Interlake Mecalux Pallet Rack Systems

Interlake pallet rack shows up in warehouses everywhere. It is one of the most commonly installed pallet rack systems in North America, and many facilities still operate Interlake rack systems that were installed decades ago.

That longevity is part of the reason Interlake rack is so widely recognized. When installed correctly and maintained properly, pallet rack systems can remain in service indefinately.

What eventually changes is the warehouse itself. Inventory becomes heavier. Product sizes change. Forklift traffic increases. When that happens, warehouses often need to repair damaged rack components or expand the existing storage layout.

Midwest Material Handling regularly helps warehouse managers identify and source Interlake pallet rack components used to repair forklift damage, replace bent beams, or expand existing pallet rack rows.

In many cases, replacing individual rack components is all that is needed to restore safe pallet storage.

About Interlake Mecalux Storage Systems

Interlake Mecalux is one of the largest manufacturers of industrial storage systems in the world. Interlake Mecalux manufactures a wide range of warehouse storage systems, with selective pallet rack being the most common configuration used in distribution centers and industrial warehouses, and logistics operations throughout North America.

The company manufactures pallet rack components at its facility in Melrose Park, Illinois and produces a wide range of warehouse storage equipment.

These systems include:

• Selective pallet rack
• Drive in and drive through pallet rack systems
• Cantilever rack for long material storage
• Wide span shelving systems
• Structural pallet racking

While the company produces many engineered storage solutions, selective pallet rack remains one of the most commonly installed systems in everyday warehouse environments.

Because these installations often remain in service for decades, warehouses frequently look for compatible rack components when expanding storage or repairing damaged rack bays.

Interlake Pallet Rack Uprights and Frames

Upright frames form the structural backbone of any pallet rack system. These vertical frames support the rack beams and transfer pallet weight safely to the warehouse floor.

Interlake pallet rack uprights use a punched column design that allows beams to be installed at different elevations. This flexibility allows warehouses to adjust storage levels as pallet heights or inventory needs change.

Typical upright frame components include:

• welded upright frames
• horizontal frame bracing
• diagonal frame bracing
• base plates
• column protectors

Matching the correct upright frame depth and column punching pattern is important when expanding or repairing an existing rack installation.

Interlake Pallet Rack Beams

Pallet rack beams are the horizontal members that actually support pallet loads within the rack system. These beams connect to the upright columns using welded beam connectors that lock securely into the column slots.

In a busy warehouse environment, beams tend to be the rack components that experience the most wear. Lift trucks occasionally strike beams when placing pallets or maneuvering through narrow rack aisles.

Typical Interlake beam components include:

• pallet rack load beams
• step beams designed for wire decking
• beam safety clips
• welded beam connectors

When replacing pallet rack beams, it is important that the replacement beam matches the connector style and dimensions used in the existing rack system.

Stock Rack Components Available Quickly

When a rack beam becomes damaged, that pallet location may no longer be safe to use until the beam is replaced. For warehouses operating at full capacity, losing pallet storage locations can create operational challenges.

To help reduce downtime, Midwest Material Handling stocks select rack components in commonly used sizes.

Stock items may include:

• pallet rack beams in common lengths
• upright frames in standard depths
• wire decking for pallet support
• pallet supports
• rack safety accessories

Depending on availability, many components can be available for same day or next day pickup or delivery.

What We Often See With Older Rack Systems

Many Interlake rack installations we encounter today were installed years ago during earlier warehouse expansions.

The rack itself is often still structurally sound.

What changes is the environment around it.

Forklift traffic increases. Pallet weights increase. Storage layouts are modified. Over time these changes can lead to certain rack components needing replacement.

The most common issues we see include:

• forklift impact bending pallet rack beams
• missing or damaged beam safety clips
• damaged uprights at aisle intersections
• warehouses adding additional beam levels to increase pallet storage

In many situations the repair is straightforward. Replacing the affected rack component allows the rack row to return to service without replacing the entire system.

Interlake Pallet Rack Beam Connector Styles

One of the easiest ways to identify compatible rack beams is by reviewing the beam connector used on the existing rack system.

Interlake pallet rack beams typically use a welded connector with multiple hooks that engage the upright column slots. The beam then locks in place using a beam safety clip.

Key connector characteristics often include:

• step beam design for decking support
• welded beam end connectors
• multiple hook engagement points
• beam safety clip holes

Photographs of the beam connector and upright column pattern are often enough to determine compatibility when identifying replacement beams.

Interlake Pallet Rack Beam Replacement

When a rack beam becomes bent or damaged, replacing the beam is usually the safest solution. Attempting to straighten a damaged beam can weaken the steel and reduce its load capacity.

Warehouses most often replace rack beams for reasons such as:

• forklift impact damage
• twisted or bent load beams
• damaged beam connectors
• adding additional storage levels

Matching the correct beam style and connector design ensures the replacement beam properly engages the upright frame and maintains rack capacity. Many common beam sizes can often be sourced quickly when repairs are needed.

Interlake Pallet Rack Beam Capacity

Beam capacity depends on several factors including beam span, beam profile, and pallet weight. Each beam is engineered to support a specific load when installed with compatible upright frames.

Factors affecting pallet rack beam capacity include:

• beam length between uprights
• beam height and steel thickness
• number of pallets stored on each level
• weight distribution across the beam

When replacing rack beams, the replacement beam should meet or exceed the capacity of the original component. If beam specifications are unknown, measurements and photos of the rack system can often help determine the correct replacement beam.

Interlake Pallet Rack Upright Frame Capacity

Interlake pallet rack upright frames are engineered to support significant vertical loads when properly configured with the correct beam spacing and anchoring. Frame capacity depends on several factors including upright gauge, frame height, and beam spacing.

The chart below shows typical Interlake bolted upright frame capacities based on common frame sizes and steel gauges. These values represent general load ratings and should always be verified during system design.

Frame capacity ratings assume proper installation, appropriate beam spacing, and floor anchoring. Actual load ratings may vary depending on application requirements, seismic conditions, and rack configuration.

If you are expanding an existing system or replacing damaged components, our team can help verify upright frame capacity, beam compatibility, and overall rack system safety.

Interlake vs. Ridg-U-Rak Pallet Rack

Warehouse managers occasionally confuse Interlake rack systems with other rack manufacturers that use similar beam connections. One of the most common comparisons is between Interlake Mecalux and Ridg-U-Rak pallet rack systems.

While the racks may appear similar at first glance, important differences exist between the two manufacturers.

These differences may include:

• beam connector design
• upright column punching pattern
• beam step dimensions
• rack engineering specifications

Identifying the correct manufacturer is important before ordering replacement rack components.

Photos of the beam connector, upright column pattern, and rack layout are often the fastest way to determine which rack system is installed.

Expanding Existing Rack Systems

Warehouse growth often involves expanding the pallet rack system that is already in place.

Rather than replacing the entire rack installation, many facilities simply add additional rack rows or expand existing rows using compatible rack components.

This approach allows warehouses to increase pallet storage capacity while maintaining consistent rack configuration throughout the facility.

Need Help Identifying Interlake Rack Components?

Many rack systems remain in service for decades, and documentation is not always available when repairs are needed.

Photos of the rack system, beam connectors, and upright columns are often enough to identify the rack manufacturer and locate compatible replacement components.

Midwest Material Handling regularly assists warehouse managers and maintenance teams with identifying rack systems and sourcing compatible beams, uprights, and accessories.

If you need help identifying Interlake pallet rack components or expanding an existing rack installation, our team can help review your rack system and recommend compatible solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interlake Mecalux pallet rack?

Interlake Mecalux pallet rack is a widely used warehouse racking system designed for pallet storage in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and industrial warehouses.

Can Interlake pallet rack systems be expanded?

Yes. Many warehouses expand existing Interlake rack systems by adding compatible upright frames and pallet rack beams.

Can damaged pallet rack beams be replaced?

Yes. Individual rack beams can often be replaced when damaged by forklift impact.

How can I identify Interlake pallet rack?

Beam connector style, upright column punching patterns, and rack measurements can often help identify the rack manufacturer.