Why XXL Warehouses Are The Future of Large-Scale Storage

In this increasingly digital age, warehouses represent vibrant hubs where thousands of online orders are processed each day. 

Likewise, warehouses also continue to offer the required space and protection for global manufacturers to be able to store their goods fresh from the assembly line until they are ready for distribution. 

While various industrial buildings can provide warehouse space, an XXL warehouse is capable of creating truly seismic storage space that far outweighs other options. 

Lauralu are leading installers of large warehouses for the distribution sector across the UK and Ireland. 

Discover how our XXL warehouses can facilitate the growth of various industries, including sectors that rely on vast storage space to fulfil customer orders. 

What Are XXL Warehouses?

As the name suggests, XXL warehouses define any warehouse that would be classed as extra extra large. 

In tangible terms, the square footage of an XXL warehouse often exceeds 100,000 m². 

Such an expansive storage space is capable of accommodating high-volume goods, along with the automation systems needed to organise them. 

What Industries Could Benefit From XXL Warehouses? 

In short, any business which has a requirement to store a large volume of goods or materials can benefit from warehouse space. However, there are some notable industries which can potentially reap the most rewards from an XXL warehouse specifically. 

Research published by Savills found that between 2015 and 2020, the average warehouse unit increased in size from 217,000 sq ft to 340,000 sq ft. 

So let’s take a look at some of the main players who are commanding such vast storage facilities. 

Ecommerce

Data from Statista reveals that in 2014, the global revenue generated by ecommerce stood at 

$1.3 trillion. By 2027, the predictions are that this figure will soar to over $8 trillion.  

Undoubtedly, the growing size of warehouses is closely linked to the rise in online shopping which has radically transformed the manufacturing, storage and distribution sectors.

For example, online retailers like Amazon and ASOS rely on these facilities to store and distribute vast inventories. With the automatic expectation of same-day or next-day delivery, strategically located XXL warehouses are critical for meeting consumer demand. 

Manufacturing

Depending on the industry, storing raw materials and finished products often requires large amounts of space. Not only is the space needed for the storage itself, but also to facilitate the safe movement of goods throughout the facility. 

As a result, manufacturing sites often need to accommodate specialist lifting or automation tools. Not only are XXL warehouses apt for the job, but can even incorporate dedicated zones for heavy machinery along with climate-controlled areas for sensitive goods. 

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Third-party logistics is when supply chain and logistics operations are outsourced to an external provider. 

Logistics providers are increasingly investing in XXL warehouses to offer value-added services, such as kitting, labelling and custom packaging. 

Having the necessary storage space allows 3PL companies to serve multiple clients efficiently, reducing costs and improving service quality.