Cover-All - A Smart Business Decision Yet a Functional Warehouse

When Russel Metals in Winnipeg, MB, one of the largest metal distribution companies in North America, decided to expand their warehouse facilities, they needed a building that met their high-quality expectations, but was engineered to meet their ever-changing and growing business. A 60' wide x 120' long Cover-All® TITAN® was the ideal solution.

"Our management team did a thorough analysis of the Cover-All product and was impressed with the engineering qualities and design," says Doug Howell, branch manager. "The versatility of the building allows us to make changes five years down the road if we need to."

The bulk of the Winnipeg operation's business is producing parts for bus manufacturers across North America. The Cover-All® TITAN® building stores about 700 bins of various parts. "We can function more efficiently in the Cover-All than our conventional warehouse," says Howell. "The clear-span working area and height of the Cover-All building allow us to easily stack bins 18 feet in the air."

According to Neil Lapeire, plant manager, not only is the Cover-All® a functional warehouse, purchasing the building was also a smart business decision. "The fact that we can relocate this building makes it a tangible asset. If the building is no longer required we could sell it and relocate it or if we need additional covered storage, we can add to it," he says. "As well, it is classified as a temporary building so the taxes are lower than a conventional structure. All in all, it's been a good investment."

The 7,200 square foot TITAN® is engineered to meet Winnipeg's heavy wind and snow loads. The building is insulated with an inner liner and heated by a radiant heating system attached to the steel trusses. Because of the building''s unique DuraWeave® fabric, employees enjoy the benefits of working in a naturally lit, controlled environment.

"The reflective nature of the fabric makes the lighting requirements extremely efficient and the amount of natural light makes an excellent working environment," says Howell. "It's cooler in the summer than our main plant and it's very comfortable to work in during the winter months, even when it's –30° C outside."