Creating The ‘Wow Factor’ In Engineering Workshop Storage

Roller shutters for engineering workshop

In April 2021, Polstore Storage Systems had the opportunity to work with third-generation family-owned and managed company, Blue Diamond Engineering, on a new storage for workshop installation project. Blue Diamond Engineering is a precision machining and fabrication company operating successfully for nearly 50 years. Their experienced and hardworking workforce needed a robust and easily accessible shelving and storage solution, and that’s why they chose Polstore. 

First impressions count, and the engineers workshop storage put in place needed to deliver the ‘wow’ factor! Why? Because the units are the first thing people see when they visit the workshop.

At Polstore, we have a reputation for delivering exceptional storage solutions with a fine balance of strength and style. In the last year, Blue Diamond has invested considerably in new machines, technological advancements and storage facilities. Given the prominent and visible position of the workshop, the aesthetics of the storage units chosen were of equal importance to functionality, security and organisation.  

There were three components to the storage solution for Blue Diamond. Firstly, our premium CNC and machine tool storage shelving system. We offer both standard and bespoke systems to suit exact requirements, optimising productivity and efficiency within the workplace.  

The CNC tool storage shelving system included sliding lockable doors with pull out drawers with a load capacity of 200kg – fitted with internal tool cradles and CNC tool holders essential for the heavy tooling the Blue Diamond workforce use to manufacture quality machine components. The safest way to store and retrieve heavy machine tools is within a drawer system as access from three sides eliminates the need to reach in. Reassuringly, our drawer cabinets are covered by our 5-year warranty and as an added confidence boost all our drawer slides and guide rails are covered by a lifetime warranty.

Secondly, Polstore provided 2 types of industrial workbench systems – a 3-metre-long workbench and hexagonal bench. Each were made up with a combination of 6 workshop storage drawer cabinets which was tailored to their needs with bench mounted roller shutter cabinets and tool shadow boardsBeing such a flexible and modular system any storage combination can be created with options including drawer cabinets, hinged and sliding door cupboards, shelves, roller shutters, perforated back panels and tool shadow boards. A popular product we see engineering clients invest in to organise the drawer internals, is our routed foam inserts. These are a costeffective storage solution which instantly alerts a user if an item is missing through a very simple visual cue.  

The third and final aspect of Blue Diamond’s storage solution were the pull-out vertical drawers for storing small parts and consumable tooling. Each drawer is fitted out with our plastic tilt bin system ‘Unibox’. Here the tools are easy to see and access using transparent compartments of various sizes. Manufactured from high quality steel and 500kg SWL rating per drawer, all our drawer systems are available in a wide range of sizes to suit all various domestic, commercial and industrial environments. Due to the modular design a variety of configurations can be achieved. 

 

To get the greatest efficiency from storage, each machine was allocated its own dedicated drawer unit. This meant it was easier for the team to keep track of tools and generally more accessible for all. For their Tooling Technician (Scott) having an ample and defined workspace and storage was essential. Scott oversees the preparation of tooling, jigs and fixtures to support production, one of the busiest areas of the factory floor because of how essential it is to the running of every machine they operate.  

We understand that workshop space comes at a premium, and the right workshop storage solution can transform how that space is used and optimised. For Blue Diamond, we were able to shrink the area used by previous storage by 50%. Originally planned for the Workshop Manager, when the team saw the hexagonal workbench unit, they decided to change the plan and put it in the middle of the workshop floor. Being in a central location allows the unit to serve the three Hartford VMC’s, the DMU Monoblock 95 and the lathes. 

The Polstore team is as passionate and committed about storage solutions as you are about workspaces. We offer a full service from discussing your needs through to exceeding expectations at install and handover. In this case, the team at Blue Diamond were more than qualified to install and fit our workshop storage units. They invited our team back, once they were all in place, and we’re so glad they did. The team were delighted with the end result and to see the improved organisation in place.

Polstore have been at the forefront of workshop storage and retrieval solutions in the engineering and manufacturing arena since 1963. We’re proud of the results we bring to our clients, knowing they will stand the test of time – and heavy use!

The main reason for investing in the Polstore workshop storage systems was for the attractive appearance. The units are the first thing visitors see. We wanted a wow factor for when clients visit the shopfloor.

Carol Brown
CEO, Blue Diamond Engineering

Gallery

Roller drawer storage cabinet with worktop and tool storage Drawer and cabinet tool storage in engineering workshop Drawer and cabinet storage in engineering workshop Drawer and cabinet storage in engineering workshop Roller drawer storage cabinet with worktop and tool storage Storage in engineering workshop Blue Diamond Eng logo

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Your storage challenge is unique and we treat it as such. We will work with you from the outset to develop your plans and create the perfect storage product solution for you.

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