Project Profile

• Company: Chicago Dryer Company
• Industry: Manufacturing
• Project Location: Chesterfield, MO
• Dexco Product: Double-deep widespan racking system
• Application: Heavy steel storage

Background

Chicago Dryer specializes in commercial laundry finishing systems. For more than 100 years, the company has been the leader in innovative flatwork finishing equipment, and its laundry systems process hundreds of millions of pounds of laundry every day. From high-end resorts to the most powerful commercial laundries in the industry, the world’s leading organizations turn to Chicago Dryer. Whether an organization needs to finish millions of pounds of healthcare, institutional, or hospitality linen per year, or just a few hundred pounds per week, Chicago Dryerhas the perfect solution.

The Challenge

Chicago Dryer relies on a constant supply of heavy, raw steel materials – primarily various sizes of steel tubing up to ten feet long – to feed its production line.

For years, the company had operated using a homegrown storage solution. It worked for many, many years, but as the years went on, it was clear that the company needed a modern, highly robust, load-rated solution for its heavy steel raw materials.

“We were using a storage system that had been welded together out of two-by-two-inch square steel tubing. It had no rating on it, and was becoming a liability,” said Paul Naylor, Director of Operations for Chicago Dryer. “So we wanted to get rid of it and get something that was proper and safe.”

It was time for a storage solution that was safe, secure, and supported the company’s future growth plans.

The Solution

Chicago Dryer’s need was clear: the new system had to be more robust than traditional off-the-shelf racking and provide certified load ratings to satisfy internal safety standards and external compliance requirements, including those of their insurance company.

Chicago Dryer connected with Dexco to design a custom system that met their needs for heavy-duty storage that was in line with modern material and employee safety specifications. The solution was a custom Dexco double-deep widespan racking system, engineered for extreme durability, specific material handling, and the efficient use of available floor space.

Details of the solution include:

• Engineering and Compliance: The system was PE (Professional Engineer) stamped by a third-party partner, providing the necessary certification and peace of mind for Chicago Dryer’s operations.

• Custom Shelving: The system consisted of waterfall decking shelves – providing full surface support and easy loading/unloading for their long, round, and square steel tubing.

• Site Integration: Dexco’s design team made several minor adjustments to ensure perfect integration into the facility, even accounting for specific wall clearances, such as an area near a circuit panel.

Results

The installation of the new Dexco racking system immediately transformed Chicago Dryer’s raw material storage area, providing safety, efficiency, and clarity.

The most critical improvement was the documented safety rating. Paul noted the positive impact:  “Our insurance company is happy that we have something that’s load-rated. Now we have a very nice, durable rack where before we had a homemade shelf system.”

Specialized wide span configuration allowed for easier placement and retrieval of materials, minimizing strain on personnel and equipment. The engineered design also optimized the handling process for Chicago Dryer’s heavy steel components. “Certainly, it is easier to load and unload than what we had previously. We can see the materials on the rack much better,” added Paul.

What’s Next?

By investing in a robust, custom-engineered solution, Chicago Dryer now has a foundational asset capable of supporting their heavy raw material needs for years to come, without the safety risks associated with their prior storage methods.

Dexco specializes in designing and manufacturing engineered solutions that will stand up to the toughest industrial requirements, turning storage challenges into safe, efficient, and durable operational assets.

Looking to upgrade your storage system to meet current – and future – needs? To learn how a custom-engineered racking system can help you, contact the experts at Dexco today.