Industrial warehouse in metal structure
For production, storage and technical areas with clear span. The people who calculate talk to the people who fabricate and erect.
When it makes sense
When steel is the right choice for your industry
An industrial plant changes over time: new machinery comes in, the line grows, storage takes up more space. Metal structure keeps up with that with clear span for the layout and room to grow.
The starting point is the operation, not the catalog. We first understand what happens inside the warehouse. Then come the span, the height and the structure.
For what type of operation
Industrial projects we design
New plant
The whole warehouse, from the preliminary study to handover.
Expansion
A new module next to the existing warehouse, connected to the operation.
Production
Clear span for the production line and for layout changes.
Storage
Clear height designed for what will be stored.
Maintenance and workshops
Support areas with the same structure as the main warehouse.
Technical areas
Spaces for utilities and equipment, with the loads accounted for in the calculation.
What we define in the design
The decisions that change cost and use
The warehouse takes shape in the preliminary study. These choices weigh on the investment and on the plant's day to day:
Clear span
The distance between columns. More span means more layout freedom and calls for larger sections.
Clear height
The usable height, defined by the equipment, the storage and the ventilation.
Equipment loads
Machinery, piping and whatever hangs from the structure enter the calculation per ABNT NBR 6120.
Wind
In tall, open warehouses, wind is often decisive. The calculation follows ABNT NBR 6123.
Roof and cladding
The type of roof sheet and side cladding changes the weight, the thermal comfort and the cost.
Future expansion
If the plant is going to grow, the design can already leave that side prepared for expansion.
How it works
How your project moves forward
One person follows every stage. You know what's happening and when.
- 01
Briefing
We understand the operation, the site and the schedule.
- 02
Preliminary study
Feasibility, structural system and investment range.
- 03
Engineering
Structural design, detailing and coordination.
- 04
Fabrication
Cutting, welding and painting at our own plant, with inspection.
- 05
Logistics
Numbered pieces ship out in the order they'll be erected.
- 06
Erection
Our own crew, with a lifting and safety plan.
- 07
Handover
Project reviewed with you and complete documentation.
Steel or concrete
Steel or concrete? It depends on the project.
There's no single right material for everything. There's the right one for your span, your soil and your schedule.
Up to about 25 meters of span, precast tends to compete well. For larger spans, weak soil, or when the project will grow, steel tends to win. If your case is the other way around, we'll tell you. See the full comparison.
| Criterion | Metal structure | Precast concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Large spans | Excellent | Depends |
| Industrialization | High | Medium |
| Self weight | Lower | Higher |
| Erection speed | High | Depends |
| Future expansion | Simple | More difficult |
| Maintenance | Requires corrosion protection | Lower |
Before you close a deal
Before comparing price, compare what's included
A price per square meter is misleading. Check whether the proposal includes:
- Structural design and ART
- Fabrication and painting or galvanizing
- Transport to the job site
- Erection with equipment
- Who does the foundation
- Gutters, flashing and closures
- Schedule with dates
Our proposal lists every item separately. It's easy to compare. How to compare proposals, item by item
FAQ
Questions about industrial warehouses
How much does an industrial metal warehouse cost?
It depends on the span, the height, the roof and the site. A price per square meter without a design is a guess. Send what you have and we'll come back with an investment range and scope. See what changes the cost.
What clear height does my warehouse need?
It depends on the equipment, the storage and the ventilation. We define it with you in the preliminary study, based on the operation.
Can the warehouse be expanded later?
Yes, and it's simpler when the design already plans for it. If you already have a warehouse and want to grow, see expansion and retrofit.
How long until the project is ready?
The schedule comes from the preliminary study, with a date for each stage. Fabricating while the foundation is being built shortens the timeline a lot.
Do you do the foundation?
Yes, or we coordinate with your builder. That's written into the proposal.
See also
Other pages that help you decide
Next step
Have an industrial warehouse project? Our engineering team will evaluate it.
Send us the project details and the drawings. You'll get feasibility, scope and what's still to define.