Giant Mercantile, a leading distributor of Heli equipment, implemented a mezzanine racking system to solve a recurring challenge that threatened their daily operations—frequent flooding. The company’s managing director, Eric Lim, realized it was time to act.
After years of managing their operations from ground-level offices, the team opted for a strategic upgrade. This transformation, provided by Metaformation, wasn’t just about saving space—it was about ensuring continuity, safety, and a better client experience. The rack-supported mezzanine they installed became the game-changing solution they didn’t know they needed.
The Problem: Flooding Disrupted Daily Operations
For years, the team at Giant Mercantile battled the unpredictable challenges of flooding. Important paperwork, office equipment, and showroom areas were constantly at risk. The flooding didn’t just pose a physical threat—it disrupted business flow, impacted customer experience, and added operational stress.
While they initially tried to use a second floor, the customer service experience suffered. Staff couldn’t interact with clients on the ground floor, causing inefficiencies and dissatisfaction.
Exploring Flexible Solutions: Why a Mezzanine Made Sense
After another major flood, Eric and his team decided that reactive measures were no longer enough. They needed a flexible and scalable infrastructure fix that wouldn’t break the bank. A full renovation wasn’t ideal. They still had to operate and serve customers while solving their problem.
Enter the rack-supported mezzanine.
Rather than shutting down operations for a full rebuild, Metaformation’s modular mezzanine racking system allowed Giant Mercantile to maintain operations during installation. The semi-temporary nature of the structure gave them breathing room to decide their long-term direction.
Why Metaformation? Matching Needs with Expertise
The search for a reliable provider led them to Metaformation, a team known for tailored warehouse solutions. From the beginning, Metaformation showed commitment, listening to every detail of Giant Mercantile’s unique space constraints, flooding issues, and workflow requirements.
Together, they designed a mezzanine storage system that blended practicality with adaptability. Communication was clear. Timelines were realistic. And the finished build fit the vision.
The Results: Safety, Efficiency, and Client Proximity
With the new mezzanine in place, Giant Mercantile immediately saw benefits:
✅ Office equipment and documents were safe from water damage.
✅ Staff could operate efficiently without relocating.
✅ The customer-facing team remained accessible at ground level.
The mezzanine racking system not only saved space but also enhanced how the business presented itself to customers. It maintained a clean, professional layout and made logistics smoother.
The Flexibility Factor: What Happens Next?
One major win for the business? Adaptability.
Eric described the rack-supported mezzanine as “a temporary solution with long-term value.” Once they relocate or find a more permanent space, the system can be disassembled, moved, and reused for inventory storage or document management in a new area.
This flexibility made it more than just a flood solution—it was a modular investment in operational efficiency.
Advice to Other Business Owners: Think Long-Term Flexibility
Eric encourages other business owners to think ahead. Even if the solution isn’t permanent, mezzanine racking systems offer long-term adaptability and measurable ROI.
Rather than spending on full renovations, businesses can invest in systems they can scale, reuse, and reshape as their needs evolve.
A Smooth Partnership: Metaformation Delivered
Throughout the process, Metaformation provided expert consultation, regular updates, and immediate support when minor adjustments were needed. From start to finish, the process was smooth, and expectations were met.
Giant Mercantile now operates with more confidence, less stress, and a stronger infrastructure to support future growth.
Conclusion: A Smart Move Toward Scalable Growth
Giant Mercantile’s experience is a powerful reminder that the right infrastructure investment can do more than solve an immediate problem—it can future-proof your business. By choosing a mezzanine racking system, they not only protected vital assets from flooding but also improved operational flow and customer interaction.
The flexibility of their rack-supported mezzanine means they’re prepared for whatever comes next—whether it’s growth, relocation, or reconfiguration. For business owners facing similar challenges, this solution offers a practical, cost-effective path to resilience and efficiency.
