Longspan Racking & Shelving: The Flexible Storage System for Every Industry

If your business needs strong, adaptable storage that can handle heavy loads and change with your requirements, longspan racking & shelving is the ideal solution. Widely used in warehouses, stockrooms, automotive spaces and more, it’s designed to deliver dependable performance — no matter what you’re storing.

In this blog, we explore what makes longspan shelving so versatile, the different shelf types available, and how it can be configured for specialist uses like tyre or garment storage.

In this blog,

1. The standard configuration and load capacities available

2. The three shelf types: chipboard, solid steel, and wire mesh — and when to use each

3. How to configure longspan racking for tyre storage

4. Options for garment hanging using single and centre rails

5. Divider Systems for Picking & Separation

6. Explore the Full Range or Build Your Custom Setup Today

   
   
   
   

Built for Strength, Designed for Change

At its core, longspan racking is a heavy-duty system with high load capacity and a modular, boltless design. It’s simple to build, easy to expand, and offers real flexibility when storage needs evolve.

Every bay includes:

• Strong steel upright frames with twin-slot uprights

• “Z” profile beams for increased rigidity

• Deck supports (included as standard for shelves 624mm deep and above)

• A choice of chipboard, mesh, or solid steel shelving options

• Shelf loads up to 950kg UDL, bay loads up to 3,900kg

Need to add more storage later? You can do that cost-effectively using extension bays. These are designed to bolt onto your existing starter bays — reusing the end frame, so you only need one new upright instead of two. It’s a smart way to scale up without paying for more than you need.

With heights from 1984mm to 4016mm, widths up to 2754mm, and depths up to 1233mm, longspan shelving can be tailored precisely to your space.

Shelf Options: Choose What Works Best

One of the biggest strengths of longspan shelving is the flexibility to choose a shelf type that fits your storage environment.

Chipboard Shelves

• The most cost-effective shelving option available

• Offers the highest shelf load capacity — up to 950kg UDL depending on size

• Deck supports are included on depths of 624mm and above

• A solid choice for general-purpose storage, from boxed goods to archive materials

Solid Steel Shelves

• A wipeable surface that’s easy to clean

• Performs well in engineering environments where there’s grease, moisture, or oily components

• Load capacity up to 720kg UDL

• Supplied with all required supports and fixings

Wire Mesh Shelves

• Best when airflow is important, such as in utility or maintenance areas

• Allows sprinkler systems to function effectively through open levels

• Load capacity ranges from 250–700kg UDL, depending on size

• Also helps with visibility and dust reduction

Each shelf level includes beams, supports, decking, and safety pins — ready to load from day one.

Tyre Racking Setup

Longspan racking can be configured for tyre storage, making it ideal for automotive workshops, garages, and tyre retailers.

• Uses 471mm deep upright frames

• No shelving — tyres rest directly on the beams

• Load capacity of up to 950kg per level, depending on width

• Width options from 1229mm to 2754mm

This configuration keeps tyres secure, accessible, and off the floor — helping you stay organised and efficient.

Garment Hanging Configuration

Longspan shelving also supports garment storage through dedicated rail attachments. Two configurations are available depending on how much access and hanging capacity you need.

Single Hanging Rail

• Rail fitted between beams

• Supports up to 100kg UDL

• Supplied as a pair with safety pins

• Available widths: 1229mm, 1534mm, 1839mm

Centre Hanging Rail

• Installed down the middle of a 624mm deep bay

• Allows double-sided access

• Supplied with rail, brackets, and fixings

These options are especially useful in clothing warehouses, e-commerce fulfilment centres, or seasonal retail storage setups.

Divider System for Picking & Separation

If you're looking to retrofit chipboard dividers into an existing longspan shelving setup, Anco’s divider system offers a simple and effective solution.

This system uses individual vertical dividers that slot securely into place with top and bottom brackets, allowing you to create defined compartments within each shelf.

It’s perfect for:

• Separating out stock for improved picking

• Organising mixed products within the same bay

• Keeping larger boxed items separated but visible

• Creating SKU-specific pick zones in storerooms, packing lines, or retail backstock areas

Available in depths of 471mm and 624mm, this setup works especially well on chipboard decking where strength and structure are essential.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or adapting an existing bay, this add-on system lets you fine-tune your longspan shelving to support more organised workflows.

Explore the Full Range or Build Your Custom Setup Today

Whether you’re storing boxed stock, hanging garments, or rows of tyres, longspan racking & shelving offers the adaptability and performance modern businesses need. The modular design makes it easy to configure, expand, and optimise — all while supporting high loads with total reliability.

Looking to build your ideal setup? Explore the full range of longspan racking & shelving components or speak to our team for help selecting the right layout for your needs.