UK PALLET RACKING MANUFACTURERS COMPARISON 2026
Published 18 June 2026 · 12 min read
Choosing the right pallet racking manufacturer is one of the most consequential decisions a UK warehouse operator makes — the system will outlast forklifts, WMS upgrades and most management teams. This independent comparison covers the nine pallet racking manufacturers most commonly specified, supplied and serviced across UK warehouses in 2026, with a focus on SEMA compliance, build quality, best applications and long-term supportability.
UM Storage Systems is brand-agnostic — we supply, install, repair and buy back all major UK pallet racking brands. This guide is written from 60+ years of hands-on installation and inspection experience, not a manufacturer affiliation.
QUICK COMPARISON TABLE
| Brand | Origin | SEMA | Best For | Flagship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dexion | 1937 (UK) | Yes | General APR, very strong UK installed base | P90 / Speedlock |
| Link 51 | 1936 (UK) | Yes | Heavy-duty APR, distribution centres | XL / Stakrak |
| Apex | 1989 (UK) | Yes | Cost-effective APR, mid-market warehouses | AR / Heavy Duty APR |
| Redirack | 1969 (UK) | Yes | Narrow aisle, drive-in, push-back | Polypal / Narrow Aisle |
| Mecalux | 1966 (Spain) | Yes | High-bay, clad-rack, automated systems | M7 APR / Clad-Rack |
| AR Racking | 1992 (Spain) | Yes | High-bay APR, drive-in, automated | AR Pal / AR Drive-In |
| SSI Schaefer | 1937 (Germany) | Yes | Integrated storage + automation | PR 600 / Cuby shuttle |
| Stow | 1977 (Belgium) | Yes | APR, drive-in, mobile racking | Stow Atlas / Mobile |
| HiLo Industrial | 1970s (UK) | Yes | Cantilever, longspan, shelving | Cantilever / Longspan |
HOW TO READ THIS COMPARISON
Three factors should drive the choice of manufacturer: (1) the application — APR, drive-in, narrow aisle or cantilever; (2) the existing installed base on your site — never mix brands; and (3) long-term supportability — can you still get matching extensions and spares in ten years? SEMA approval is the UK quality benchmark for all three.
DEXION
Founded: 1937 (UK) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: P90 / Speedlock
Best for: General APR, very strong UK installed base
The UK's most recognised racking brand. Extensions and spares are always available. Excellent for resale value.
LINK 51
Founded: 1936 (UK) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: XL / Stakrak
Best for: Heavy-duty APR, distribution centres
Manufactured in Telford. Robust frames and a huge installed base across UK 3PLs and supermarkets.
APEX
Founded: 1989 (UK) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: AR / Heavy Duty APR
Best for: Cost-effective APR, mid-market warehouses
British-made, competitively priced. Common across general warehousing and manufacturing.
REDIRACK
Founded: 1969 (UK) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: Polypal / Narrow Aisle
Best for: Narrow aisle, drive-in, push-back
UK manufacturer (Doncaster) acquired by Polypal Group. Strong on high-density and bespoke systems.
MECALUX
Founded: 1966 (Spain) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: M7 APR / Clad-Rack
Best for: High-bay, clad-rack, automated systems
Major European manufacturer with UK presence. Excellent for tall, engineered and automated installations.
AR RACKING
Founded: 1992 (Spain) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: AR Pal / AR Drive-In
Best for: High-bay APR, drive-in, automated
Mondragon-owned. Strong engineering, FEM/SEMA certified, growing UK footprint in DCs and cold storage.
SSI SCHAEFER
Founded: 1937 (Germany) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: PR 600 / Cuby shuttle
Best for: Integrated storage + automation
Premium engineering, often specified where racking integrates with conveyors, shuttles or AS/RS.
STOW
Founded: 1977 (Belgium) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: Stow Atlas / Mobile
Best for: APR, drive-in, mobile racking
Part of Averys Group. Strong on cold-store, mobile and high-density systems across the UK.
HILO INDUSTRIAL
Founded: 1970s (UK) · SEMA: Yes · Flagship: Cantilever / Longspan
Best for: Cantilever, longspan, shelving
British manufacturer specialising in cantilever and longspan storage for builders' merchants and steel stockists.
SEMA COMPLIANCE — WHY IT MATTERS
SEMA — the Storage Equipment Manufacturers' Association — is the UK trade body that publishes the codes of practice for pallet racking design, manufacture, installation and inspection. SEMA-approved manufacturers commit to FEM 10.2.02 design standards and third-party audit. Specifying SEMA-approved racking installed by a SEIRS-qualified installer is the cleanest route to HSE-compliant storage and is a typical insurance requirement.
WHICH BRAND IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
AVAILABILITY & LEAD TIMES
In 2026, standard adjustable pallet racking from UK-stocked brands (Dexion, Link 51, Apex) is typically available within 1–3 weeks. Bespoke high-bay, drive-in and clad-rack systems from Mecalux, AR Racking and SSI Schaefer typically run 8–16 weeks from order to delivery. UM Storage Systems holds large used stocks of Dexion and Link 51, which often enables next-week installations where new lead times are tight.
NEED HELP CHOOSING THE RIGHT BRAND?
Talk to a SEMA-trained engineer. We supply, install and service every major UK pallet racking manufacturer — and we'll recommend honestly based on your site, not a brand quota.