Integrator Member Profile
Storage Solutions’ forward-thinking approach and dedication to customer-centric values ensure its continued success.
By Nicole Needles
SINCE ITS FOUNDING in 1978, Storage Solutions has grown into a leading provider of warehouse and automation solutions, adapting to significant changes in the material handling industry over the past few decades. Under the leadership of CEO and president and current MHEDA Board Chairman Nate Storey, Storage Solutions remains committed to delivering customer-centered solutions and fostering a people-first culture.
“Everything we do aligns with the customer, their needs and their goals,” says Storey. The company’s five core values guide not only its operations but also its hiring process, ensuring that new team members share a growth-oriented, customer-centric mindset.
This cultural commitment resonates deeply among Storage Solutions’ employees, resulting in high retention rates and long-term team tenure. Celebrating several 25-year employee anniversaries in recent years, the company fosters an environment that attracts professionals eager to build meaningful, sustained careers.
“Many of our employees see themselves here long-term, which shows in our tenure,” Storey notes, reflecting the company’s success in creating a workplace where employees thrive and contribute over the long haul.
The rise of e-commerce has been a transformative force in the material handling industry, one that Storage Solutions has actively embraced. When Storey joined the company in 2006, e-commerce was just beginning to change the landscape. The transition from bulk shipments to direct-to-consumer models required more labor-intensive and precise fulfillment operations. To meet these evolving demands, Storage Solutions has increasingly relied on automation to enhance efficiency and enable employees to take on skilled roles within warehouse operations.
However, some aspects of the industry have remained constant. Storage Solutions continues to operate as a crucial integrator, connecting customers with the right suppliers and OEMs. The company acts as a single point of contact, consolidating and streamlining complex supply chains for clients. According to Storey, “Although there are OEMs that work directly with end users, there’s still a big need for companies like us to bring everything together in a cohesive package.”
The 2023 acquisition of Storage Solutions by Jungheinrich, a global leader in intralogistics, marks a significant milestone for the company. Storey envisions Storage Solutions becoming a central player in Jungheinrich’s North American expansion over the next five years, with a focus on automation and large-scale warehouse equipment projects. The company aims to enhance its expertise in automation and software, facilitating growth in a sector where innovation is paramount.
In a rapidly evolving field, staying current with technological advancements presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Storage Solutions. Innovations in automation continue to emerge, demanding a careful and strategic approach. As Storey explains, understanding the capabilities and limitations of new technology is critical to maintaining operational efficiency.
Despite competitive pressures, Storey sees ample opportunities for growth, particularly for companies like Storage Solutions that bring unique value. By being selective about new technology and maintaining customer trust, Storage Solutions can continue to lead the way in delivering innovative, effective solutions in material handling.
As automation takes a firmer hold in North America, Storage Solutions is well-positioned to benefit. Storey anticipates a trend like what Europe has already experienced, with automation reshaping the industry landscape. While larger companies may dominate, smaller more agile players like Storage Solutions will remain vital for pushing the envelope on innovation and customer experience.
In an industry that shows no signs of slowing down, Storage Solutions’ forward-thinking approach and dedication to customer-centric values ensure its continued success. The company remains an exciting player in the material handling sector, ready to meet the demands of an evolving market and set new standards in warehouse solutions.
