Company Info

Information about the everyday goings on at SJF Material Handling.

How Do I Know What Cantilever is Right For Me?

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Janae Witte
SJF Material Handling Solutions Specialist

Cantilever racking is an exceptional storage system that allows consumers to store long, bulky or awkward materials that are difficult to store due to their size. Cantilever racking assists with storing product vertically and leaving valuable floor space clear of product.

There are many characteristics that help identify which type of cantilever racking is right for you. The process of deciding what style and/or sizes can be overwhelming.  Here at SJF, our Solutions Specialists are here to assist you with this process.

In order for our Solutions Specialists to help you identify which cantilever rack if right for you, a few questions need to be answered.

Janae Witte
Solutions Specialist Since 2019

Single Sided or Double Sided Cantilever Rack?

  • What is the product being stored?
  • What are the dimensions of the product, W x D x H?
  • What is the weight of product?
  • How tall of uprights?
  • How many levels for storage?
  • Straight or Inclined Arms?

By answering these questions and more, our Solution Specialists will help you identify the proper design and size required for your project and material. Cantilever Racking can be overwhelming, and we strive to help you find a solution.

For more information about choosing the right type of cantilever racking for your needs, contact Janae at jwitte@sjf.com or visit our Cantilever Rack page, Cantilever Rack Basics page, and Advanced Cantilever Rack pages for more info.

Pallet Racking as a Desk?

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Picture of a pallet rack used as a desk

We have some very creative customers! Brad Grack of New Auburn, Minnesota, wanted a “manly” look for his desk and found the perfect solution in teardrop pallet racking. This configuration works well as a desk and is completely adjustable to the shelf height/desktop height desired. And as an added advantage, Brad will never have to worry if it can hold the weight of his office equipment with this high capacity design!

There’s Always Time for Making New Friends

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As both a service and product based business, SJF employees work with many people every day. Not only do we interact with customers, but also with other service vendors. It comes as no surprise that relationships form and fun challenges conspire.

In this case, the folks from DestiNATION Transport and our own Solutions Specialists Justin Erkenbrack, Vance Haugen, and Craig Barnaal, got to discussing golf one day. Through some fun bantering, the guys decided to set up a golf scramble – SJF vs. DestiNATION Transport on Saturday, June 10th at Albion Ridges Golf Course in Annandale, MN.

SJF employees Vance Haugen, Justin Erkenbrack, and Craig Barnaal
SJF Solutions Specialists Vance Haugen, Justin Erkenbrack, and Craig Barnaal

The day began with sun and fun with both teams ready to show off their skills. On the second hole of the day, Craig had an amazing 3rd shot in which he holed out for Eagle from 100 yards away from the green. That gave SJF a lead that stuck for the rest of the day.

Officially, play was suspended before a winner could be determined, but SJF was in the lead when it started to rain cats and dogs! The SJF team was 4 under par with three holes left to play when the rain hit.

Lots of laughs were had and both teams had a blast, even though they all ended up soaked and unable to finish the round. They are hoping to set up another outing this fall for a rematch.

Golfers in action at the "unofficial" SJF vs. Destination Transport Golf Scramble

Joiiio Partners with SJF Material Handling to “LIBERATE YOUR JEEP!”

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By Eric Thovson
SJF Material Handling Solutions Specialist

Eric Thovson
SJF Solutions Specialist

Joiiio was born from the minds of Jeep owners. It is their desire to allow Jeep owners the unrestricted joy of Jeep ownership. This meant creating a way to conveniently remove and store hardtops so your Jeep can be liberated during Minnesota summer months.

Joiiio also offers rental and installation of soft tops, half doors, and a dizzying list of aftermarket options for your Jeep. Their trained professionals handle the removal and installation of all tops, doors, and accessories at their climate-controlled facility in Hopkins, MN.

When it came to the layout and design of the facility and how to best use this space for storing tops, Joiiio turned to me, Eric Thovson at SJF Material Handling for expertise in the design of the space.

Ken Zylstra from Joiiio first began working with SJF Material Handling in October of 2021 when the plans for Joiiio began to take shape. A test rack was purchased in October to confirm design plans.

When Joiiio secured a warehouse space in February, the building layout was reviewed and the space was designed to hold the maximum quantity of Jeep hardtops. SJF was able to supply used racking materials, a key cost savings component for a start-up company like Joiiio.

Remodeling of the warehouse began. Once completed, we met at the facility prior to installation to go over plans and confirm elevations of beams levels.

If you are a Jeep enthusiast looking for hardtop storage, be sure to contact Joiiio at hello@joiiio.com or call/text them at (612) 712-JEEP.

If you need help with any racking or warehouse solution, contact Eric Thovson at SJF Material Handling at ethovson@sjf.com or directly at (320) 485-4967.

Fork Entry Bars – What they are and Why they’re used

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Fork entry bars example
Justin Erkenbrack, Solutions Specialist
Justin Erkenbrack, SJF Solutions Specialist

By Justin Erkenbrack
SJF Material Handling Solutions Specialist

Forklift entry bars are used to keep product supported off the pallet racking itself. They allow the picker to get underneath a pallet, tote or product stored with lift equipment safely and clear of racking obstacles.

An Example of when fork entry bars are useful

A customer is storing metal totes/bins full of couplings. The tote/bin has feet/legs on it and you will be unable to store tote/bin effectively on pallet racking without point loading (not the proper way to utilize pallet racking).

The Fork Entry bar will allow the tote to be stored on the bottom base of the tote/bin rather than the feet/legs of the tote. This offers an evenly distributed load on the fork entry bars that are connected properly to the load beams to ensure all weight is being distributed on the load beams.

Close up of forklift entry bars

Questions about forklift entry bars and their uses

Q: Can I secure the Fork Entry bars to the pallet rack?

A: Yes, we fabricate a tek screw hole for end users to fasten the fork entry bar to the load beam to secure placement.

Q: Can I get different heights? What if I need the fork entry bar to support my product higher than normal?

A: Yes, the most common bar heights are 3”, 4-5/8”, and 6” heights on Fork Entry Bars.

Q: What if I have an uncommon depth of racking or use box beams?

A: Not a problem, we can custom fabricate the fork entry bars to fit your exact needs.

For more information on Fork Entry Bars, contact Justin Erkenbrack at SJF at (320) 485-4962 or email him at jerkenbrack@sjf.com. He’ll be able to answer any questions you may have on Fork Entry Bars and more!

Saying goodbye to Tom, so… Potluck Anyone?

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On Friday, May 27th, SJF had it’s first potluck of the year. As much as we enjoyed the beautiful weather and great food, it was a bittersweet day because it was the last day at SJF for Tom Moore, our friend and co-worker in Sales for over 8 years. Tom and his wife Lori are moving out of the area, ready to start a new journey. We’re all very happy for the Moore family and the adventures that await them, but we will miss Tom and his creative quips that seemed to come out of nowhere.

We also had a special visitor that joined us for the potluck – Mrs. Veronica Sterner, wife of the late Jerry Sterner. Mr. and Mrs. Sterner were the people that started this company over 43 years ago. Without them, there would be no SJF Material Handling.

Here are a few photos of our celebration.

Our Material Handling Experts

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SJF’s Solution’s Specialists are available for professional advice and maybe even a joke or two. Give them a call for the best deal on all your material handling needs! Call 320-485-4974, email support@sjf.com or visit https://www.sjf.com.

Sitting left to right: Eric Thovson, Vance Haugen, Kendal Kalamaha
Standing left to right: Janae Witte, Justin Erkenbrack, Jason Deiter, Tom Moore

Pedro, the Great

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Pedro the Chihuahua

Accounting assistant? Security guard? You decide. But we all agree that Pedro is all business at SJF!

Pedro, our visiting chihuahua, is often seen with his sister Beatrice. Both Pedro and Beatrice are part of the Bachel household and are owned by Lori Bachel in Accounting and her family.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, we love that SJF is a pet friendly place to work! #petfriendly #loveourfurbabies