Metal Racking Systems
From light-duty shelving to fully automated AS/RS systems — Gieantech manufactures the complete range of industrial metal racking solutions. Heavy-gauge steel construction, powder-coated or galvanised finish, engineered for warehouses, factories, and distribution centres across 57+ countries.
5,000 kg
Max Load / Level
12 m+
Height Capacity
20+
Racking Types
57+
Countries Served
What Is Metal Racking?
Metal racking — also referred to as steel storage racking, industrial shelving, or warehouse pallet racking — is a collective term for structural steel frameworks designed to store goods vertically in organised tiers. By maximising vertical space utilisation, metal racking transforms floor-level storage into multi-level, high-density systems that can increase warehouse capacity by 300–500% compared to floor stacking alone.
Modern metal racking encompasses a vast family of systems — from simple bolt-together shelving units supporting 200 kg per shelf, to towering automated AS/RS installations reaching 30 metres high with robotic stacker cranes. Each system is engineered for specific access patterns (FIFO, LIFO, random access), load types (pallets, cartons, long goods, totes), and throughput requirements.
At Gieantech, we manufacture the complete spectrum of metal racking from our 20,000 m² factory in Dongguan, China. Our product line includes 20+ racking types — from light-duty boltless shelving to radio shuttle and 4-way shuttle systems. Every product is made from premium Q235B/Q345B steel, undergoes rigorous quality testing, and ships with full international certifications (ISO 9001, CE, AS 4084, FEM/EN 15512) to over 57 countries worldwide.
5,000 kg
Max load per level
12 m+
Max system height
20+
Racking types
-35°C
Cold storage rated
Q235B/Q345B
Premium steel grade
57+
Countries served
Warehouse Problems Metal Racking Solves
Poorly planned storage costs businesses millions in wasted space, damaged goods, and operational inefficiency every year.
Wasted Vertical Space
Most warehouses utilise only 40–50% of available cubic volume. Floor stacking wastes the entire vertical dimension above product height, leaving thousands of cubic metres of rentable space completely unused year after year.
Product Damage & Loss
Goods stacked directly on pallets suffer crushing, moisture damage, and toppling. Without structural support, bottom-layer products bear excessive weight — leading to packaging deformation, label obscuring, and inventory write-offs averaging 2–5% annually.
Slow Picking & Retrieval
Disorganised storage forces forklift operators to search, shuffle, and re-stack pallets to reach buried inventory. This doubles average pick times, creates congestion in aisles, and dramatically increases labour costs per order fulfilled.
Safety & Compliance Risks
Unstacked or improperly stacked goods create falling-object hazards, block emergency exits, and violate OSHA, AS 4084, and EN 15512 storage regulations. Non-compliant storage results in fines, increased insurance premiums, and workplace injuries.
Why Choose Metal Racking?
Engineered steel racking delivers unmatched strength, modularity, and long-term ROI for any storage challenge.
Maximise Vertical Space
Transform unused overhead volume into productive storage. Multi-level racking systems increase warehouse capacity by 300–500% without expanding your building footprint — effectively multiplying your rentable space.
Protect Every Product
Structural steel beams and frames bear the load — not your products. Pallets sit securely on engineered beam levels, eliminating crushing, toppling, and moisture damage that plague floor-stacking operations.
Accelerate Operations
Organised, addressable storage locations with clear aisle access enable forklift operators to locate, retrieve, and deposit pallets in seconds instead of minutes — boosting daily throughput by 40–60%.
Workplace Safety
Properly designed racking with safety pins, column guards, end-of-aisle protectors, and anti-collapse mesh prevents product falls and forklift impacts — reducing workplace injury rates and meeting OSHA / AS 4084 standards.
Modular & Scalable
Start with a single bay and expand indefinitely. Add levels, extend runs, or reconfigure layouts as your business grows. Bolt-together or clip-in connections allow rapid reconfiguration with minimal downtime.
All-Environment Rated
Hot-dip galvanised or powder-coated finishes withstand temperatures from -35°C cold-storage freezers to +50°C outdoor yards. Corrosion-resistant coatings ensure 15–20+ year service life in any climate.
100% Recyclable Steel
Steel is the world's most recycled material. At end-of-life, every component can be fully recycled — making metal racking a sustainable, circular-economy choice versus wood, plastic, or composite alternatives.
Lowest Lifetime Cost
High upfront durability means minimal maintenance, zero replacement cycles, and 15–20+ year operational lifespan. Per-pallet-position cost decreases every year — delivering the best long-term ROI of any storage system.
Complete Metal Racking Product Line
Over 20 racking types — from manual shelving to fully automated systems — all manufactured in our Dongguan facility.
Selective Pallet Racking
The industry standard — direct access to every pallet position via dedicated aisles. Up to 4,000 kg/level, heights to 12 m. Ideal for warehouses with diverse SKUs requiring 100% selectivity and fast pick rates.
Drive-In / Drive-Through
Forklifts drive directly into rack lanes for ultra-high-density storage. 85% space utilisation with 6–12 pallets deep. Perfect for bulk storage of homogeneous products in cold storage and manufacturing facilities.
Radio Shuttle Racking
Battery-powered shuttle carts transport pallets within deep lanes — no forklift entry required. Up to 40 m lane depth, 1.5 m/s speed. Combines high-density storage with semi-automated throughput for cold chain and 3PL operations.
Cantilever Racking
Open-face arms support long, bulky items — pipes, timber, steel bars, furniture, and sheet materials. Single-sided (wall-mount) or double-sided (freestanding). Arms adjustable every 100 mm with up to 1,500 kg per arm.
VNA Pallet Racking
Ultra-narrow 1.5–1.8 m aisles with wire/rail-guided turret trucks. 50% more storage than selective with 100% pallet selectivity maintained. Heights up to 14 m for maximum cubic utilisation.
ASRS / Shuttle Systems
Fully automated storage with stacker cranes, 4-way shuttles, and WMS/WCS integration. Heights to 30 m, 99.9% pick accuracy, 24/7 unmanned operation. The ultimate solution for high-throughput distribution centres.
Anatomy of a Metal Racking System
Every racking system shares these fundamental structural components — precision-engineered for safety, durability, and ease of installation.
Upright Frames
Roll-formed Q235B/Q345B steel columns (1.5–2.5 mm gauge) braced with diagonal and horizontal members. The structural backbone of every racking system, carrying vertical loads from beam levels to the floor via base plates and anchor bolts.
Load Beams
Box-section or step-profile beams spanning between upright frames to create each storage level. Available in teardrop, keyhole, or bolt-together connections. Load ratings from 500 kg to 5,000+ kg per pair depending on span and profile.
Bracing & Cross Members
Diagonal bracing within upright frames and horizontal ties between frame pairs resist lateral forces from forklift impacts, seismic events, and uneven loading. Essential for structural stability in high-rise installations.
Base Plates & Anchors
Heavy-gauge base plates distribute vertical loads across the floor slab. Chemical or mechanical anchor bolts secure each frame to the concrete floor — preventing overturning and meeting seismic design requirements.
Safety Accessories
Safety beam locking pins, column guards, end-of-aisle barriers, row spacers, anti-collapse mesh panels, and pallet support bars. These accessories are mandatory under AS 4084, EN 15512, and OSHA standards for operational safety.
Decking Options
Wire mesh decking, steel panels, plywood, or particle board shelf surfaces accommodate different load types. Wire mesh decking is the most popular choice — enabling sprinkler penetration, visibility, and air circulation.
Engineering Data
Specifications vary by racking type — these ranges represent our full product line capabilities.
📐 Dimensions
🔩 Material & Finish
⚖️ Load & Safety
🚚 Logistics
Trusted Across Every Industrial Sector
From frozen food warehouses to automotive assembly plants — our metal racking systems serve every industry that stores physical goods.
3PL & Distribution
Third-party logistics providers depend on versatile racking for multi-client operations. Selective racking provides 100% SKU access, while mobile and shuttle systems maximise storage density for seasonal overflow and contract warehousing.
E-Commerce Fulfilment
High-velocity picking operations require mezzanine racking for small-parts picking, flow racks for FIFO replenishment, and automated shuttle systems for same-day dispatch. Metal racking is the backbone of every modern fulfilment centre.
Cold Chain & Frozen
Hot-dip galvanised racking with sealed hardware operates reliably from -35°C to +10°C. Drive-in and shuttle systems maximise cubic utilisation in expensive temperature-controlled spaces, reducing energy cost per pallet position stored.
Automotive & Manufacturing
Heavy-duty cantilever racking stores raw steel bars, extrusions, and sheet metal. Mold racking with slide-out trays organises injection moulds. Selective racking stages WIP components along assembly lines for just-in-time production flow.
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Temperature-mapped racking with batch-traceable pallet positions ensures GDP/GMP compliance. Carton flow racking enables FEFO (First Expired, First Out) picking for expiry-sensitive medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies.
Food & Beverage
HACCP-compatible racking with food-safe coatings stores packaged foods, beverages, and ingredients. Pallet flow racking ensures FIFO date rotation, while push-back systems handle high-volume seasonal stock with zero energy consumption.
Retail & FMCG
Distribution centres serving retail chains use selective racking for full-case picking, carton flow for split-case operations, and mezzanine platforms for value-added services like labelling, kitting, and gift-wrapping before store delivery.
Construction & Building
Cantilever racking stores lumber, pipes, conduit, and structural steel in outdoor yards with hot-dip galvanised protection. Heavy-duty pallet racking organises cement, adhesives, tiles, and hardware in covered builder's merchant warehouses.
Which Metal Racking System Is Right for You?
Compare key performance metrics across our most popular racking types to find the optimal solution for your operation.
| Feature | Selective | Drive-In | VNA | Radio Shuttle | Push Back | Pallet Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Pattern | Random / FIFO | LIFO | Random / FIFO | LIFO / FIFO | LIFO | FIFO |
| Pallet Selectivity | 100% | Last pallet only | 100% | Last pallet only | Front pallet only | Front pallet only |
| Space Utilisation | 40 – 50% | 80 – 85% | 55 – 65% | 80 – 85% | 85 – 90% | 85 – 90% |
| Max Height | 12 m | 13.5 m | 14 m | 12 m | 10 m | 10 m |
| Storage Depth | 1 pallet | 6 – 12 pallets | 1 pallet | 20+ pallets | 2 – 6 pallets | 2 – 20+ pallets |
| Forklift Type | Any standard | Counterbalanced | Turret truck | Any standard | Any standard | Any standard |
| Automation | Manual | Manual | Manual | Semi-automated | Gravity (passive) | Gravity (passive) |
| Cold Storage | ✓ | ✓ (optimised) | ✓ | ✓ (-30°C) | ✓ (-25°C) | ✓ (-30°C) |
| SKU Variety | High (many SKUs) | Low (few SKUs) | High (many SKUs) | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Throughput | High | Medium | High | High | Medium-High | High |
| Relative Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Best For | General warehouse | Bulk / cold store | Max density + access | Deep lane + speed | High density LIFO | FIFO date rotation |
How to Choose the Right Metal Racking
Selecting the optimal racking system depends on four key factors: what you store (pallet, carton, long goods), how you access it (FIFO, LIFO, random), how much space you have (floor area and height), and your throughput requirements (picks per hour, shifts per day).
Our engineering team provides free warehouse layout consultations — we analyse your inventory profile, material handling equipment, and operational workflow to recommend the most cost-effective racking configuration. We frequently design hybrid solutions combining 2–3 racking types within a single facility for maximum operational efficiency.
Many SKUs, Fast Access Needed
When every pallet must be individually accessible without moving others. Selective racking is the cost-effective default; VNA adds 50% more capacity in the same footprint when ceiling height allows turret truck operation.
Few SKUs, Maximum Density
When you store large quantities of the same product and density matters more than selectivity. Radio shuttle adds semi-automated speed; push back requires no forklift lane entry. All three excel in cold storage facilities.
Date-Sensitive, FIFO Required
Gravity-powered FIFO rotation ensures first-in products are always picked first — critical for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical warehouses with expiry dates. Zero energy consumption and self-replenishing lanes.
Long or Irregular Items
Pipes, timber, steel bars, furniture, and sheet goods that cannot sit on standard pallet beams. Single-sided for wall mounting or double-sided for freestanding aisles. Hot-dip galvanised option for outdoor yards.
From Consultation to Installation in 6 Steps
Our end-to-end project management ensures your racking system is designed, manufactured, and installed on time.
Needs Analysis
Share your warehouse dimensions, floor plan, inventory profile, MHE fleet, and operational requirements. Our engineering team analyses your data and recommends the optimal racking system within 48 hours.
Layout Design
Receive professional 2D/3D CAD layout drawings with racking placement, aisle widths, load ratings, and fire-protection clearances. We iterate designs until you approve the final configuration.
Quotation & Order
Detailed quotation with component breakdown, per-bay pricing, surface finish options, and delivery schedule. Flexible payment terms: T/T, L/C, or milestone-based for large projects.
Manufacturing & QC
Precision roll-forming, robotic welding, and multi-stage surface treatment in our Dongguan factory. In-process QC photos and third-party SGS inspection available at each production milestone.
Packaging & Shipping
Components wrapped in PE film with foam protectors, bundled on pallets. Container loading supervised to maximise density. Full documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, BL, CO, and fumigation certificate.
Installation & Support
Detailed installation manual with torque specifications and levelling instructions. Remote video guidance during installation. On-site supervision available for large projects. 10-year structural warranty with lifetime spare parts.
Your Trusted Metal Racking Manufacturer
One factory, 20+ racking types, 57+ countries — Gieantech is your single source for the entire storage spectrum.
20,000 m² Own Factory
Fully vertically integrated manufacturing — from steel coil slitting and roll forming to robotic welding, surface treatment, and flat-pack assembly. Factory-direct pricing with zero middlemen in the supply chain.
57+ Countries Exported
Proven logistics expertise across 6 continents. Deep understanding of local building codes (AS 4084, ANSI/RMI, EN 15512, FEM), import regulations, and market-specific finish and colour preferences.
20+ Racking Types
The broadest product line from a single manufacturer — shelving, pallet racking, mezzanines, cantilever, flow systems, mobile racking, shuttles, and ASRS. One supplier, one quality standard, one relationship.
Free Layout Design
In-house engineering team creates 2D/3D warehouse layouts, load calculations, and seismic analyses — all complimentary. We design the optimal solution before you commit, ensuring maximum ROI from day one.
10-Year Structural Warranty
Industry-leading 10-year warranty on all structural racking components. Powder coat finish warranted for 5 years against peeling and fading. Lifetime availability of replacement beams, frames, and accessories.
24-Hour Global Response
Dedicated project manager for every order. 24-hour email/WhatsApp response in English, Chinese, and Spanish. Production milestone photos, loading supervision, and post-delivery technical support included.
International Quality & Safety Standards
Every racking system is designed and manufactured to meet the world’s most rigorous storage safety standards.
ISO 9001:2015
Quality management system ensuring consistent manufacturing and continuous improvement.
CE Marking
European conformity for health, safety, and environmental compliance across EU markets.
AS 4084
Australian standard for steel storage racking — design, fabrication, and installation requirements.
SGS Inspection
Third-party verification of material grade, weld quality, coating thickness, and load testing.
FEM / EN 15512
European racking design standard for structural analysis, deflection limits, and safety factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering, specifying, and installing metal racking systems.
Ready to Design Your Metal Racking System?
Get a complimentary warehouse layout design, load calculation, and factory-direct quote for your racking project. Our engineering team responds within 24 hours.