In North America, there are many prefabricated steel warehouses and distribution centers. These play a vital role in a variety of industries, including commercial distribution, online purchase fulfillment centers, and importing facilities.
The Changing Market
Throughout recent years, warehouse operations and the industry overall has been changing. The amount of imported goods is rising, and e-commerce is expanding. Countries are importing more products than ever before. This requires facilities to help assist with processing and shipment. Additionally, the e-commerce market has grown, leading to an increase in the demand for online fulfillment centers.
What Are Prefab Buildings Used for In the Industry?
When considering the warehousing industry and their use of steel buildings, there are three primary types used.
1. Distribution Centers:
A distribution center operates as a primary center for receiving items and then sending them to the retail stores they service. Many big-box stores will receive their products from a regional distribution center.
2. Fulfillment Centers:
When an online business makes a sale, they use a fulfillment center to distribute the product. These centers will then send the purchased item directly to the customer. Small online retailers, as well as industry heavyweights such as Amazon utilize the services of fulfillment centers, although the scale of the facility will vary with the size of the business.
3. Import Warehouses:
Countries, states, and provinces all receive imported goods from other areas. Often, these products will be directed to an import warehouse where they can be processed. From here, they are sent to distribution centers.
Why Prefabricated Steel Buildings Make Excellent Warehouses and Distribution Centers
If you were to look at the majority of warehouses and distribution centers, you would find that nearly all of them are made from steel. This is because utilizing steel offers a variety of benefits when compared to other materials.
1. Quick and Easy Construction:
Building and erecting a steel building is often much faster than a traditional structure.
2. Open Interior:
A prefab steel building can be designed with a clear span interior. This allows for completely unobstructed floor space, ensuring you can maneuver equipment easily and place any required machinery.
3. High Ceilings:
The available heights for commercial steel buildings are quite varied. This gives you the option to add additional floors if needed. It also allows for products to be stacked on top of each other.
4. Easily Customizable:
Both the interior and exterior of a steel building can be customized to your needs. This includes adding ventilation, windows, and interior partitions or rooms.
5. Cost Savings:
There is little maintenance required for a steel building. This means you will save on the cost of regular repair work when compared to a traditional building. Additionally, steel buildings offer insurance savings and are able to be insulated well to help reduce heating and cooling costs.
6. Reliable:
A steel building can resist strong winds and stand up to heavy snow and rain. Additionally, steel is pest resistant, fire-resistant, and will not mold or rot.
Build Your Steel Warehouse Facility with Toro
Be sure that the structure you create will be efficient and reliable by choosing to build with Toro. Each of our buildings comes with a 1-year defective material and workmanship warranty, and additional warranties are included for your panels, cladding, and roof. For more information and to inquire about building a warehouse, reach out to us at 1-877-870-8676 or submit a request for a free online quote.
You Might Also Want to Read:
- Steel Storage Buildings and Warehouses
- Prefabricated Buildings are Ideal for All Scales of Business
- Why A Prefabricated Commercial Building is Perfect for Startups
- A Guide to Prefabricated Steel Buildings