Warehouses are divided into Classes A/A+, B/B+, C and D. Here we look at Classes A and B, from modern logistics complexes to refurbished industrial buildings.
Class A warehouses
Large rectangular buildings made from modern materials, with equipped loading doors and grounds designed for logistics. They meet the needs of medium-sized and large businesses for storing and moving goods.
These warehouses accommodate high-level racking systems, specialist handling equipment and automated solutions.
Technical specifications
High-level storage requires clear working height and a flat concrete floor with an anti-dust coating. A flat floor is also important for warehouse equipment such as stackers and forklifts. Dedicated areas are needed for charging and servicing this equipment.
Loading doors
High throughput requires enough dock doors. Dock levellers and dock shelters are used for loading and unloading.
Technical equipment
Temperature control, industrial supply and extract ventilation, automatic fire protection and network infrastructure.
Transport access and service
Access roads, convenient entry, parking for cars and goods vehicles, and manoeuvring areas. A management company is responsible for servicing the complex.
Class A+ warehouses
Higher warehouse requirements may arise from storing perishable goods, alcohol and pharmaceutical products, or goods sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Another reason is high goods turnover, requiring automated solutions and a large workforce. Examples include distribution centres for major chains and fulfilment centres.
Descriptions of A+ pay particular attention to engineering systems and site layout:
- Ventilation, air conditioning and temperature control.
- Access control and building management systems (BMS).
- Fibre-optic networks, fire alarms and fire suppression.
- Security and video surveillance.
- Areas for loading, unloading and turning goods vehicles.
- Separate parking for cars and heavy goods vehicles.
- Offices, changing rooms, canteens and other staff facilities.
Class B warehouses
This category offers the widest variety of options. A Class B building does not have to be new. The industrial legacy means that this group includes new properties, well-refurbished single- and two-storey buildings, and decidedly unremarkable buildings with plain concrete floors.
This category includes new properties with clear working heights of up to 8–10 m and simpler buildings with ceilings from 6 m and a 6 × 6 m column grid.
The main elements of warehouse infrastructure:
- A level concrete floor.
- Loading doors, a loading ramp and an unloading area.
- Space for heavy goods vehicles to turn.
- Ancillary rooms, technical areas and offices.
- Freight lifts in multi-storey buildings.
- Electricity, fire alarms and fire suppression.
- Security, video surveillance, internet and telephone connections.
What distinguishes B+
Class B includes better-equipped properties with loading and unloading facilities, technical rooms and office space. Such properties are often placed in the B+ category.
HERZEN brokers can help determine which class of property you need and select suitable options.