When planning a new storage system for the service center in Kansas City, the American steel specialist Steel and Pipe Supply (SPS) pursued a clear goal: maximum safety, high throughput rates, and minimal errors – all while occupying as little floor space as possible. SPS supplies the Midwest with long products, pipes, and profiles, placing special emphasis on excellent service – that is, reliable and timely supply with top-notch product quality.
SPS looks back on a dynamic history: Founded in 1933 by Sam Goldstein as 'Kansas Hide and Wool', the company entered the metal and steel trading business in 1954. Since 1959, the company has operated under the name Steel and Pipe Supply Co. and is now one of the largest privately held steel service centers in the USA – with multiple locations throughout the Midwest.
The portfolio includes a wide range of carbon steel products – from flat and profile steel to coils – for industries such as construction, energy, chemicals, and petrochemicals. The offering is complemented by comprehensive services such as sawing, drilling, flame cutting, beveling, as well as laser and plasma cutting – tailored to customer specifications. A dedicated fleet ensures timely delivery. SPS consistently relies on digital solutions and modern technologies to optimize processes – continuous development is firmly embedded in the company's philosophy.
From two to three: Expanding capacities, optimizing processes
After successful projects with KASTO at the locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Longview, Texas, the choice in Kansas City also fell again on the proven technology from Germany. According to the company, the previous systems had noticeably accelerated processes, improved workplace safety, and drastically reduced the error rate – incorrect deliveries are now almost excluded.
Like many steel traders, SPS faces challenges such as limited storage space, high safety requirements when handling heavy goods, and the need for precise inventory management. At the Kansas City location, the company manages around 16,000 tons of material – and that under difficult conditions: Due to the proximity to an airport, strict height restrictions apply to the storage building.
UNICOMPACT 5.0 excels in space efficiency, speed, and safety
The decision was made for the UNICOMPACT 5.0 honeycomb storage system from KASTO – a solution precisely tailored to the requirements in Kansas City. The compact design ensures maximum storage density on minimal space – a crucial advantage with limited building heights. The automated loading and unloading processes significantly reduce manual effort, speeding up material flow and picking.
Thanks to the 'Goods-to-Person' principle, order processing is not only faster but also more ergonomic – positively impacting the working conditions of employees. Long products and pipes can be moved more efficiently, minimizing errors and material losses.
Space miracle with a system: The advantages of UNICOMPACT 5.0
The storage system is individually designed for long products up to seven meters in length and a maximum height of 40 centimeters at SPS. The thousands of honeycomb cells allow for significantly higher storage capacity compared to traditional shelving solutions. Fully automated material handling increases safety in operations: Direct contact with heavy material is eliminated – significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Quick cassette changes further accelerate material flow. Within the company, it is said that daily work has become not only safer but also more efficient, pleasant, and motivating due to the system – which in turn positively affects team morale and productivity.
The warehouse is controlled by the intelligent software KASTOlogic. It captures all material movements in real-time and documents inventory digitally – without manual intervention. The result: more transparency, more precision, and significantly reduced personnel costs.
Investment in efficiency – and in the people behind it
With the decision for KASTO, SPS continues its long-term strategy to increase safety, efficiency, and accuracy through automation. Safety has always been the top priority in the company – with the new system, it succeeds in optimally combining protection and performance. Both the team and the customers benefit from this.
Smaller logistical challenges during the project were quickly resolved. The collaboration with the American service team from KASTO is particularly positively highlighted – according to SPS, it was professional, solution-oriented, and contributed to minimizing downtime and remaining flexible.
Author: Fabian Reiße, KASTO Maschinenbau
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