Mezzanines/ Conveyor Crossovers

Mezzanines/ Conveyor Crossovers

Bluff Manufacturing Acquires B&L Structures: Now Offering Mezzanines, Stairways and Additional Material Handling Products

Bluff Manufacturing expanded its product offerings with the acquisition of B&L Structures, Inc. in June 2010. Serving the industrial industry since the 1970s, the national steel manufacturer boasts a reputable client list including NASA, Tuesday Morning, Burlington Coat Factory, Anderson Systems (a division of Wal-Mart which distributes books and music), and Aviall (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing Company), which boasts the largest mezzanine structure in Texas, built by B&L Structures.

Mezzanine Support SystemThe B&L Structures brand will be maintained, but production of B&L’s products (previously outsourced) has been moved to Bluff’s Fort Worth headquarters to ensure the highest quality and quickest delivery. The products will continue to be available through B&L’s national network of distributors, many of whom also work with Bluff Manufacturing.

“We made the decision to acquire B&L Structures because it adheres to our philosophy of innovative design, quality craftsmanship and providing value to the customer,” stated President Andrea Curerri, noting Bluff will create several new positions as a result of the purchase, including an engineer, draftsman, dedicated support services representative, and several certified welders. “Like all Bluff products, these focus on increasing in-plant efficiency, space utilization and safety.”

The acquisition of B&L Structures adds several new products to Bluff Manufacturing’s portfolio:

Mezzanines

A mezzanine is an ideal, economical solution for increasing floor space and storage capacity by clearing spans up to 40 feet and load capacities up to 1,000 pounds per square foot. Whether 100 feet or 25,000 square feet, we can build a mezzanine custom-designed for your facility and production requirements, as well as in compliance with OSHA and International Building Code (IBC). A local distributor will survey your needs and help determine the correct size and best combination of structural and formed components needed.

Mezzanine Support SystemOur mezzanines can be used for a variety of purposes:

  • In-plant offices and observation platforms
  • Free span mezzanines provide large open areas for processing or storage on the ground level
  • Free standing conveyor support structures
  • Multi-level shelving units up to four levels high
  • Multi-level carousel picking systems
  • Multi-level carton flow systems

Our designers will select the most efficient combination of hot-rolled structural steel (ASTM-A36 and ASTM-A50), high strength cold formed sections, structural tubes (ASTM-A500), and steel bar joists in order to provide a mezzanine that is safe and cost-effective. We use a variety of standardized shapes and sizes of materials which minimizes the need for custom fabrication. An engineer's seal is available for all designs in the 48 contiguous states. The entire production process is done in our Fort Worth headquarters and your mezzanine is shipped directly to you via approved contract haulers.

Our bolted construction and detailed instructions makes assembly simple and fast; in addition, each mezzanine is designed to be dismantled and reassembled in a different location or configuration. Your local distributor is happy to manage the installation process using an experienced crew.

Mezzanine decking options:

  1. Type 100 Deck Package

Our most economical deck. Unpainted 1 1/8” tongue and groove plywood specifically designed for flooring applications. This versatile deck can be configured to handle loads up to 200 lbs. per square foot.

  1. Type 200 Deck Package

Ideal for rolling loads. Heavy gauge metal decking; 1 ½” type “B” is used as a sub-floor. The bottom of this deck is painted white to maximize lighting. The finished floor is ¾” tongue and groove plywood (straight edge optional) or oriented strand board (deck package 200-S).

  1. Type 300 Deck Package

Heavy-duty steel bar grating (sized per application requirements) maximizes air circulation and often used to adhere to local fire code requirements. Painted shop coat black or optional silver.

  1. Type 400 Deck Package

Ideal for extra heavy loads and abusive working conditions. Uses same heavy “B” deck sub-floor as 200 package. Finished floor is 11 gauge floor plate (checkered).

  1. Type 500 Deck Package

A standard or lightweight concrete deck, varying from 2 1/2'” to 5” in depth.

Stairways

Stairway SystemTo access your mezzanine, we also design and fabricate stairways and landing systems that meet or exceed regulations specified by OSHA, IBC or other agencies specific to the user’s location. We use only “mill first” quality steel, all designs are approved by registered structural engineers, and welding is done by certified welders.

Material Handling Products

Complementing Bluff Manufacturing’s Crash Guard warehouse safety products, we are now also offering several B&L material handling products:

  • Heavy duty guide rail systems for order pickers and guided aisle rail systems
  • Exterior handrails
  • Structural damage control system which protects storage racks, machinery, personnel and walls from damage
  • Mobile units in any size, shape and capacity
  • Service and maintenance platforms provide safe access for indoor and outdoor areas
  • Cantilever rack
  • Heavy duty bolted structural pallet rack
  • Custom ramps for personnel, equipment and vehicles
  • Loading docks provide easy access for trucks and vans