The Rack Is More Than Storage: Why Racking Matters in an AS/RS System
In an automated storage environment, racking is not simply a structure for holding pallets — it is an engineered component of the overall material handling system.
U.S. Rack Manufacturer Since 1970
Engineering Excellence in Storage Solutions
Pallet racking, AS/RS structures, work platforms and safety guarding — engineered, fabricated and supported by one source.
0+Years of rack engineering
100%In-house design & fabrication
0Core industries served
GlobalDistributor & project network
Single-Source Manufacturer From engineering drawings to finished steel, one accountable partner.
Why Steel King
Built Strong. Engineered Right.
Steel King Industries, Inc. has engineered and manufactured industrial storage equipment since 1970. We design, fabricate and finish our racking, platforms, containers and safety products in-house — giving procurement teams consistent quality, verified load capacities and a single point of accountability across the entire project.
- Engineered to recognized standards — rack systems designed in accordance with RMI ANSI MH16.1 specifications, with project-specific load and seismic calculations.
- Structural and tubular options — choose hot-rolled structural or boltless tubular rack based on impact risk, environment and budget.
- Integration-ready — rack-supported AS/RS, pallet shuttles, pick modules and platforms designed to work with automation.
- Lifecycle protection — guarding and safety accessories that reduce damage, downtime and replacement costs.
Product Portfolio
Products for Every Solution
From selective pallet rack to rack-supported buildings, every product is engineered for heavy-duty industrial use and long service life.
Flagship
SK2000® Boltless Tubular Pallet Rack
Closed tubular uprights deliver high torsional strength and resist forklift abuse, reducing risk, downtime and maintenance costs.
Tubular uprightsBoltless beam connectionFast reconfiguration
View Pallet Rack Heavy Duty
SK3000® Structural Pallet Rack
Hot-rolled structural steel channel uprights and beams — outstanding value for high-traffic, freezer and drive-in applications.
Hot-rolled channelBolted connectionsHigh impact resistance
View Pallet Rack Pallet Rack
Selective, double deep, drive-in and structural bolted rack for every load profile.
Learn MoreRack Systems
AS/RS, pushback, pallet flow, pallet shuttle and pick module systems.
Learn MoreWork Platforms
Mezzanine-style structures that add usable floor space and support automation.
Learn MoreSafety Products
Guard rail, column protectors, rub rail, load stops and safety gates.
Learn MoreContainers
Rigid, collapsible and corrugated steel containers plus scrap hoppers.
Learn MoreI-Beam Cantilever Rack
Long-load storage for lumber, pipe, bar stock and sheet materials.
Learn MorePortable Racks
Stackable, nesting, coil, pin and bar racks that move with your inventory.
Learn MoreShipping Racks
Custom returnable racks and steel pallets that protect parts in transit.
Learn More Industries
Solutions for Every Industry
Application-specific storage designed around your products, handling equipment and regulatory environment.
Agriculture
Automotive
Construction Materials
Cold Storage
E-Commerce
Food & Beverage
Manufacturing
Pharma & Healthcare
Retail
Wholesale / B2B
Warehousing / 3PL
Buyer's Selection Guide
Which Pallet Racking System Fits Your Operation?
Storage density, selectivity and inventory rotation pull in different directions. Use this engineering comparison as a starting point before specifying a system.
| System | Storage Density | Pallet Selectivity | Inventory Flow | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Pallet Rack | 100% direct access | Any (FIFO / LIFO) | High SKU counts, mixed inventory, general distribution | |
| Double Deep Rack | ~50% direct access | LIFO | Two or more pallets per SKU; requires deep-reach trucks | |
| Pushback Rack | By lane, 2–6 deep | LIFO | Medium-velocity SKUs, standard forklifts, space savings | |
| Pallet Flow Rack | By lane | FIFO | Date-sensitive goods, food & beverage, cold storage | |
| Drive-In / Drive-Through | Low | LIFO / FIFO (drive-through) | Large quantities of few SKUs, freezers, seasonal stock | |
| Rack-Supported AS/RS | Automated | Software-controlled | High-throughput, high-bay or labor-constrained facilities |
Final system selection should be validated by a project-specific engineering review covering floor slab capacity, seismic zone, fire code and material handling equipment.
How We Work
From Layout to Load-Ready
A proven project workflow that keeps engineering, fabrication and installation aligned.
Application Review
Load weights, pallet sizes, throughput targets and equipment are analyzed to define system requirements.
Engineering & Layout
Rack configuration, capacity calculations and drawings are prepared for your building and local codes.
Fabrication
Steel components are manufactured and finished in-house with controlled quality at every stage.
Delivery & Support
Coordinated shipping, installation through our distributor network and long-term safety support.
For International Buyers
Sourcing Racking With Confidence
Overseas procurement teams need more than a price list. We focus on the documentation, engineering transparency and partner coordination that reduce project risk.
Clear Technical Documentation
Drawings, capacity data and product manuals that support permitting and internal approvals.
Distributor & Partner Network
Local expertise for site surveys, installation and after-sales service.
Long-Term Accountability
One manufacturer responsible for product performance across the system lifecycle.
Project Information Checklist
- Building layout, clear height and column spacing
- Pallet dimensions and maximum unit load weight
- Forklift, shuttle or AS/RS equipment specifications
- SKU count, pallets per SKU and FIFO / LIFO needs
- Floor slab thickness and concrete strength
- Seismic zone, fire code and local building regulations
- Operating environment (ambient, freezer, corrosive)
Engineering Insights
Latest News & Insights
Practical knowledge from our engineering team on automation, high-density storage and platform design.
Automation Heightens Requirements for Platform Decking and Flooring Integrity
As conveyors, robots and picking systems grow more sophisticated, supporting platforms must be designed, manufactured and installed to match operational demands.
Warehouse Expansion vs. High-Density Storage Systems
Before committing to a building addition or new distribution center, make sure you are fully utilizing the cubic space you already have.
FAQ
Questions Buyers Ask Most
Straight answers from the engineers and specialists who design and build our storage systems.
View All FAQsWhat is the difference between structural pallet rack and boltless tubular pallet rack?
Structural pallet rack such as SK3000 uses hot-rolled steel channel uprights and beams bolted together, giving high impact resistance for heavy forklift traffic, freezers and drive-in applications. Boltless tubular pallet rack such as SK2000 uses closed tubular uprights that deliver excellent torsional strength and fast, tool-free beam installation for general warehousing and distribution.
Which high-density storage system is right for my warehouse?
Choose based on SKU count, pallets per SKU and inventory rotation. Pallet flow rack suits FIFO and perishable goods, pushback rack suits LIFO storage two to six pallets deep, drive-in racking maximizes density for large quantities of the same SKU, and double deep racking doubles storage depth while keeping moderate selectivity.
What information is needed to engineer a racking project?
Provide a building layout with clear height and column spacing, pallet dimensions and maximum load weights, forklift or AS/RS equipment specifications, throughput targets, inventory rotation method, floor slab data and the applicable seismic or building code requirements for your site.
Can Steel King support projects outside North America?
Yes. International buyers can contact [email protected] to discuss project scope, engineering documentation, packaging for export and coordination with authorized distributors and installation partners.
How can I reduce forklift damage to pallet racking?
Combine column protectors, end-of-aisle guard rail, rub rail and pallet load stops with regular rack inspections. Structural rack and engineered safety products reduce downtime, product loss and replacement costs in high-traffic aisles.
Let's Build Something Great.
Talk to our storage specialists or locate an authorized distributor near your project.