physical strain and improved safety
- Greater inventory visibility and organization
By rethinking how space was used, the facility avoided relocation costs and gained a more efficient operation.
Built to Evolve with Your Operation
Warehouses rarely stand still. Inventory changes, workflows evolve, and business needs grow. Storage systems should be able to adapt just as easily.
Vertical and high-density solutions are modular and flexible, allowing layouts to be adjusted or expanded over time. This adaptability helps organizations invest confidently in storage infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
McMurray Stern designs solutions that perform today and adjust for what’s next.
Making Space for What’s Next
The most valuable square footage in your warehouse may already be above you. By rethinking storage vertically, facilities can:
- Increase capacity without expanding their footprint
- Improve efficiency and workflow
- Enhance safety and ergonomics
- Prepare for future growth
At McMurray Stern, we partner with organizations to design smarter storage environments that deliver lasting value.
Ready to explore what’s possible in your space? Let’s talk about how vertical and high-density storage can help you move forward with confidence.
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