Australia has faced an unprecedented squeeze in warehouse space over recent years. Even with a recent lift in vacancy rates, the national rate of 2.8 per cent remains one of the lowest levels globally. In this context, automation may seem like an obvious solution. But for many, there’s a more immediate, cost-effective win: optimise the space available.
This is where Combilift’s innovative approach to warehouse transformation can help Australian businesses. The company’s space-optimising solutions, particularly the Aisle Master – an articulated very narrow aisle (VNA) forklift – are helping businesses unlock significant capacity gains without the upheaval of automation or relocation.
Combilift’s data, shared in an industry guide that readers can download, shows that switching from a standard counterbalance forklift or reach truck to an Aisle Master can increase total pallet spaces by up to 60 per cent. This is made possible by reducing aisle widths to as little as 1.8 metres and increasing vertical storage to heights of 15 metres.
The result? Operations can make better use of their cubic footprint – floor to ceiling – before even thinking about expensive automation systems.
According to Combilift Country Manager, Chris Littlewood, saving space shouldn’t be considered a logistical win, but a financial imperative as it’s such a precious commodity.
“Before you invest in automated solutions that require fixed infrastructure and long lead times, it pays – literally – to optimise your existing layout,” he adds.
“We have many examples of how warehouses can reclaim valuable racking space and get significant annual savings in return.”
The implications are clear: many warehouses are sitting on underutilised space. Whether due to overly wide aisles, low racking, or legacy equipment, these inefficiencies are increasingly untenable in today’s tight industrial market.
While automation promises long-term efficiencies, it is often rigid because it is designed around current infrastructure and workflows. Without first ensuring a warehouse is configured for maximum capacity, automation could lock in inefficiencies rather than eliminate them.
This is where Combilift’s value proposition becomes compelling. The company doesn’t just sell equipment, it provides free warehouse layout consultancy to help businesses reimagine their space. That means a clearer path to growth, lower overheads, and improved throughput—all without moving walls or relocating operations.
Littlewood says readers can access a free industry guide to see how this might work.
“It’s worth considering the options before investing in automation or expanding your space. Our guide provides real examples of the savings that can come from re-designing your warehouse layout and using the Aisle Master.”
To access this resource, please click here.