Extending the life of racking is gaining interest due to budgets, sustainability and downtime concerns.

Retail downtime means lost revenue; finding smart, budget-conscious solutions is what we do best.

Recently, we were called in by Selco to tackle a growing issue: their cantilever racking had seen better days. Years of heavy use had left the arms sagging and the upright flanges distorted.

Replacing the whole system would’ve been costly and disruptive.

So, we did what we always do, found a smarter way forward.

The Problem: Wear and Tear with Structural Consequences

Selco’s cantilever racking had become visibly tired. The upright columns had suffered significant flange damage from years of arm load, causing the arms to deflect downward. Not only was this affecting day-to-day usability, it was starting to raise concerns about long-term safety and reliability.

But here’s the thing: the racking wasn’t beyond saving, not with the right strategy.

This before photo of the problem shows the deflection of the upright around the fixing bolt. Left untreated and this deformation could cause cracks to form in the flange and potentially lead to failure. But the good news is this type of deformation doesn’t mean the end of the racking.

The Solution: Structural Ingenuity Over Full Replacement

Rather than jumping straight to replacement (a costly and time-consuming route), we took a more efficient, effective approach – extending the life of racking:

✅ Step 1: Reuse with Purpose
We began by rotating the badly damaged uprights, exposing the previously unused, and undamaged face. This alone gave us a stronger foundation to work with.

✅ Step 2: Strengthen with Smart Engineering
Next, we installed specially designed strengthening blocks, securing them with new, longer bolts. These blocks weren’t just bolted on as a quick fix, they were designed to redistribute pressure away from the weakened flange and transfer the load directly into the more robust web of the column.

It’s a technical solution that makes a big difference and will last for years to come.

The Result: Safety, Savings and Longevity

This cost-effective repair approach achieved more than just a tidy-up. It delivered long-term value by extending the life of the racking:

• Extending the life of racking system by several years, without the need for expensive replacement.
• Restored structural integrity, giving Selco peace of mind and protecting staff and stock.
• Minimised disruption, allowing day-to-day operations to continue without the need for major works.
• Reduced future maintenance costs, thanks to reinforced strength and less wear on vulnerable parts.

It’s a great example of what we stand for at Ashford Retail: practical solutions, smart engineering, and a relentless focus on delivering value to retailers who are under pressure to make every penny and every square foot count.

Why Extending the Life of Racking Matters

If you run a retail warehouse, builders’ merchant, or large format store, you’ll know how quickly infrastructure wear can creep up. Arms droop. Shelving leans. Safety becomes a concern. And you’re left wondering if you’ll need to rip it all out and start again.

But often, you don’t need to.

You just need someone who knows how to extend the life of what you’ve already got, safely, efficiently, and without interrupting your operation.

That’s what we did for Selco. And it’s what we can do for you.

Thinking of Replacing Your Racking?

Let’s not rush to replace what can still serve you well.

🔧 If your racking is looking tired, let’s talk before you invest in new systems.
💬 We’ll assess it, advise on what can be saved, and where possible, extend its life with smart, safety-first repairs.

📞 Ready to find a better solution? Drop us a message today.