Pallet Racking Brand Identification Guide
Updated June 2026 · 9 min read · Identify Dexion, Link 51, Apex, Mecalux, AR Racking, SSI Schaefer and Redirack from upright slot patterns, beam connectors and stamps.
Knowing the brand of your existing pallet racking is the single most important piece of information before you expand, repair, sell or buy compatible used components. Pallet racking brands are not interchangeable — a Dexion beam will not fit a Link 51 upright, and mixing brands voids the load rating and breaks SEMA compliance.
This guide walks UK warehouse managers through the 7 most common brands found in British warehouses, where to look for the brand stamp, and how to identify each by its unique upright slot pattern and beam connector profile.
Step 1 — Look for a Brand Stamp
Check these three locations in order:
- The upright — between the second and third beam level on the open face. Most brands emboss or sticker their name here.
- The beam end-plate — the metal plate that hooks into the upright. Often stamped with brand name or logo.
- The baseplate — flip an end-of-row baseplate; older racking carries a foundry mark here.
Step 2 — Identify by Upright Slot Pattern
If no stamp is visible (common on racking older than 15 years), the slot pattern on the upright is your most reliable identifier. Here are the seven brands you are most likely to find in a UK warehouse:
Dexion
Profile: Distinctive 'speed-lock' teardrop slots running the full upright. Beam connector has 3 hooks. Often red or grey.
Era: 1960s – present (UK invented). Most common in legacy UK warehouses.
Link 51
Profile: Square punch holes in a continuous vertical pattern. Beam clip has a single safety pin. Usually orange beams, grey uprights.
Era: 1970s – 2010s. UK-manufactured, extremely common.
Apex
Profile: Box-section upright with diamond-shaped slots. Beam end-plates stamped 'APEX'.
Era: 1990s – present. Common in light to medium-duty UK installs.
Mecalux
Profile: Continuous oval slots. Beam connector has 4 hooks for higher load ratings. Often blue uprights.
Era: 2000s – present. Spanish manufacturer, popular in modern UK DCs.
AR Racking
Profile: Slot pattern similar to Mecalux but with a unique cross-brace pattern. Beam stamped with AR logo.
Era: 2010s – present. Rapid growth across UK warehouses.
SSI Schaefer
Profile: Heavy-gauge upright, slot pattern in groups of 4. Beam connector has reinforced welded hooks.
Era: 2000s – present. German engineering, common in automated facilities.
Redirack
Profile: Round holes (not slots) running the upright. Beam uses a bolt-through connector rather than a clip.
Era: 1980s – present. UK manufactured, light to medium-duty.
Step 3 — Confirm with the Beam Connector
Every manufacturer uses a unique beam connector — the metal end-plate with hooks or studs that locks into the upright. Count the number of hooks, note the stud pattern, and compare against the brand profiles above. A photo of the connector is usually enough for an experienced supplier to confirm the brand within minutes.
Why Brand Identification Matters
- Expanding your warehouse — new bays must use the same brand as your existing system or load ratings are voided.
- Repairing damage — replacement uprights, beams and baseplates must match the original brand and gauge.
- Selling used racking — branded racking (especially Link 51, Dexion and Mecalux) commands a 20-40% higher buy-back price than unbranded stock.
- Buying compatible used — sourcing matching components is faster and cheaper than buying new bays.
Free Brand Identification Service
Not sure what brand you have? UM Storage Systems will identify your racking free of charge. Send 3-4 clear photos of the upright (showing slot pattern), the beam connector and any visible stamps to office@umstoragesystems.co.uk and we will confirm the brand within 24 hours — and quote you for matching used components or a buy-back valuation.
Need to expand or sell your racking?
60+ years' experience. SEMA-qualified. Free identification & valuation.