Lead Forensics

How furniture companies can reduce warehouse bills

Wastage and energy bills in the warehouse can be very costly for furniture retailers and manufacturers. Here are several ways to save waste and energy:

Avoid water and heat damage

The wood used for furniture can be damaged by water exposure and extreme temperatures. It is therefore important to keep the warehouse at the recommended temperature and humidity levels.

If the warehouse is not operating overnight, it may need heating in place if temperatures are set to drop. Sometimes, there are long periods of hot, dry weather. In this instance, a humidifier may be needed so that the air in the warehouses does not become too dry.

If liquids are spilt in the warehouse, they need to be mopped up promptly.

Reducing damage

Furniture can be damaged if it is dropped. An efficient storage facility has procedures in place that reduce the risk of accidents when carrying or moving furniture. This is especially important when moving large items, such as sofas and beds.

Always use the correct equipment when moving items. Steely Products makes a range of specialized moving and storing equipment for sofas, mattress, chair seats and other heavy or awkwardly shaped items.

Good housekeeping

There are several things to consider when creating an efficient housekeeping policy. Where materials are cut and shaped, a dust extraction system is needed. No waste should be left on the floor. Solvent and hazardous materials also need safe management.

Recycling and waste

There will always be some waste when manufacturing and storing furniture. Staff should be trained in the safe use of bins and should use separate bins for each material that can be recycled.

Wood waste can be burnt and used as part of the workplace heating system, provided it meets legal requirements and is not a fire hazard.

Enterprising furniture manufacturers have designed items that can use waste products. Some waste can also be used as packing materials. Packing made from materials that can be recycled, such as paper and card, are preferable to overreliance on plastics.

Energy saving

Energy efficiency is very important. A furniture business needs a detailed plan with energy reduction targets. This should cover every location where energy is used, including machinery, lighting, heating, extraction systems and office equipment.

Motors in machinery and vehicles use a lot of energy. Make sure they are switched off when not in use. If a machine has a variable speed motor, only use the maximum speed needed for any job.

The workforce also needs training in energy saving, and they should switch lights off in areas that nobody is using. Quality insulation and alternate energy sources such as solar panels can help to reduce mains electricity consumption.

Manual handling uses human energy. At Steely Products, we make trolleys that are easy to push, pull and steer so that operators do not have to exert too much energy.

For further information on our range of storage and handling equipment for furniture, call us or use the contact from below.

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