WH SMITH BIRMINGHAM
(RACKING)
Client Overview
WHSmith PLC is a leading global travel retailer specialising in news, books, and convenience products. With operations spanning multiple countries, WHSmith is committed to innovation, sustainable growth, and operational excellence. As part of its ongoing strategy to improve efficiency and profitability, WHSmith continually invests in optimising its logistics and distribution capabilities.
Following a change in stock profile and picking requirements, WHSmith’s Birmingham distribution centre required a major reconfiguration of its storage infrastructure. The existing 15.5m high narrow aisle pallet racking system needed to be replaced with a wide aisle configuration to accommodate new operational needs and improve access efficiency.
Working in partnership with The Storage Centre, the project scope was defined to include:
Complete removal and recycling of the existing racking system
Installation of a new wide aisle pallet racking layout
Relocation of high-bay warehouse lighting
Installation of upgraded emergency lighting suspended from 21m height
Project Brief
The project faced a critical time constraint. The installation had to be completed ahead of WHSmith’s peak trading season, with no disruption to ongoing warehouse operations. This demanded precise planning, phased execution, and constant collaboration across multiple stakeholders, including WHSmith and their logistics partner, GXO.
The Challenge
To enable a smooth transition, WHSmith and GXO implemented an advanced stock management plan, compressing and consolidating inventory to clear the affected racking zones.
The Storage Centre developed a compressed project plan featuring phased working areas and overlapping tasks to reduce the overall build duration. Detailed drawings and sequencing schedules ensured safe and efficient execution while maintaining continuous operation across the rest of the site.
The Solution
Once approved, the project was delivered over a three-month period, with daily coordination between WHSmith, GXO, and The Storage Centre’s project management team.
To meet CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations and maintain effective on-site communication, a dedicated site manager from The Storage Centre was stationed on site throughout the works.
Implementation
Dismantling of 600 racking frames (15.5m high)
Removal of 8,000 pallet racking beams
Installation of 10,000 new pallet racking locations
Full location labelling throughout the warehouse
Relocation of high-bay lighting systems
Enhancement of emergency lighting to meet updated safety standards
Installation of protective barrier systems for added site safety
Scope of work
The project was successfully completed on time and within budget, achieving all operational and safety objectives. WHSmith’s Birmingham site now benefits from a modern, efficient, and future-ready storage system, improving both throughput and accessibility while supporting the company’s broader logistics strategy.
Project Outcome
About The Storage Centre
The Storage Centre is a UK leader in warehouse storage design, supply, and installation. With extensive experience across multiple industries, The Storage Centre delivers tailored storage solutions from pallet racking and mezzanine floors to complete warehouse fit-outs designed to optimise space, safety, and efficiency.