Have you ever wondered how steel Racking Systems are manufactured from start to finish? In an exclusive collaboration with industrial real estate expert Chad Griffiths, we’re taking you on a behind-the-scenes manufacturing tour of our 52,000-square-foot facility in Nisku, Alberta led by Jonathan Hirst, VP and General Manager of North American Storage Equipment, a proud member of the NAS Group.
From Raw Materials to Ready-to-Ship: How Steel Racking Systems Are Made
Jonathan provides an in-depth look at the entire steel racking production process at our upgraded facility. From the arrival of raw materials to the shipment of finished storage solutions, here’s what you’ll see:
Step 1: Raw Material Arrival
The journey begins with the arrival of raw steel at our facility. Materials are offloaded at the rear of the building through two specialized doors:
- Roll-formed steel: Directed through one door for processing.
- Structural steel bundles: Guided onto a powered roller system that moves them to the saw for precise cutting.
Step 2: Precision Manufacturing
Once the steel is processed, it moves through the following stages:
- Cutting: Steel is trimmed to size based on its intended use—whether for frames, beams, or other components.
- Welding: The cut steel is placed into one of three specialized welding jigs. These jigs weld frames ranging from 8 feet to 50 feet in length, ensuring precision and structural integrity.
Step 3: Painting and Finishing
The next phase involves our advanced 500-foot-long powder coating line, which ensures a durable, high-quality finish. This process includes:
- Washing: Impurities are removed to prepare the steel for coating.
- Drying: The steel passes through the first oven to eliminate moisture.
- Manual Powder Coating: Operators use powder guns to apply a uniform, protective coating.
- Curing: In the final ovens, the coating melts and hardens into a durable, smooth shell.
Step 4: Assembly and Shipping
Finally, the completed racking systems go through a product assurance process:
- Inspection: Every system is checked for quality control.
- Packing: Components are bundled and securely packed for transport.
- Shipping: Systems are prepared for delivery to customers, providing reliable storage solutions tailored to their needs.
Why Manufacturing Matters
Our Nisku manufacturing facility plays a vital role in supporting essential industries such as warehousing, logistics, and retail. Steel racking systems are more than just storage solutions—they’re the backbone of efficient operations, enabling businesses to maximize productivity and space.
By investing in advanced manufacturing techniques and rigorous quality management, we ensure that every product meets the highest performance standards.
Watch the Tour Now
Experience the entire process for yourself! Watch the full behind-the-scenes tour of our manufacturing facility in Nisku, Alberta, led by Jonathan Hirst, on Chad Griffiths’ YouTube channel. Get an insider’s look at industrial operations and learn how our steel racking systems are made from start to finish.
Join the Conversation
What part of the manufacturing tour surprised you the most? Share your thoughts with us on social media! Be sure to tag @NorthAmericanStorageEquipment and @NorthAmericanSteel – we can’t wait to hear your insights!
