May. 13, 2024
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Previously, we explored The History of the Forklift and were thrilled by the response. With a proud legacy spanning 100 years, Lilly is always eager to share valuable insights. In this article, we delve into the history of pallets and pallet racking for all the history enthusiasts out there.
Human civilizations have stored food and supplies in dedicated structures since the Bronze Age or possibly earlier. Historians attribute the first use of pallets (technically, skids) to ancient Egyptians for moving items.
By the late 1800s, hand trucks started moving skids in warehouses and factories. However, it was the introduction of the first mast-equipped forklift in 1923 that marked the beginning of modern pallet development.
Initially, pallets came in various shapes and sizes. By the 1930s, a move towards standardization emerged. Today, the most common pallet size in North America is the 48-inch by 40-inch GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) double-faced pallet, making up about one-third of all pallets used.
Forklift adoption and pallet usage surged during World War II, primarily for floor stacking. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that conventional pallet racking became widely used.
The late 1930s saw the invention of shelving made from slotted angle strips of steel by an engineering company called Dexion, Limited. By the 1950s, these components were used to construct various structures, including pallet racking.
Originally, pallet rack systems were limited to three levels. The drive-in pallet rack emerged in 1968, followed by the gravity flow (or pallet flow) storage system patent in 1987.
Interestingly, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) have been around since the 1960s, although they differ significantly from today's computerized versions.
The future of pallets and pallet racking promises continued innovation:
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Pallet racks are indispensable in warehouses, significantly enhancing storage capacity by enabling vertical stacking. Without them, warehouse spaces would need to be considerably larger.
However, pallet racks were not always ubiquitous. They only became common after World War I.
In the early 1900s, companies sought cost-effective and efficient packaging solutions. Corrugated cardboard boxes offered a cheap and disposable option, despite the labor-intensive process of moving individual boxes.
Forklifts began gaining popularity around 1915. Companies like Clark and Yale & Towne Manufacturing developed effective versions, indispensable to warehousing. Forklifts expedited the movement of heavy pallets, revolutionizing loading and unloading processes. Over time, advancements allowed forklifts to lift pallets higher, paving the way for pallet racks.
The late 1920s saw the introduction of vertical pallet storage systems, optimizing warehouse space by expanding upwards. This led to taller warehouse designs and stronger foundations to support additional levels of stacked pallets.
Early pallet racks held only one pallet layer, but developments included crossbeams, plumb bases, and strong anchor bolts, facilitating multi-level racks and ensuring stability.
Today, pallet racks are not only useful but also a significant industry, reflecting billions of dollars in warehousing investments annually.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Ezlock pallet racks manufacturer.
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