For your information
You are being redirected to one of our divisional subsites which contains more detailed information on the required division. To navigate back to the main Invicta Group site, please click the link found in the footer at the bottom of the page.
Why ‘temporary’ warehouse structures can be a long-lasting solution
30th April 2025
Quick Quote
Contact Mick Coyne
To get a quotation or arrange a free site survey - Call Mick Coyne on
-
UK
Current location:
Quick Quote
Contact Mick Coyne
-
UK
Current location:
The term ‘temporary structure’ might conjure images of flimsy tents or hastily erected shelters. In the context of warehousing and logistics, however, these structures seem to be standing the test of time. From covered loading areas to entire temporary warehouses, the compromises made to meet planning or time restrictions can often yield big rewards.
While many organisations view temporary structures as an easy solution, changes to the interior makeup of a warehouse can feel more difficult to justify. Yet the gap between temporary structures and warehouse racking or mezzanines is relatively small. Thinking of warehouse racking as another kind of temporary structure could unlock many of the same benefits—providing an outsized boost to productivity with a modest investment of time and money.
Temporary becomes permanent
Many of us will remember ‘temporary structures’ from school that were older than any of the kids. Mobile classrooms intended to cater to an influx of new students would end up being used for decades due to funding cuts, serving a useful purpose without ever being the ideal solution. This is where many businesses in warehousing and logistics now find themselves, with temporary structures going from a stop-gap solution to the solution itself.
Covered structures are being added to the sides of buildings to provide extra capabilities, such as providing more capacity for rapid fulfilment. Exterior buildings meanwhile are being used for packing or simple office or admin space, while entire temporary warehouses are also being built to add storage capacity. This might start out as seasonal capacity, but then end up becoming long-term storage, storing goods that require less in the way of protection or climate control.
The rise in temporary structures reflects general pressures in the warehouse space. Warehouses themselves are becoming increasingly expensive to build and rent, and the rise of same-day and next-day delivery are increasing the demand for urban fulfilment centres. The expense of moving or expanding is such that many businesses are forced to find efficiencies within their existing warehouse space, shackling their growth.
Why temporary structures have taken off
It stands to reason that temporary structures are the go-to solution when faced with this issue. Increased demand, seasonal fluctuations, and long-term growth all mean more throughput and a need for more storage space, something that temporary structures can facilitate. Traditional expansion, involving the construction of a new building, is costly, time-consuming, and often disruptive, while temporary structures provide a flexible and cost-effective alternative. They can also be the only option for growth when the warehouse is a listed building, or is adjacent to one, preventing any major expansion.
The temporary structures used by warehouses aren’t exactly circus tents, either. Most are constructed from durable materials like steel and PVC , and are designed to withstand various weather conditions. The difference is that their lightweight and simple construction means they can be rapidly deployed to provide additional storage or operational space when needed, and deconstructed or relocated when they aren’t required.
Temporary structures have also proven to be remarkably adaptable. Many companies find that these structures become permanent fixtures, quickly becoming integrated into their warehouse operations. Advancements in construction technology and materials have led to the development of structures that are not only durable, but also aesthetically pleasing, and even energy-efficient. The line between temporary and permanent is blurring, offering businesses greater flexibility and long-term value.
What racking has in common
What few people appreciate is the extent of the similarities between these structures and high density pallet racking. Though often seen as a homogeneous form of storage, racking comes in many different formats, from wide and narrow aisle to double-deep and gravity flow. Crucially, many modern racking systems are modular, allowing them to be put up, taken down, and added to much more quickly than traditional forms of storage.
Undertaking a racking upgrade or refresh often seems like a substantial burden, both in terms of the cost and downtime associated with it. Some downtime is obviously unavoidable if you are at 100% capacity already, as you likely would be if you are also investing in temporary storage structures. But the dismantling and installation of modular pallet racking can be extremely rapid, and done in a way that minimises disruption to the business.
The benefits are also undeniable. Working with an experienced racking provider, you can produce a racking design that considers the physical dynamics of your space, maximising the use of available headroom and floorspace, while also considering aspects such as the goods you intend to store, traffic flows around the warehouse, and lighting and ventilation. The result can be not only a warehouse that stores more, but also one that’s cheaper to heat and light, and where workers lose less time to bottlenecks and storage inefficiencies.
Crucially, all of this can be achieved through what is a temporary installation. The nature of modular racking means that it can be taken down, moved and modified whenever you like. The wide compatibility of racking meanwhile means it is generally easy to find a home for if you no longer need it. It can also be designed to dovetail with your temporary structures, either occupying a temporary storage area or augmenting it through the positioning of racking, mezzanines, and access points close to loading or distribution areas.
–
Temporary structures may be losing their reputation as short-term solutions, but modular pallet racking may deserve the same designation, and the same level of interest. By understanding the potential of these options and working with experienced providers, businesses can optimise their operations, reduce costs, and ensure long-term sustainability—all while retaining the flexibility to move and scale as business conditions change.
Accreditations & Affiliations
Share/Like this page