About Rack & Shelf Labels

What does Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited do?

Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited provides warehouse identification solutions including the planning, design, manufacture and installation of racking and shelving labels, warehouse signage, warehouse netting and floor marking. We offer primarily bespoke labels and signage but we have a number of ranges of off the shelf options too. You can shop online at rackandshelfshop.co.uk or get in touch to discuss your bespoke requirements.

How long has Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited been in business?

We were established in 2006 and have been providing professional location labelling services to the global warehouse and logistics industry for 20 years this year.

Do you work internationally?

Yes, we regularly deliver projects across all parts of the United Kingdom, Europe and North America. We also operate internationally through Rack & Shelf Labels AU Pty Ltd, which was established in Australia in 2012. From there, we support projects throughout Australia and the wider Australasian region.

Do you only work in the UK?

No, whilst we’re based in Warrington, we provide comprehensive services to customers throughout the UK and globally, including projects in Europe and America. Our international operations also include Rack & Shelf Labels AU Pty Ltd, established in Australia in 2012. From this location we deliver warehouse labelling and signage projects across Australia and the broader Australasian region.

What is the difference between your main website and your shop website?

Our main website (rackandshelflabels.co.uk) focuses on bespoke warehouse labelling, signage, netting and floor marking projects where we plan, design, manufacture and install complete solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Our shop website (rackandshelfshop.co.uk) offers off-the-shelf products like label holders, floor tape and floor graphics for immediate purchase and delivery which complement our core products.

Do you have a sister company?

Yes, we own Warehouse Lines & Signs Limited, who specialise in floor marking and line marking services for warehouses.

Services & Capabilities

What types of warehouse labels are available?

We design and manufacture all types of warehouse labels for a range of applications and environments. These include racking and shelving labels, tote, bin and pallet labels, floor labels, asset and metal labels, blank and sequential pre-printed labels, and garment hanging labels.

What types of warehouse labels do you design and manufacture?

We design and manufacture all types of warehouse labels including racking and shelving labels, tote, bin and pallet labels, floor labels, asset and metal labels, blank and sequential pre-printed labels, and garment hanging labels.

Do you offer installation services for labelling projects?

Yes. Fully managed installation services are available, carried out by experienced installers who follow strict quality procedures to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.

What services are included as part of a complete project?

Our services include an initial consultation, detailed design and planning, a detailed quotation and professional installation for labelling, signage, netting and warehouse floor marking.

What is included in your “complete project” service?

Our complete project service includes an initial consultation, detailed design and planning, a detailed quotation, and professional installation for labelling, signage, netting and warehouse floor marking.

Can you supply warehouse signage as well as labels?

Yes. A full range of warehouse signage is designed, manufactured and installed, including hanging signs, end-of-aisle markers, health and safety signs, dock door signs, bespoke signs, pallet markers and bus stop signs.

What types of warehouse signage do you offer?

We design, manufacture and install a full range of warehouse signage including hanging signs, end-of-aisle markers, rack load notices, health and safety signs, warehouse floor signs, dock door signs, pallet markers, banners, pop-up signs, bus stop signs, bespoke signs, garment hanging dividers, and shadow board signs.

Can you handle both internal and external line marking?

Yes, we provide both internal and external line marking services. Internal line marking includes pedestrian walkways, zebra crossings, hatched areas, directional arrows, numbers and digits. External line marking can complement internal warehouse floor marking or be a standalone project.

Where are your labels and signs manufactured?

All of our labels and signs are designed in-house and manufactured at our production office in Warrington. This allows us to maintain full quality control and offer quick turnaround times.

Project Process & Timelines

How long does a typical project take to complete?

There isn’t really such a thing as a “typical” project, as requirements can vary considerably from one customer to another. During the order process, we liaise closely with you to confirm specifications, design the labels and signage, and provide proofing documents for approval.

Once approved, all labels and signs are manufactured in-house. If installation is included, this is scheduled in advance at a mutually agreed date. Depending on the size and scope of the project, installation may take anything from a single day to several weeks.

What’s involved in the site survey/consultation?

Every project is different, so our consultation process is tailored to your specific operation. We typically begin by reviewing a data file and/or warehouse layout plan (if available). If these aren’t available, we can create them on your behalf. We’ll discuss your numbering system – how locations are identified within your warehouse – to ensure the labelling structure aligns with your operational processes. If racking is already installed, we assess it to recommend the most suitable labelling types for your environment and workflow.

Where existing labels are in place, we’ll advise on the best method for removal or covering. We also take time to understand any future plans for warehouse reconfiguration or expansion. This ensures our recommendations are scalable and continue to support your business as it evolves.

How do you handle urgent/rush projects?

Whether a project is required quickly or follows our standard lead times, our process remains consistent to ensure accuracy and quality. We follow the same structured stages: quotation, order confirmation, proofing, production, and installation (if required). From the outset, we discuss timescales and key dates with you, and we remain flexible throughout the project. We understand that operational demands can shift and deadlines can change at short notice. Wherever possible, we work collaboratively to meet your required lead times.

What happens if our warehouse is operational during installation?

Warehouses are often fully operational when our installation teams are on site. We are experienced in working alongside busy warehouse operations and take care to minimise disruption. Prior to installation – and again at the start of the project – we coordinate closely with you to agree on a phased plan, including which aisles or areas will be completed first. This structured approach ensures your operation continues to run smoothly while the installation is carried out efficiently and safely.

Technical & Specification

What’s the difference between VNA and wide aisle labelling?

The key difference between VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) and Wide Aisle labelling relates to how forklift operators access and scan pallet locations. In a VNA environment, the forklift truck travels up to each pallet position. This means the operator is physically at the storage location when scanning the label. As a result, labels can be positioned for close-range scanning at height.

In a Wide Aisle environment, the operator typically remains at ground level (“man down”) while the forklift forks extend upwards to retrieve or place pallets. Because the operator scans from floor level, labels must be designed and positioned so they can be clearly scanned from a distance.

Due to these operational differences, VNA and Wide Aisle environments require different labelling specifications in terms of size, placement, and design. We always discuss your racking configuration and working practices to ensure the labelling solution matches your operation.

How do barcodes get integrated with WMS systems?

When a barcode or QR code is scanned, your Warehouse Management System (WMS) is programmed to recognise a specific location ID or check code that has already been set up within your system. Our software generates barcodes or QR codes that match exactly what your WMS is configured to recognise. In simple terms, whatever data format or structure your WMS requires, we can create and encode it into a scannable barcode. This ensures seamless integration with your existing processes and scanning equipment.

Can labels be scanned through plastic holders?

Yes. We supply a range of label holder types, including self-adhesive and magnetic-backed options. All of our holders are designed to allow quick and reliable barcode scanning without removing the label.

Design & Customisation

What content options can be included on warehouse labels?

We offer a wide range of content options including barcodes, alpha and numeric data, check digits, directional arrows, logos and colour coding. All designs are created to your exact specification.

How do you ensure the labels will work with our scanning systems?

As part of our design process, we create the labels using specific software which will work with your WMS. You will provide, or we will create a data file and this is used in conjunction with the barcode type to design your labels. The proof documents give you the opportunity to test that the labels and signs work with your scanning systems before we proceed to printing. We only print your project once you’ve confirmed you’re happy with everything.

Can you work with our existing location numbering system?

Yes, our experienced team can assist you with planning what content to include on your warehouse labels and can work with your existing numbering systems or help you develop a new one that’s more efficient.

Materials & Environments

Are the labels suitable for different warehouse environments?

Yes. Our labels are manufactured using high-quality materials suitable for specific environments. We offer guidance when selecting the most appropriate materials for ambient, chilled or freezer environments.

What materials do you use for different environments?

The materials we use for labels and signage depend on the environment in which they will be installed. Warehouse environments are generally categorised as internal or external, and by temperature range – ambient (typically above 4°C), chilled, or frozen. For chilled and frozen warehouses, magnetic material is often the preferred solution, as standard adhesives are not always compatible with low temperatures. Magnetic labels perform reliably in cold environments and also offer flexibility for repositioning.

Many customers also choose magnetic labels in ambient warehouses where operational flexibility is important. In ambient environments, we commonly use a high-grade polyester material with a permanent adhesive for racking and shelving labels. This provides excellent durability and long-term adhesion under normal warehouse conditions. For signage, we assess the exact location and application before recommending a material.

Factors such as temperature, mounting surface, visibility requirements, and exposure to impact or moisture all influence the most suitable material choice. We offer a range of options to ensure performance and longevity in each specific environment.

What are the temperature ranges for different label materials?

All of our label materials can be used in ambient environments (above 4°C). If a label is installed at ambient temperature and the area is later chilled or frozen, this will not affect the adhesive performance. However, if labels need to be installed directly into a chilled or frozen environment (below 4°C), magnetic labels are typically recommended. Standard permanent adhesives are not suitable for application at low temperatures, whereas magnetic materials perform reliably in cold-store conditions.

Are your labels suitable for freezer environments?

Yes, our labels are manufactured using high-quality materials suitable for specific environments. We offer guidance when selecting the most appropriate materials for ambient, chilled or freezer environments.

What base materials do you use for warehouse labels?

We design, produce and install location labels from the highest quality base material. The specific material depends on your application and environment, and we’ll recommend the most suitable option during our consultation.

Have you worked with cold storage/frozen environments?

Yes. We have worked with many chilled and frozen warehouses over the past 20 years. Some facilities operate entirely in cold or frozen environments, while others include a mixture of ambient, chilled and freezer zones. Projects in these environments require careful consideration of label materials, adhesives and installation timing to ensure long-term durability and performance.

Compliance & Safety

What regulations govern warehouse labelling in the UK?

There are no specific UK regulations that govern the design or production of warehouse labels and signage. However, there are Health & Safety regulations that apply to the installation element within workplaces. When designing and producing labels and signage, we follow our own best practices, drawing on our industry experience and expertise to ensure clear, durable and effective warehouse identification.

Do you work to SEMA standards?

SEMA standards apply to racking manufacturers, rather than warehouse identification or labelling. If required, we can include SEMA references on Racking Load Notices, provided the relevant information is supplied and confirmed by the customer.

Company & Experience

What industries do you specialise in?

We work with organisations across a wide range of industries that require clear warehouse identification. Our projects include sectors such as healthcare, retail, logistics, food service, utilities and manufacturing. We regularly support both public and private sector organisations, including warehouse hubs, distribution centres and production facilities.

Can you handle multi-site projects?

Yes. We regularly support customers with multi-site warehouse rollouts. For these projects, we can help establish a consistent company template for labelling, signage and floor marking, which can then be implemented across multiple locations. This ensures standardisation, consistency and efficiency across all sites while supporting the customer’s operational requirements.

For these types of projects, we will usually assign the same designer and installation team wherever possible. This helps maintain consistency across sites and ensures the team working on the project fully understands the customer’s labelling system and operational requirements.

Can you provide examples of projects you’ve completed?

Yes, we have completed projects for major clients including Jaguar Land Rover (Minworth facility – full installation including racking labels for VNA and wide aisle, end of aisle signs and hanging signs), JCB, Target, Mainfreight, Toll, DHL, and CEVA Logistics, among others.

Post-Installation

Do you offer guarantees?

Yes. We offer a 15-year guarantee covering both print durability and adhesive performance. This ensures that the print will not fade and the labels will remain securely fixed in place, giving our customers confidence that their warehouse labelling will perform for many years.

What maintenance is required?

In most cases, no regular maintenance is required. In environments that are particularly dusty or dirty, labels may occasionally need to be wiped clean if scanning becomes difficult. Keeping the label surface clear helps maintain reliable barcode scanning.

Can you provide replacement labels for existing systems?

Yes, we can produce replacement labels that match existing systems. We are able to replicate the design, layout and content variables used in your current labels. When working with an existing system, we will usually ask for a photograph so we can accurately reproduce the design already in use.

Do you offer re-labelling for warehouse reconfigurations?

Yes. Many of our projects involve warehouse updates and expansions. This may include building extensions, additional aisles, new racking beams, or full warehouse reconfigurations. We can supply additional labels that integrate seamlessly with your existing numbering system and layout.

Floor Marking

Do you provide warehouse floor marking solutions?

Yes. Warehouse floor marking services include internal and external line marking with floor preparation to include shot blasting or diamond shaving dependent on requirement.

How do you prepare floors for line marking?

We offer a range of floor preparation methods depending on where the floor marking is positioned, how it will be used and what finish you’re looking for. Options include unprepared, shot blasted or diamond shaved preparation.

What types of floor markings do you commonly install?

Our most common line markings include marshalling bays, walking man symbols, pedestrian walkways, zebra crossings, hatched areas, directional arrows, numbers and digits. We have a range of colours available and can create bespoke designs.

How long have you been installing floor marking?

Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited have been installing durable and professional floor marking for over ten years within a range of settings.

Warehouse Netting

What is warehouse netting used for?

Warehouse netting (also called warehouse safety netting) is installed throughout the warehouse to maximise safety. It’s typically installed to the back of racking, shelving, around handrails, staircases, dock doors and conveyors to minimise the likelihood of falling objects and accidents.

Do you install warehouse safety netting?

Yes, we provide fully managed installation services for warehouse safety netting, carried out by experienced installers who follow strict quality procedures.

Project Management & Project Sizes

Who carries out your installations?

All installations are carried out by our team of experienced, qualified installers who follow strict quality procedures to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.

Do you work on both small and large warehouse projects?

Yes. Projects of all sizes are supported, with experienced project management and installation teams handling both small-scale and large-scale warehouse environments. In addition we also work on much smaller ad hoc requirements.

What size projects do you handle?

Projects of all sizes are supported. We have experienced project management and installation teams handling both small-scale and large-scale warehouse environments. We also work on smaller ad hoc requirements as well as major fit-outs of 100,000+ square foot facilities.

Can you handle multi-phase projects?

Yes, we regularly work on multi-phase projects. For example, we’ve completed large installations in multiple phases where designs (including colours) are coordinated across all phases for consistency.

How to Get Started

How can I request a quotation or get in touch?

You can contact Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited by phone or email, or by submitting an enquiry through the website contact form to request a quotation or discuss your requirements.

How do I get started with a warehouse labelling project?

You can contact Rack & Shelf Labels (UK) Limited by phone on 01925 812817, by email at info@rackandshelflabels.co.uk, or by submitting an enquiry through our website contact form to request a quotation or discuss your requirements.

What information do you need for a quotation?

As our warehouse labels and projects are all made to order, please contact our office so we can take some details from you about your specific requirements. This allows us to provide you with an accurate quotation tailored to your needs.