It’s a question that thousands of companies face every year: what’s the most cost-effective way to expand my facility? Evaluating goals, objectives and long-term needs often leads executives to either streamline their existing facilities to find space, or build outward by adding on to their building as a way to accommodate growth. But rather than looking out, one solution that’s fast becoming a popular option can be found by looking up … and that’s exactly what Baker Distributing did. Vermont-based Baker Distributing solved its expansion dilemma by installing four industrial steel work platforms (mezzanines) and two vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) at its two facilities, and the company hasn’t looked back since. "The mezzanine platforms made a lot of sense to us because we were already heating the space, and we had room above us to expand," said Gerry Couture, general manager, Baker Distributing. "In hindsight, it was a smart decision." That decision was based on the recommendation of Steve and Scott Fawcett, CEO and president respectively, of Londonderry, NH-based Bode Equipment Co., who has worked closely with Baker Distributing for nearly 30 years. "Most customers will come to you with a perceived notion of what needs to be done, but Baker was open to starting a partnership right from the beginning," Scott Fawcett said. "Steve has been calling on them for 25 years and that trust was key in this project. And we’re really fortunate to work with Wildeck on the supplier side as we have confidence in their whole team to provide the right solution for our customers." Founded in 1965 by brothers David Sr. and Joseph Baker Jr., Baker Distributing carries a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic products; servicing more than 1,200 retailers throughout the state of Vermont. Today the company is operated by a second […]