Layout & Design in Illinois
Warehouse layout and design is where your storage system goes from 'we need more rack' to a detailed plan that maximizes your space, fits your operation, and meets code. A good layout designer considers your product mix, throughput requirements, forklift equipment, building dimensions, and fire code — then figures out how to fit the most useful storage into the space you have. Chicago is the undisputed freight capital of North America. More rail freight passes through Chicago than any other city on the continent. The I-55, I-80, and I-88 corridors south and west of the city contain one of the densest concentrations of warehouses and distribution centers in the world.
Learn more about layout & design in Illinois ↓Layout & Design Providers in Illinois (14)
AK Material Handling
AK Material Handling is a distributor of pallet rack shelving lockers and warehouse equipment offering design and installation services.
Associated Solutions
Associated Solutions is a full-service material handling supplier and exclusive Raymond Forklifts dealer in Illinois offering pallet rack inspection, repair, and installation.
Container Systems Inc
Container Systems has over 50 years of experience providing material handling and storage solutions from their Westmont Illinois location.
Damotech, Inc.
Damotech is North America's largest end-to-end warehouse safety partner specializing in pallet rack repair protection and inspection. They manufacture engineered rack repair kits and protection products with a manufacturing facility in Moberly MO.
Equipment Depot
Equipment Depot has over 80 years of experience with multiple Illinois locations providing racking design, layout optimization, and installation.
Interlake Mecalux
Interlake Mecalux is among the leading companies in the storage systems market specializing in the design manufacturing and sale of steel racking warehouse automation and warehouse management software.
JC Edwards & Son
JC Edwards & Son has been a master material handling distributor since 1947 serving central Illinois from their Peoria facility.
Mallard Manufacturing Corporation
Mallard Manufacturing is a premier gravity flow rack systems manufacturer operating two state-of-the-art facilities. They specialize in pallet flow carton flow push-back rack and gravity conveyor systems with nationwide sales and support.
Rack Builders Inc.
Rack Builders designs and manufactures structural storage rack systems built to RMI specifications by licensed structural engineers. They specialize in selective push-back pallet flow and carton flow systems.
REB Storage Systems International
REB Storage Systems International has been a trusted name in rack and shelving system design and installation since 1962 with installers located throughout the country.
Thornel Associates
Thornel Associates has been providing material handling and storage solutions in the Chicago area since 1955.
US Storage 1 Steel Group
US Storage 1 Steel Group is a pallet racking and warehouse storage provider in the Chicago suburbs serving the Midwest and South US.
West Suburban Innovative Storage
Warehouse shelving and storage rack supplier serving Minneapolis/St. Paul for 25+ years. Offers pallet racking, cantilever racks, wire shelving, mezzanines, and professional installation services.
Worldwide Material Handling Products, LLC
Worldwide Material Handling provides warehouse pallet racking parts and accessories at competitive prices. They specialize in wire mesh decking rack protection products and industrial storage accessories from their Romeoville IL facility.
When You Need Layout & Design in Illinois
- ✓You're building a new warehouse and need to plan the rack layout from scratch
- ✓Your current layout is inefficient — too much wasted aisle space, wrong rack types, poor flow
- ✓You're adding rack to an existing facility and need to work around obstacles (columns, drains, doors)
- ✓Your product mix or throughput has changed and the old layout doesn't serve you anymore
- ✓You need engineered drawings for a building permit application
What to Expect
- 1Facility survey — measuring the building, noting column locations, doors, docks, fire exits, and overhead obstructions
- 2Operational interview — understanding your product dimensions, weights, throughput, and workflow
- 3Preliminary layout options (usually 2-3 concepts with trade-offs explained)
- 4Detailed CAD drawings showing rack placement, aisle widths, beam levels, and pallet positions
- 5Load calculations and capacity specifications per beam level
- 6Fire code review — ensuring the layout meets sprinkler clearance and high-piled storage requirements
- 7Seismic engineering calcs if you're in a seismic zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a professional layout design, or can I plan it myself?
How much does warehouse layout design cost?
What information do I need to provide for a layout design?
How many layout & design providers are in Illinois?
Every day, approximately 500 freight trains pass through the Chicago metro area. That's more than any other city in the world. The rail yards around Joliet and Elwood are why there's a warehouse every quarter mile along I-55.
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