Lack of adequate storage is a common problem among school districts, particularly in cafeteria kitchens. When Pitt County Schools decided it was time to replace their old, inefficient shelving systems, they turned to Metro for help.
Keep reading to learn how Metro’s SmartLever cantilevered shelving system helped the district maximize its storage capacity in its dry storage and walk-ins.
The Problem
Pitt County Schools, a district with 38 schools in Pitt County, North Carolina, wanted to maximize their dry storage spaces and walk-ins with a durable shelving system that provided more shelving room than their existing systems. Many of their current systems, particularly in their dry storage rooms, consisted of old wood shelving that did not allow for much storage due to the multiple posts used to support the system in the front.
Here are some of the problems related to wood shelving and why Pitt County Schools has been upgrading their shelving systems:
- Reduced Storage Capacity: The multiple front posts needed to support the wood shelving system reduced the storage capacity compared to its footprint.
- Inefficient Layout: Fixed wooden shelving systems lack the flexibility to adapt to changing storage needs. This can lead to wasted space and difficulties in organizing cafeteria supplies efficiently.
- Susceptibility to Damage: Wood is prone to warping, cracking, and splintering over time, especially with constant use and exposure to moisture. Damaged shelves can become unsafe and pose a risk of injury to staff.
- Sanitation Concerns: Porous wood shelves can be susceptible to harboring moisture, mold, and mildew and are also more difficult to clean compared to polymer and wire options.
The Solution
Pitt County Schools knew what they wanted for their cafeterias: new, updated systems that provided as much storage space as possible and were durable. The district was already familiar with Metro products and considered MetroMax and Super Erecta Pro shelving lines for the project. However, they ultimately went with Metro’s SmartLever system because it provided a vast amount of extra space by eliminating the front posts.
With SmartLever, Metro representative Frank Faulkner highlighted a storage increase of 30-40% for the school. The district also liked having the ability to use SE Pro’s easy-to-clean polymer shelf mats and dunnage shelves at the bottom to store heavier items. Their specs call for the same in every storage room: three to four Pro shelves (depending on how high we can go) and one dunnage shelf at the bottom.
Why Metro?
Metro’s SmartLever cantilevered shelving and workstations are designed with productivity and durability in mind, making them ideal for use in commercial kitchens. These heavy-duty storage systems offer numerous options, multiple configurations, and unmatched durability to improve workflow—which is essential in busy and overcrowded cafeterias. That’s why they have been the perfect solution for Pitt County Schools.
The district was already familiar with Metro shelving and primarily used polymer shelving prior to its switch to SmartLever. Seeing Metro’s cantilevered shelving system in person at a school show helped them make the switch. The durability and extra space SmartLever provides are unmatched by other shelving systems.
“There is no better shelving out on the market,” said Jose Cuevas, HVAC/Foodservice Equipment Supervisor for Pitt County Schools. “It is easy to install and for our staff to use. It is the only shelving that our school district purchases.”
The Impact
Since Pitt County Schools first decided to go with Metro SmartLever, Frank Faulkner says that the district has outfitted at least 10 of their schools with Metro cantilevered shelving in various rooms, primarily walk-ins and dry storage. “I’ve had the opportunity to help with the installs a few times, and those always went smoothly,” he said. “I personally love the way SmartLever goes together and have had comments from various installers on how they enjoyed putting it all together. They like that it’s ‘different’ from your typical shelving, is designed very well, and goes together easily.”
By replacing their old, outdated wooden shelving systems with Metro SmartLever, the schools have seen an approximate 40% increase in their storage space, which has led to improved organization and efficiency. The system is also significantly more durable and easier to clean, ensuring they will have optimized storage space for many years to come.
And now that they’ve experienced the benefits of SmartLever cantilevered shelving, they aren’t using any other shelving in their high-traffic walk-in and dry storage areas.
“Our school district has only been purchasing Metro cantilever for the last five years,” says Katie Exum, School Nutrition Assistant Director for Pitt County Schools. It is easy for our facilities department to install and helps us maximize our storage, freezer, and cooler space. We recommend it to everyone.”
Organize Your Commercial Kitchen with Metro Solutions
For over five years, Metro has been supplying Pitt County Schools with high-quality, heavy-duty cantilevered shelving for the walk-in and dry storage areas throughout the district. The district's problems with its old wooden shelving units were effectively resolved, and the new solution has been proven to enhance kitchen operations throughout the district.
At Metro, we understand the unique challenges faced by school food service operations. That’s why we offer more than just products—we provide customized solutions to optimize your space and workflow, resulting in a more efficient workspace. So, if you’re looking to improve the organization, efficiency, or quality of products within your facility, we can help. Metro’s solutions are supported by local reps who can help you create top-tier foodservice solutions for shelving, workstations, holding units, and more.
Have a success story to share? Contact us to learn how Metro can transform your space!