HOW A MEZZANINE CAN BE AN ASSET TO YOUR CANNABIS BUSINESS
There have been a lot of legal changes occurring in the world of marijuana distribution. On a state-level, the substance is completely legal. However, this isn’t the case, federally. Due to varying state and federal laws, many cannabis growers have chosen to set up shop in massive indoor warehouses. Cultivating cannabis indoors brings a higher level of control and security to the operation, but it also creates limited space and storage problems.
If you are utilizing a large indoor location for your cannabis operation, a mezzanine can help you better utilize your space. Also known as equipment platforms, mezzanines are affordable ways to increase storage or production by capitalizing on the unused vertical space in your building.
For example, if you are working with a 50,000 sq ft location, adding one mezzanine that is 1/3 the size of the warehouse would increase your available growing space to 65,000 sq ft. That’s incredible!
There are four different types of mezzanines available. In this article, we will discuss these types and how they can benefit your cannabis business.
FREE STANDING MEZZANINE
These types of mezzanines are also known in the industry as structural, steel, or wide-span. One of the best characteristics of freestanding mezzanines is that they are very easy to put up and take down. These structures are flexible and adaptable to their surroundings.
This type of mezzanine is great for product storage and allows you to safely keep your cannabis clean, fresh, and off the ground. The structure also offers great staging areas as well as conveyor and modular office support. Due to being capital equipment, freestanding mezzanines can be depreciated in value over shorter terms which can lead to some great tax benefits for your cannabis empire.
Summary – Freestanding mezzanines are extremely adaptable to their surroundings and offer business tax benefits.
STAINLESS STEEL PLATFORM
This type of mezzanine is perfect for food and beverage businesses. Cannabis is a consumable substance so having a food-grade, stainless steel mezzanine is ideal for keeping your product uncompromised.
Stainless steel mezzanines feature closed-shape framing which minimizes catch points for bacteria, making them ideal for food applications. As with free standing mezzanines, bolted connections allow for fast and easy installation, which means your cannabis cultivation operation won’t be down for long. You’ll be up and running again, quickly.
You’ll be happy to know that stainless steel mezzanines meet all USDA, FDA, and AIB auditing food grade requirements.
Summary – Stainless steel mezzanines are USDA, FDA, and AIB food-grade structures that are pre-manufactured for quick installation.
MODULAR OFFICE SUPPORTED MEZZANINE
Unlike its freestanding cousin, building supported mezzanines rely on the building structure, itself. If your cannabis business is based in a warehouse or space that has an uncompromised foundation, it should be able to withstand the additional weight of a modular office supported mezzanine.
A great aspect of this type of structure is that it combines a modular office and a mezzanine all in one, adding even more storage, work and/or office space for your cannabis operation.
Summary – Building supported mezzanines combine the best of both worlds by combining a modular office, with a mezzanine on top, to provide additional work or office space.
SHELVING SUPPORTED MEZZANINES
These types of mezzanines are shelving supported. The shelving units themselves act as the support for the mezzanine. If you are looking for additional storage space, the shelving units provide additional storage space underneath the mezzanine, helping you utilize every inch of your warehouse.
Catwalks can be installed to make production easier and more convenient.
Summary – Shelving supported mezzanines increase storage space within your building.
BENEFITS OF MEZZANINES
Each type of mezzanine listed above brings beneficial components to your cannabis business. The goal is to help your operation run as smoothly as possible while allowing you to utilize every inch of space available in your building.
SPACE EXPANSION
- Customizable: No matter the size of your building, steel mezzanines can be made to accommodate the specific area, height, color and load requirements.
- Added Space: Steel mezzanines can actually double the space within your environment which increases production efficiency. This eliminates the need for you to lease more space or expand your facility.
- Storage of Inventory: Custom designed racks and platforms can store your inventory safely and effectively. Plus, it helps you to stay organized.
EFFICIENT PRODUCTIVITY
- Easy Equipment Access: Mezzanines make accessing equipment, easier.
- Increase Productivity: By increasing space, mezzanines increase productivity.
- Meet Growth Targets: Mezzanines make it possible to add space to your facility without costly building expansions.
MONEY SAVING
- Tax Breaks: Freestanding mezzanines help you qualify for certain tax advantages.
- Initial Investment: Mezzanines are bought and paid for, once. They are easy to maintain and do not continue to cost you money. In the end, they actually pay for themselves.
Summary – Adding mezzanines to your facility increases space, productivity and saves you money.
CONTACT DACO FOR MORE INFORMATION
Our experienced sales team would love to touch base with you about the mezzanines we offer. If you are a cannabis distributor and would like to increase your space, productivity and save money on building expansions, we’re here to help you accomplish your goals. It is our pleasure to help you decide which model of mezzanine works best for your establishment.
We want you to know that our staff is experienced and well-versed when it comes to steel structures and platforms for your business. We welcome any questions that you may have concerning how mezzanines work, the different types and what they can do to help your cannabis empire rise to the top.
Feel free to call either our Washington or Oregon branches by phone, or reach out to us through our online form. We look forward to discussing your options and answering any questions you may have. Don’t wait any longer to gain a valuable asset to your cannabis business!
WASHINGTON
DACO
8825 S. 184th Street
Kent, Washington 98031
Phone: 253-395-8500
Fax: 253-395-8585
OREGON
DACO
6911 NE 79th Court
Portland, Oregon 97218
Phone: 503-722-4390
Fax: 503-557-1184
