Leading Mezzanine Manufacturers

Mezzanines are raised, often un-walled platforms that are used in a diversity of settings; they can store unused materials, provide working space for equipment and seat people in auditoriums, among many other uses. Industrial mezzanines, however, are used only for purposes related to industrial operations. Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and service companies all make use of mezzanines. Read More…

Mezzanines Mezzanines are raised, often un-walled platforms that are used in a diversity of settings; they can store unused materials, provide working space for equipment and seat people in auditoriums, among many other uses.

As a manufacturer of mezzanines, including inplant modular offices, exterior steel buildings, guard buildings, fork liftable and crane liftable buildings, multi-level buildings and mezzanines, Abtech offers turnkey installations or packages for install by end user.

Abtech, Inc. $$$

Since 1982, Equipment Roundup Manufacturing has manufactured products such as mezzanines. Our mezzanine structures include mezzanine systems, mezzanine floors, industrial mezzanines & plant mezzanines. Like other customers, you will discover the difference our enthusiastic can-do attitude brings. We help you discover solutions to problems you may not have considered. Your success is our success.

Equipment Roundup Manufacturing $$$

Are you looking for a ready-to-use mezzanine? Our team can handle the design and install so that when we're done, it is ready for you to go to work. When you choose PWI we drastically increase your workspace, in many cases customers create new work or additional storage space. Our steel mezzanines are an affordable alternative to new construction and ensures you are getting the most out of your...

PWI $$$

At Next Level Storage, we specialize in creating custom mezzanine solutions that elevate your space to new heights. As a team of dedicated professionals, we take pride in our ability to handle your entire mezzanine project from start to finish. When it comes to mezzanines, we're the experts you can trust.

Next Level Storage $$$

ResinDek® flooring is the solution for mezzanines, work platforms, pick module flooring, and equipment storage. ResinDek® panels have been installed in distribution centers, manufacturing plants, cold storage facilities and many other applications because of its strength, durability, versatility, and variety.

Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC $$$

Since 1995 Panel Built has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of industrial mezzanines for many industries. Our high-quality products are durable and have long-lasting performance. All of our products are made in Panel Built’s state of the art facilities. Along with our standard line of mezzanines, Panel Built works with our customers to create custom mezzanines to fit their needs....

Panel Built, Inc. $$$

Since 1985, Donobrog has been providing low cost easy mezzanines, inplant offices, pick modules, pallet racking and shelving systems…. “Turn Key – New and Used””. Sales, Engineering, Fabrication and Installation. Our labor also can tear down, move, re-assemble and repair existing storage systems. Contact us to discuss your facility improvements.

Donobrog, Inc. $$$
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Mezzanine Applications

Mezzanines serve a myriad of purposes, among them: the storage of unused material, walking space for facility workers and guests, auditorium seating, extra space, office floor space and office ceilings. A small, ground-floor office, for example, could be built beneath a mezzanine; the mezzanine floor can simultaneously provide the office ceiling and a platform for mezzanine storage. An in-plant office could also be built above a mezzanine platform, allowing the space below to be used for storage or for other uses. Regardless of their use or configuration, all mezzanine systems are designed to protect worker safety.

Mezzanines are useful to service companies in all areas, from manufacturing to supplying to distribution. They’re also useful to non-industrial customers. Some of the many industries that use mezzanines include: aerospace, agriculture, auto repair and maintenance, education, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing, office, outdoor recreation, retail and transportation.

History of Mezzanines

The word “mezzanine” is borrowed from the French, which in turn derived from the Italian mezzanino, a diminutive of mezzano, or “middle.” Prior to the Industrial Revolution, mezzanines were primarily used in the theater. In the mid-1800s, the first department stores opened, and with them came another use for mezzanines—store levels. When the Industrial Revolution arrived shortly thereafter, manufacturers began using mezzanines in their facilities to help in storage and create new usable space. Since then, mezzanines have functioned much the same, though they now serve more applications than before, and have different features, like conveyors and lifts.

How Mezzanines Work

Modern mezzanines are largely stationary equipment. Sometimes, though, they feature lift or conveyor systems, so that they may also lift or move people or items. They will perform such tasks per the instructions of automated or semi-automated technology.

What are Mezzanines Used for?

Generally, mezzanines are installed in buildings (e.g., warehouses, offices, factories) with high ceilings. This is an option for companies that are expanding their operations but could not invest in new buildings right away. Installing a mezzanine is a cost-effective method to add additional space for offices, storage, and work areas.

There are a lot of mezzanine types for different applications. In the industry, these provide an additional work area for light equipment and machinery. These include industrial pumps, mist collectors, tanks, HVAC equipment, and conveyor systems. To allow easy access and convenience, some mezzanines are engineered to have adjustable heights and deck layouts.

When planning to install a mezzanine, it is important to define and establish its intended use. The reason behind this is because most of the design parameters, like load requirements, materials, construction method, and structural design, will be based on the defined purpose. 

Once finalized, next will be the necessary planning on the placement of personnel, walls, and equipment for a more efficient workflow. When planned the right way, mezzanines can increase the productivity and efficiency of the whole operation.

Common Uses of Mezzanines

Catwalks

Mezzanines can be repurposed for catwalk systems. This gives a solution for transporting inventories without disturbing the main production area. The way it works is by making it possible to move materials above the ground and separate them from the busy production lines. In addition, catwalks can be installed to connect pre-existing mezzanines and make logistics more efficient. 

Catwalks are installed either by hanging them in the ceiling or by supporting them through the adjacent racks and existing mezzanines. These provide convenient access over high machinery and equipment. The materials used for the flooring of a catwalk mezzanine are usually made up of anti-skid materials like expanded sheet metals, grated steel, and solid sheets. 

Office Space

Some mezzanine installations are perfect for utilizing these as office workspaces without sacrificing much of the factory line. These are usually integrated above the production shop floor, where supervisors and engineers have to be as close as possible to the production area. Mezzanines provide a great advantage in their workflow by bringing their workstations near the area they support. This method of adding an office is significantly cheaper than building up a new structure or building.

Food Industry

Mezzanines in the food industry are built with non-corrosive tubes and food-grade stainless steel so that it can be easily maintained and cleaned. For the food industry, mezzanines can be utilized as platforms for cold storage and packaging equipment.

A Platform for Automation Systems

Incorporating automation in factories is essential for the global roadmap towards industry 4.0.

Companies without much space are installing mezzanines to incorporate automation without disrupting their long-established factory layout. This spares them from investing their capital expenditures in building a whole new system from scratch. One example is the installation of an overhead conveyor system that moves the materials autonomously.

Warehousing & Distribution

Modern warehouses have advanced systems regarding their in-house logistics. These efficient warehouses utilize a vertical type of material storage to maintain their systemized approach to material handling. Installing a mezzanine enables a company to strategize their incoming and outgoing inventories by helping them take advantage of the extended layout.

Mezzanine Types

Because of the great variety of applications in which mezzanines are used, mezzanine construction companies offer mezzanine systems in a variety of configurations. Below, check out a few examples of the many kinds of mezzanines.

Prefabricated Mezzanine
Some mezzanine applications call for little more than a small, simple platform where supplies or products can be stored. In these cases, many operations make use of prefabricated mezzanines, which are designed and partially assembled by manufacturers even before they have been ordered by customers.

Structural Mezzanine
Structural mezzanines are platforms that are suspended by a combination of a building’s own load-bearing elements and by some columns and supports. They can be used to provide work surfaces for machinery. They may also be used as storage mezzanines for heavy materials. Structural mezzanines are usually built into a building at the time of its construction; their uses are usually predetermined, and their design reflects their intended application.

Free Standing Mezzanine
Freestanding mezzanines, or work platforms, which are typically prefabricated, stand on their own without the support of a wall. Because they don’t have this type of support, they’re usually used to perform less demanding tasks, such as the temporary storage of lighter-weight materials. A great advantage to both of these and structural mezzanines is the fact that neither impede the operation of workers or machinery on lower levels. Their supports can be placed in a way that minimizes interference with the movement of personnel and equipment.

Free standing mezzanines are commonly used for equipment platforms. These mezzanines are independent of the building and not connected to the main structure. Free standing mezzanines are flexible and can be freely reconfigured whenever there is a need to. Their posts may be mounted on the floor to add stability to the whole structure.

Perimeter Mezzanine
Perimeter mezzanines are used in factories, warehouses and in other large buildings for observation of floor operations and for easy transportation from one end of a busy or full building to another. Because they offer this easy transportation and access, they’re also great for the very short-term storage of products. In addition, perimeter mezzanines can be used to accommodate visitors or guests during tours. To assist in the transportation of products and people, perimeter mezzanines can be equipped with lift and conveyor systems.

Catwalk Mezzanines

These are installed in warehouses to increase the capacity of tall racks. The existing shelves serve as support for the mezzanine frame, while support columns may be added to increase stability between the shelves.

Installation of Mezzanines

Although installing mezzanines can be swift, there still are many considerations before you can install one. The first thing to consider is the structure of the building, whether it can be able to support an additional load or if there are no existing space constraints. The next consideration would be whether you want to install a permanent or a temporary type of mezzanine. Finally, and most importantly, consider the existing regulations established by the International Building Code and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IBC & OSHA).

Mezzanine Equipment Components

Mezzanines are made up of base plates, columns and braces and other hardware.

Base plates are the key to mezzanine stability. They keep lateral and deflection movement within a certain degree, so that the structure is not compromised. Standard mezzanines have base plates that are 12 inches by 4 inches. Base plates are held in place by anchor bolts. Columns hold up mezzanine levels. They provide support to vertical space, horizontal space and twisting loads alike. Braces and other hardware complement the other components by adding structural strength and decreasing lateral movement. Your manufacturer may also bolt the structure together with nuts and bolts.

Benefits of Mezzanines

Mezzanines present their users with countless benefits. First, mezzanines are incredibly versatile; you can use them for a wide variety of applications, from storage space to pallet rack storage. Likewise, manufacturers can design a mezzanine system to fit into virtually any environment. Because mezzanine design options are so versatile, they also come in a wide range of prices. In addition, adding a mezzanine structure to your facility effectively doubles the work and storage capacity you have available (triple-decker and larger models create even more space). Because many mezzanine systems are highly modular, if necessary they can be disassembled, expanded, reduced or relocated. Last but not least, mezzanines offer you a way to radically change your workspace without investing too much into construction and without taking too much time away from your application. Mezzanine structures can be installed in your space within a matter of days, rather than weeks or months.

Mezzanine Design and Customization

Manufacturers typically build mezzanines from structural steel, stainless steel, cold rolled steel or hot rolled steel. They may also use fiberglass or aluminum. For non-industrial purposes, they may even use wood or composite lumber. Also, manufacturers may make recycled composite lumber panels for LEED certified warehouses seeking to decrease their dependence on structural steel and non-recycled materials. When choosing a material, they look for one that can be either free-standing, which means that they can stand independent of support from another structure, or structural, which means that they can be integral parts of the buildings in which they are constructed. Manufacturers only choose a lightweight material like aluminum when the mezzanine will not be subject to heavy loads. Fiberglass works well as decking in a corrosive environment.

During design, in addition to materials, manufacturers map out the mezzanine floor design and consider what other features are necessary. Examples of such features include: shelving, pallet racks, decks, floor perforations, stairs, railing, conveyors lifts, etc. Manufacturers also always make mezzanines with safety in mind. To that end, most mezzanine access stairs are treaded and marked with brightly-colored or reflective tape to reduce slipping or stumbling risks, and perimeter railings to help prevent falls.

In cases where a mezzanine will serve a more specialized purpose, manufacturers will create a custom mezzanine that matches your precise specifications. This includes anything, from a specific floor perforation size or shape, to an unusual perimeter.

Safety and Compliance Standards of Mezzanines

By and large, mezzanines are beholding to the International Code. This code states that a mezzanine may have as much as one-third of the floor space of floor below. It also states that a space may have more than one mezzanine, as long as all of the mezzanines add up to one-third or less of the total floor space. (Local building codes may vary.) In addition, here in the USA, all industrial mezzanines must meet OSHA’s mezzanine safety requirements. If you want an accessible mezzanine, it must meet ADA standards.

Things to Consider Regarding Mezzanines

Mezzanines are an economical way of adding additional working space to a building without expanding the floor area being occupied. The extra space provided by mezzanines is perfect for offices, additional storage areas for inventories, and platforms for light types of equipment. In many industries, these are called miscellaneous floors above the ground floor. Mezzanines can be installed in many ways depending on the available space, intended use, and building construction. 

Like any construction, the installation of mezzanines is also restricted by different standards to ensure quality and safety. Before deciding to install a mezzanine, considerations must be made regarding whether it will be used (office space, storage, manufacturing, or equipment placement).

Load Requirements

As mentioned above, the load requirements for mezzanine construction will be decided by the intended use. The weight ratings of mezzanines are measured by the unit of force over the area (example: kN/m2). Light usage accounts for light load requirements, while heavy-duty applications will require a higher load capacity. The general ratings are as follows: Office space – 3.5kN/m2, Light stockroom – 4.8 kN/m2, Medium Stockroom – 7.2 kN/m2, Heavy Stockroom– 9.6 kN/m2.

Slab Capacity

The slab capacity dictates whether the construction of a mezzanine is feasible and assures safe installation. Additionally, this will drive the types of columns and footings to be installed to support the mezzanine’s foundation. The most common slabs are able to support 25,000 lbs and measure six to eight inches thick.

Construction of Stairways and Handrails

The incorporation of stairways and handrails on mezzanines are guided by different safety standards set by various associations. These mezzanine features are vital for the safety of the workers involved. The design and construction of the handrails and stairways will be based on the mezzanines’ established purpose. For instance, a general rule of thumb for stairways is to incorporate anti-skid features such as expanded metal sheets or diamond-patterned steps.

Surface

There are many construction choices available for mezzanine floors, and some of these are steel, grating, diamond plate, high-density particleboard, or concrete.

Building and Construction Codes

The mezzanine to be installed should abide by the requirements set by different Safety institutions, including the International Building Code (IBC) and by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These codes may vary depending on what the government requires in a certain area.

Installing a mezzanine is a great way to save both space and money. However, if you go with the wrong manufacturer, you may end up with a big headache and a big hole in your budget. We don’t want that. That’s why we’ve put together a list of experienced and reliable mezzanine manufacturers for you. We’ve interspersed the profiles of these leading companies throughout the page; you’ve probably already noticed them. When you’re ready to get begin looking, we recommend you take some time and read through them. You can visit their websites as well, if you’d like. As you browse, look for matches in application, specifications, price range, etc. Choose three or four with whom you’d like to speak personally, then reach out to them for a quote or a conversation. After communicating with all of the companies in whom you’re interested, compare and contrast their answers. Determine which manufacturer can offer you the customizations, standards, price range, delivery services and overall customer services that you desire.

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