Heavy‑Duty Longspan Shelving for Bulky Warehouse Storage

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Longspan shelving

Heavy-duty shelving for bulky & high-load storage
Ideal for manual picking of large or awkward items
Adjustable shelving for flexible storage layouts
Adjustable shelving for flexible storage layouts

Longspan shelving is a versatile warehouse shelving system designed for storing items that are too large or heavy for standard shelving but don’t require pallet racking.

It provides a practical balance between strength, accessibility and flexibility, making it ideal for warehouses that need to store bulky goods while maintaining easy manual access.

Unlike pallet racking, longspan shelving allows operators to pick items by hand, while still supporting significantly higher load capacities than traditional shelving systems.

When properly designed, longspan shelving does more than improve storage, it enhances organisation, accessibility and operational efficiency across your warehouse.

At Oakway, we consult, design, supply and install longspan shelving systems tailored to your stock profile, load requirements and workflow.

We take the time to understand how your operation runs to ensure your shelving system supports both day-to-day efficiency and long-term scalability.

Our longspan shelving systems are designed to:

Support heavier loads without compromising accessibility
Improve organisation of bulky or awkward stock
Adapt to changing storage requirements over time
Maximise usable storage space within your warehouse

The result is a robust, flexible shelving solution that helps your operation stay organised, efficient and ready to scale.

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When Standard Shelving Isn’t Enough

Longspan shelving fills the gap between light-duty shelving and pallet racking systems.
It is specifically designed for operations that need to store heavier items while maintaining open access for manual handling.

This makes it ideal for storing larger cartons, components, tools or irregular items that don’t suit palletised storage but still need to be easily accessible.

By combining strength with simplicity, longspan shelving delivers organised storage without the complexity of full pallet racking systems.

Typical Uses for Longspan Shelving

Longspan shelving is widely used across warehouse and industrial environments that require strong, accessible storage.

It is particularly suited to operations that need:

Storage for heavier or bulkier items
Manual picking with clear, open access
Flexible shelving layouts that can evolve over time
A durable alternative to standard shelving without palletisation

Longspan shelving is commonly used in:

Manufacturing facilities
Distribution centres
Spare parts storage
Maintenance and engineering environments

In these settings, having strong, accessible shelving can significantly improve workflow efficiency and stock organisation.

Built to Adapt as Your Stock Changes

One of the key advantages of longspan shelving is its adaptability.

Shelf levels can be easily adjusted to accommodate different product sizes, load heights and storage requirements. This allows your shelving system to evolve as your stock profile changes.

Rather than being locked into a fixed layout, longspan shelving provides a flexible storage solution that continues to perform as your business grows.

This makes it a reliable long-term investment for warehouses with changing inventory demands.

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Designed for Strength, Access and Workflow Efficiency

Effective longspan shelving depends on more than just the product itself, it requires careful planning and layout design.

At Oakway, we assess several key factors before specifying your shelving system, including:

Load weights and shelf capacities
Shelf spans and bay configurations
Aisle widths for safe access
Picking and handling requirements
Overall warehouse layout and flow

By designing around real operational conditions, we ensure your longspan shelving system supports safe handling, efficient movement and long-term durability.

Works as Part of a Complete Warehouse System

Longspan shelving is often most effective when integrated into a wider warehouse storage strategy.

At Oakway, we design shelving systems that work seamlessly alongside other solutions, including:

By taking a joined-up approach, we create storage environments where accessibility, efficiency and space utilisation work together.

Built for Durability and Long-Term Performance

Longspan shelving systems are designed to withstand demanding warehouse environments.
With the right specification and installation, they provide:

Strong load-bearing performance
Reliable long-term durability
Safe and stable storage for heavier items
Consistent performance under daily use

Additional features such as reinforced shelving decks, bracing systems and protective elements can further enhance safety and lifespan.

Well-designed longspan shelving isn’t just a storage solution, it’s a dependable part of your warehouse infrastructure.

Is Longspan Shelving Right for Your Warehouse?

Longspan shelving is ideal for operations that need stronger, more flexible shelving without moving to full pallet racking.

If your warehouse needs to:

Store bulky or heavy items efficiently
Maintain easy manual access to stock
Improve organisation without overcomplicating storage
Adapt to changing inventory requirements
Oakway can help you design the right solution.

Speak to our team about longspan shelving systems built around your warehouse, your stock and your operational needs.

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It's been a pleasure working with Oakway. They designed a system that suited our budget and timescales, delivering a turn-key solution that met all our needs.

Stuart McMillan – Operations Manager, Auld Bond Bottlers

I like the family business feel to the company and how flexible the consultation phases have been each time. Top company!

Will Jansen – Chief Operating Officer, Human Forest

Working with Oakway Storage on the repurposing of elements of our warehouse has been a very straightforward experience. The Oakway team supported us throughout and made the project to improve our shelving and racking easy to achieve. I’d recommend them to any business looking to undertake a similar project.

Duane Luke – Production Coordinator, STS Ltd

Great execution of the project from end-to-end. We run a very busy 3PL warehouse and were delighted the the Oakway Storage team were able to work around us. From the first project scope visits to the VNA racking install the team were professional, polite and knowledgeable. Thanks guys!

Andrew Fell – Site Manager, Dependall

During the last 3 months, since taking the lease of a 103,000 sq.ft. site in Chester, we have been working with Oakway Storage who have designed, supplied and installed approximately 13,000 pallet positions of Apex pallet racking in a VNA configuration to a height of around 11.5m. We are delighted at the professionalism and dedication of our sales and design contact and the efficiency of the installation crew and would not hesitate to recommend them for similar projects.

Peter Gates – Managing Director, PW Gates

Oakway have been brilliant in supporting our business with a flexible cask racking solution that has supported our business through a period of rapid growth

Jan Damen – General Manager, The Single Cask

The extra warehouse capacity enables us to continue to offer expansive choice and unrivalled customer service. It was simple to work with Oakway Storage, from initial conversations right through to installation everything happened when expected with the minimum of interruption to business.

Ross Duncanson – Director, E. Tupling

From quote to installation, Oakway Storage provided attention to detail that made them stand out against all other suppliers. The personal touch coupled with their keenness to get on site really made the decision to work with Oakway a simple one.

David Hunter – Supply Chain Project Manager, Bergen Logistics

In partnering with Oakway Storage, our transformation went beyond a project; it became a collaborative journey. Facing the challenge of an empty warehouse, Oakway's pragmatic and thoughtful planning stood out. Their seamless coordination, from mezzanine installation to the developing glass laboratory space, showcased expertise and a true partnership. The future-ready flexibility ensures adaptability as we grow, emphasising a strategic approach that fosters innovation and sets the stage for sustained success.

Dominic Nott – Director, March May Ltd

The trusted warehouse fit-out partner

Here are a selection of recent Project Delivery Case Studies, each demonstrates the depth of knowledge and experience we provide to businesses across the UK and Ireland in helping them bring about positive business change and growth.

KPMF Ltd – Pallet Racking

Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF) Ltd, located in Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate, Newport, faced a significant challenge in expanding their storage capabilities while integrating new machinery.

KPMF Ltd – Pallet Racking - Find out more

STS Ltd – Drive In Racking

STS Ltd approached Oakway Storage to support them in improving the storage and access to products at their Leeds warehouse. The warehouse team were implementing new LEAN working practices and needed a range of improved storage solutions to support that. The existing situation meant the warehouse team were block stacking pallets of materials which made for inefficient pick routines.

STS Ltd – Drive In Racking - Find out more

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Talk to the longspan shelving experts

Make the most of your warehouse! Let us know about your storage challenges. Complete this form and we’ll be in touch to discuss your requirements and look at next steps.

If you have plans or photos, then please include them as they help us quickly understand the scope of your project.

Call us on 01604 792255

Heavy‑Duty Longspan Shelving for Bulky Warehouse Storage

Longspan shelving

When Standard Shelving Isn’t Enough

Typical Uses for Longspan Shelving

Built to Adapt as Your Stock Changes

Designed for Strength, Access and Workflow Efficiency

Works as Part of a Complete Warehouse System

Built for Durability and Long-Term Performance

Is Longspan Shelving Right for Your Warehouse?

The trusted warehouse fit-out partner

KPMF Ltd – Pallet Racking

STS Ltd – Drive In Racking

Proudly working with

Talk to the longspan shelving experts

Proven products for warehouse growth