A groundbreaking development is taking shape in Limbro Park, Johannesburg, with the construction of South Africa’s first locally designed, engineered, and manufactured rack clad building. Commissioned by UTI Pharma in collaboration with LGA Logistic Consultants, this impressive project by Universal Storage Systems is purpose-built for pharmaceutical storage and is already turning heads across the industry.
Once complete, the facility – strategically located just off London Road – will measure 138 metres in length, 45 metres in width, and rise to an impressive height of 31.5 metres. It will accommodate over 38,000 pallets, marking a significant milestone in high-density, vertical storage infrastructure in the region.
Universal’s Sales Director, Jan Breytenbach, emphasizes the importance of meeting the stringent standards required for pharmaceutical warehousing. “Our relationship with UTI Pharma dates back to the 1990s when they traded as IHD. Over the past 21 years, we’ve worked closely on various projects, including facilities in Longmeadow, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. This long-standing collaboration has enabled us to fully understand their critical need to store medicines safely and ensure consistent supply to patients across the country.”
The structure itself is a showcase of innovation and sustainability. All uprights and beams are manufactured from pre-galvanized steel and feature newly developed components specifically designed for rack clad applications. In addition to its robust engineering, the project boasts notable ‘green credentials’ – a growing requirement in modern warehousing.
Scheduled for completion over a seven-month timeline, with teams working six days a week, the project reflects the increasing popularity of rack clad buildings globally. These systems offer optimal use of cubic storage space, faster construction times, and cost efficiency. The building’s structure uses the racking system itself as the framework, with cladding added to form the walls and roof, creating a fully integrated warehouse.
The modular nature of rack clad buildings allows for easy expansion, a feature that Breytenbach describes as one of the system’s most exciting advantages. Although this project is setting several South African firsts, rack clad warehouses are already widely adopted internationally – and demand is growing rapidly.
Founded in 1994, Universal Storage Systems operates both locally and abroad, offering a fully integrated service for businesses needing efficient material storage and retrieval solutions. Their offering includes concept design, feasibility studies, product development, engineering, validation testing, automated quality-controlled production, project management, installation, and after-sales service.
“In today’s market, the drive to optimize space is stronger than ever,” Breytenbach concludes. “We are proud to be at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of storage planning and technology in South Africa.”
