Groves of Thame: Warehouse Storage

The Challenge: Expanding Storage Capacity for a Growing Business

Since its establishment in 1966, Groves of Thame has grown into Europe’s largest independent distributor of sewing accessories and needlecrafts. Due to rapid expansion, they needed to consolidate their operations into a new 130,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art distribution centre. Their key challenges included:

• Maximising storage capacity for over 55,000 SKUs.

• Efficiently utilising vertical space with shelving and pallet racking.

• Implementing a two-tier mezzanine for small parts storage and future expansion.

• Ensuring seamless order fulfilment with a 24-hour turnaround.

The Solution: Integrated Shelving, Pallet Racking & Mezzanine Systems

Whittan, through its Link51 brand, designed and installed a customised storage solution to meet Groves’ operational needs. The solution included:

• High-density XL adjustable pallet racking for bulk storage of 3,844 pallets.

• Flexible Euro shelving with dividers for bin storage of varied product ranges.

• Longspan shelving to accommodate small imported items and oversized products.

• A two-tier mezzanine to maximise space for order picking and future expansion.

• Fire-rated flooring to eliminate the need for additional sprinkler systems.

The Impact: Increased Efficiency & Future-Proofed Storage

Whittan’s tailored storage system allowed Groves to enhance operational efficiency, improve order accuracy, and future-proof their storage capacity. The results included:

• Optimised picking processes for faster order fulfilment and improved stock visibility.

• Seamless warehouse transition with minimal disruption to customers.

• Scalable infrastructure to support ongoing business growth and expansion.

• Enhanced safety features, including reinforced flooring and space-efficient layouts.

Customer Testimonial: A Smooth & Successful Transition

“It was critical that we achieved a seamless transition from our previous premises, and Whittan delivered an exceptional mass storage solution. The move was so smooth that we informed our customers a month after the event. We would not hesitate to choose them again."
– Andrew Groves, Managing Director, Groves of Thame Ltd

Why Choose Our Warehouse Storage Solutions?

Whittan is the UK’s leading manufacturer of shelving, pallet racking, and mezzanine solutions. With local manufacturing facilities, industry expertise, and innovative designs, we help businesses optimise their warehouse efficiency.

We are Whittan, and we know storage.