Safer measures and stronger systems

Matt Bell, Safer Storage Systems Managing Director shares the importance of local manufacturing and how business operations can be sustained during COVID-19.

Thousands of Australians and businesses have shifted to homeworking, grappling with IT systems, video conferencing apps and adjusting to the new psychology of remote working. However, for warehouse workers and the supply chain industry, most daily duties can’t be switched to a home working model.

In fact, warehouse workers are having to work harder than ever. Warehousing and logistics workers are essential in keeping Australian supply chains operational. Due to the nature of the work, many workers must continue to interact with workers and other persons in their workplace.

It has taken the Covid-19 pandemic for many supply chains networks to realise the nations reliant on export of low-value commodities and the import of high-value and skillintensive manufactures. With local manufacturers rising to the challenge to support essential services and supply chains within the Australian economy, it is clear the country has enormous opportunity to leverage local manufacturing.

Safer Storage Systems is based in Dandenong South in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Last year the company commenced the local manufacture of some components in Melbourne. Matt Bell, Safer Storage Systems Managing Director says the company is proud to be manufacturing in Australia and is passionate about growing Australia’s manufacturing presence through the company’s new global partnership with Gonvarri Material Handling (GMH).

Since the partnership 12 months ago, Safer Storage Systems has become GMH’s biggest export partner outside Europe. Trade and exporting challenges will slowly be overcome as the pandemic curve flattens. Whilst growing local capabilities, it has been

From left to right: Matt Bell, Tony Bell and James Hardy.

apparent that global partnerships are important to maintain during this unprecedented economic nature too. Partnership is highly valuable for Safer Storage Systems, which is why they teamed up with GMH last year. This provides Safer Storage Systems with a strong supply of customised solutions, including market leading shelving systems, mobile racking, pallet shuttle systems, crane racking and vertical lift machines, all year round.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

Just in the last decade the Australian manufacturing sector has seen a significant reduction in its workforce. Many businesses have been forced to rethink its industrial policy after realising dependence on China and other global manufacturing hubs. As part of the country’s effort to tackle its coronavirus outbreak, Canberra has promised to nurture local manufacturing to ensure it is less reliant on global supply chains.

More companies are looking at onshoring key capabilities as the manufacturing reboots in Australia. For local businesses such as Safer Storage Systems, they’re one step ahead of the pack by already having an established manufacturing presence.

“A lot of customers and businesses alike across the nation have committed to projects months in advance prior to

this pandemic, so it’s our priority to continue to service that,” Matt says. Suppliers in the industry have been experiencing issues with their supply chains and raw materials due to global restrictions on trade and lockdowns. Due to Safer Storage Systems’ wellknown local presence, Matt says some people have contacted the company to assist in navigating their projects and materials during this challenging time.

“Our benefit with our partnership with GMH is the ability to access multiple manufacturing locations, so we can draw stock out of Europe from places such as Germany, Romania and Finland,” Matt says. Manufacturing locally as well as exclusive access to the global GMH product range has put Safer Storage Systems in a desirable position.

Matt says Australia initially lost growth in the market due to demands to keep up with international manufacturing pressures. Now, self-sufficiency is more important than ever and leveraging national capabilities is on par with global partnerships. Matt says the company is proud to manufacture quality products right here in Australia, which has maintained a high degree of engagement with customers as they continue to see the benefits of a qualified solution with future capabilities.

ADAPTING WAREHOUSES

The company, which has been operational for the past 14 years, believes that warehouses are just for keeping the rain off the storage solutions inside as they are the number one asset for efficient operation. Inside company warehouses and distribution centres are systems and people that run an essential service.

Matt says the most important part of installing a new solution are the years to come to ensure services, maintenance and smooth operation processes are in place for the customer. During this time, warehouse operations are constrained, and Matt says a scalable solution and effective communication will ensure effective processes within businesses warehouses.

Safer Storage Systems was proactive with its own operations, taking action as stricter restrictions were beginning to roll out across the nation. The company split its staff into five groups, anyone with underlying health concerns began working remotely from home and a fortnightly working from the office and home roster was established. Matt says administration workers and executives have enhanced their communication and technical skills.

“Our disciplines in place for communication is working really well electronically. Certainly, it’s proven a lot can be achieved remotely, especially in terms of having interaction from a distance via technology,” Matt says.

A driving component of Safer Storage Systems is the company’s daily warehouse operations. Its partner, GMH, like all major organisations, closely monitors the current situation in terms of its impact on the supply chain to ensure that all operations are carried out safely and in a timely manner. Matt took the initiative to put protocols in place to keep the warehouse moving to ensure installation to its customers.

Safer Storage Systems has maintained contact-less warehouse operations as best as possible, putting in place strategic measures that Matt is encouraging other operations to adopt. “When we went to stage two restrictions, the warehouse was isolated from all office staff,” Matt says. The company has isolated warehouse tools and machinery, designating forklifts to specific drivers. Safer Storage Systems has also set up zones on-site for file transfer, so in an enclosed spot, labour crew and crew leader can share construction packages safely without contact.

“We’ve isolated groups of our business, which means communication is just as essential as the service,” Matt says. Customers can be assured the company is focused on reliability, maintainability and availability.

“It’s a new way of working for labour crews and office staff alike not only for our business but for customers and the industry as a whole. We’ve always been committed to being on-site for our customers, and although that physical presence has shifted to video conferencing technology during these times, we’ve adjusted to ensure successful solutions are still implemented,” Matt says.

ENHANCING CAPABILITIES

Safer Storage Systems provides ongoing scalable solutions to some of Australia’s most trusted retailers including Reece plumbing, JB HI-FI, Dulux, and footlocker. “We do a lot of work currently with Reece plumbing Australia, New Zealand and USA operations. They’re an essential service too so we are continuing to service and manage their sites as well as repairs and maintenance,” Matt says. Despite the global uncertainty, businesses are coming together to keep supply chains and essential services moving and accessible and Matt says the company is proud to continue fulfilling commitments to its customers.

“We have Installers in every state and in New Zealand as well. Materials continue to be made and imported as an essential service, we are fully capable of delivering required projects,” Matt says. Whilst the entire industry adjusts to a new reality of remote working, businesses are reflecting on solutions to enhance their own capabilities beyond the pandemic.

Matt says discussing openly with customers and people in the industry looking to enhance operations following unprecedented demand and challenging restrictions has been a helpful conversation for businesses. “Customers have their own commitments too, so it’s our aim to keep delivering for businesses and its operations by meeting individual requirements, analysing what they need, and developing a storage solution to last,” Matt says.

“We’re continuing to develop our Australian manufacturing capabilities. We’re working on some engineering to further enhance this in the near future, Matt says. He says the company is quite agile and can respond quickly to requirements due to having multiple factories and steel readily available.

“Whilst social distancing remains in place and everyone adapts their workplaces for the foreseeable future, collaboration and communication is at the forefront. Our ability to reconfigure a whole warehouse with storage systems becomes customers best value because they know we do things thoroughly and properly,” Matt says. ■