The Kawasaki Distribution Center (KDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, recently increased storage capacity in a section of its facility from 35,000 sq. ft. to 70,000 sq. ft. — without adding one square foot onto the building. Instead, they maximized existing space with drive-in racks that allow storage up to the ceiling. To accommodate the increased floor traffic, they covered concrete floors with Tennant coatings. These coatings simplify maintenance and help preserve concrete floors despite the increased wear and tear.

The facility, built in 1971, ships 1500 UPS and 140 FedEx packages a day. The packages contain parts for motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, generators and clothing. The floor traffic is grueling. As Bernie Waller, the center’s supervisor, says, "We’ve got nine order selectors and five forklifts criss-crossing the floor all day long. You want a floor coating system that is going to stand up to that kind of wear and tear. So we looked at the best we could get that could endure that kind of traffic."

They chose a line of Tennant products to protect the floor, eliminate concrete dusting, promote a safer workplace and simplify maintenance. They first prepped the floor with a scarifying machine and pre-coat cleaner. Next, they applied Eco-MPE™ (Multi-Purpose Epoxy), Tennant’s low-solvent coating that protects flooring in high-traffic areas. They finished the floor with another no-solvent coating, Eco-HTS™ (High Traffic System),  in pigmented Canada Gray. These products repair cracks and divots, stop crack expansion and help prevent new cracks. They also reduce the "tripping" hazard, and dust in the air employees breathe.

According to Waller, coated floors also help preserve equipment. "Cracks leave our order selector tires prone to damage. You get one of those tires and it’s $300," he says.

The benefits of a Tennant-coated floor also reach beyond the facility, to Kawasaki’s customers. "Nobody wants to receive something with dust on it," says Waller. "So somebody has to clean each package before it’s shipped, if it’s dirty or dusty." Waller focuses on maintaining a clean facility to reduce package-cleaning time. "By keeping floors coated and clean, you don’t get the dust and particles on the parts and bags. Parts go out much cleaner," he says.

Waller also believes that appearance means everything to employees, customers and prospects. "If you have a clean facility it gives the impression that you’re on top of things: you’re on top of safety, you’re on top of production and you’re on top of employee morale."

Customer satisfaction works both ways, too. Waller added they’ve been very pleased with the Tennant products and service. "Tennant treated us right all along and didn’t sell us any more than we needed, but they did ensure that we got the best product in their line for this facility."