How Warehouse Construction Has Evolved Over the Years

In today’s world, warehouse construction is essential to any business. With the rise of online shopping, companies like Amazon have encouraged this trend by building more warehouses than ever before. As you understand the growing trends and what’s contributed to them, learn about the future of warehouse development and what this means for the construction industry.

Warehouse Construction Is Only Continuing to Rise

Gone are the days when warehouses were merely used for storing and distributing goods. Now, they are utilized for various purposes, from manufacturing to logistics to e-commerce fulfillment. This change is driven by new technologies, increased competition within the industry, and changing customer needs.

A report from Cushman and Wakefield indicates the size of warehouses has grown more than 40% in the past 20% years. As they grow larger, the stockpiles of goods are also increasing. With today’s climate, these numbers don’t seem to be changing anytime soon, and warehouse construction must change to keep pace.

What’s Contributed to the Rise of Industrial Warehouse Construction?

Warehouse construction projects are on the rise for various reasons:

Online Shopping

The rise of e-commerce has led to an increased need for warehouses to store and ship products. As more customers prefer to buy online rather than in stores, e-commerce companies must build more warehouses to meet their customers’ needs. Wal-Mart and Amazon, two of the largest retailers in the United States, have seen the sharpest increases in their space.

COVID-19

The onset of the pandemic has further increased the need for warehouses. With more people ordering online instead of risking shopping outside the home, demand for warehouses has skyrocketed. This is especially true in the food and retail industries, where customers are looking for a quick way to get their items delivered.

Business Expansions

As businesses grow and expand, warehouses are increasingly needed to store supplies and materials. Naturally, more and more companies require larger warehouses for their operations. Additionally, businesses that have recently entered the market often require warehouse space to support their product distribution and storage needs.

The Relocation From Rural Areas

For years, warehouses were traditionally located in rural areas. However, as the demand for goods has increased, this is no longer the case. Warehouses are now often found in more urban and suburban areas, making them much easier to access and giving businesses a wider pool of customers to draw from. The move has been a significant factor in the rise of warehouse construction due to increased demand for goods and materials across different regions.

Want to learn more about warehouse construction? Read our comparative guide on the similarities and differences between commercial and industrial warehouse construction.

Warehouse Construction: The Differences and Similarities

How Warehouse Development Affects the Future of Construction

To keep up with this demand, warehouse construction has had to evolve. Historically, warehouses were typically large, open spaces with little-to-no automation. However, as businesses expanded, they required more efficient storage solutions.

Today’s warehouses are much more sophisticated and often include features such as climate control, energy-efficient upgrades, and automated systems. Many are even people-focused, with lots of amenities for employees to enjoy. Additionally, modern warehouses and distribution systems must be designed with safety and security in mind due to the increased risk of theft or damage from natural disasters.

Because of these factors, construction workers and building contractors should consider the long-term needs of businesses when designing warehouse projects.

Why Warehouse General Contractors Should Be Concerned About the Rise in Warehouse Development

Industrial warehouse construction is a specialized field that requires lots of skill and experience to execute successfully. To properly serve their clients, warehouse general contractors must understand their unique challenges. This includes having an in-depth knowledge of factors like:

Zoning Laws
Building Codes
Safety Regulations
Efficient Construction Techniques

Your Leading Choice for Commercial Construction Services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions

If a reliable commercial construction contractor is what you’re looking for, Connor Construction is here to help. We deliver high-quality, cost-effective services to clients in New Jersey and beyond. Whether you’re operating an industrial warehouse, commercial office building, retail space—you name it, our family-owned business is more than willing to help you.

We’re committed to professionalism, but we’re all about customer service, too. We won’t just act as a project manager, we’ll also guide you through the process. Our specialists will provide professional recommendations to give you plenty of options to feel empowered with your choice.

How Warehouse Construction Has Evolved Over the Years

Warehouse Construction Is Only Continuing to Rise

What’s Contributed to the Rise of Industrial Warehouse Construction?

Online Shopping

COVID-19

Business Expansions

The Relocation From Rural Areas

How Warehouse Development Affects the Future of Construction

Why Warehouse General Contractors Should Be Concerned About the Rise in Warehouse Development

Your Leading Choice for Commercial Construction Services in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast Regions

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