Question 1

Do you work internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design and deliver steel buildings in more than 65 countries. Every project is engineered to the applicable standards and local loads at the project location, whatever the country.

Question 2

Is a pre-engineered steel building as strong as traditional construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The steel structure of a pre-engineered building is designed to the applicable Eurocodes and features a hot dip galvanized steel frame as standard, built to last. Factory manufacturing ensures consistent quality throughout production.

Question 3

How can a logistics building be extended while operations continue?

Accepted Answer

Extending an operational logistics building calls for a prior survey of the existing structure and careful coordination between everyone involved. Our engineering team reviews the structural interfaces using the available data and designs the extension according to the agreed phasing. Manufacture and deliveries can be organised in stages to fit the site programme and limit the impact of the works on logistics flows. Brief interruptions may nonetheless be necessary during certain tie-in phases.

Question 4

Can my building be adapted after construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to a feasibility study. Where a future extension is identified at the design stage, our engineering team can build in structural provisions that make enlarging the building easier (this applies to lateral extensions such as canopies and lean-tos). For extensions along the length of the building, all the portal frames are identical, so it is always possible to extend and add bays.

Question 5

Which standards do your distribution buildings comply with?

Accepted Answer

All our buildings are designed to the applicable Eurocodes and are CE marked. The design accounts for the local loads at your site (snow, wind and seismic) along with the regulatory and environmental constraints specific to it. Our engineers ensure compliance from the design stage onwards.

Question 6

How do you fit into the wider site organisation?

Accepted Answer

A single point of contact handles all communication within our scope and coordinates with our engineering, manufacturing and logistics teams. We track technical approvals and keep you informed of manufacturing progress. Responsibilities and interfaces with the other parties involved are set out before the project starts.

Question 7

Do you carry out the engineering work in-house?

Accepted Answer

Our in-house engineering team carries out the structural design work included within our scope of supply, from the calculations through to the drawings needed for approval and manufacture. The documents issued depend on the scope agreed for each project and on any requirements from the third-party inspection body.

Question 8

Which standards is the steel structure designed to?

Accepted Answer

Our engineering team designs the structure to the applicable Eurocodes and their National Annexes. The calculations cover wind and snow loads and, where required, the seismic actions specific to the site. Imposed and equipment loads are taken into account on the basis of the approved project data.

Question 9

How can a distribution building be extended while operations continue?

Accepted Answer

Extending a distribution building can be phased to limit the impact on day-to-day operations at the site. This calls for planning ahead: the stages of the project, circulation areas, logistics access and the constraints that come with keeping the business running.  Steel Shed for Business covers the design drawings, manufacture of the steel structure and delivery of the components. Where the project requires it, deliveries can be scheduled and staggered to match the phasing agreed with the customer, the project manager and the erection contractor.  This keeps site deliveries in step with progress on the ground, limits congestion and supports continuity of operations while the works are under way.

Question 10

Which industries do you work in?

Accepted Answer

We design steel buildings for manufacturing, logistics, food processing, retail and distribution, and construction. Every building is engineered to the requirements of your operations and your site.

Question 11

Who is my point of contact throughout the project?

Accepted Answer

Before the order is confirmed, your account manager is your main point of contact. They gather your requirements, help you define the project and, where needed, coordinate discussions with our engineering team, particularly the technician or engineer responsible for your project.  Once the order is confirmed, a dedicated team takes over the follow-up of the project. A single point of contact handles communication and coordinates the departments involved, from order entry through to delivery.

Question 12

How do I get a quote for my project?

Accepted Answer

You can send us your enquiry through the contact form (click “Start your project” at the top right of your screen), together with the information you already have: location, dimensions, intended use of the building, equipment and any drawings or technical specifications. We will respond within 24 hours. You can also call us directly on +33 1 84 19 45 45.

Question 13

How do delivery and assembly work?

Accepted Answer

Your building arrives ready to assemble, with every component manufactured and labelled in advance. Assembly follows a sequence set out beforehand, so the site runs to plan with nothing left to improvisation.

Question 14

How long does it take to build an 800 m² distribution warehouse?

Accepted Answer

For an 800 m² warehouse, the average lead time is four to six weeks for a configuration held in stock. For a made-to-order building, allow five to six months on average: this covers the engineering study (design calculations and load take-down), the drawings (3D views, site layout drawing and so on), manufacture of the building and delivery. An outline schedule covering engineering, manufacture and delivery is drawn up as early as the outline design stage.

Question 15

What corrosion protection is provided for the steel frame and the sheeting?

Accepted Answer

All our steel frames come with hot dip galvanization as standard. Once fabricated, the steel components are immersed in a bath of molten zinc to form a coating that bonds tightly to the steel. This protection acts both as a barrier against moisture and as a sacrificial layer: if the surface is lightly scratched or locally exposed, the zinc corrodes first and continues to protect the steel.  Hot dip galvanization therefore gives even protection, including in areas that are hard to reach, and greatly reduces maintenance requirements. It can last several decades before the first maintenance operation, and more than 100 years in the least aggressive environments. Even in a highly corrosive industrial atmosphere, reference data indicates around 70 years before first maintenance for a galvanized frame with a standard coating thickness.  For roofing and cladding exposed to coastal or particularly humid conditions, we can also specify a “tropicalised” finish with an increased zinc coating weight. This additional layer slows the consumption of zinc under the effect of moisture and salt, extending the protection of the sheeting against corrosion. The characteristics of the coating are defined according to the building’s exposure and set out in the quotation.

Question 16

Can your buildings take heavy equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided their characteristics are defined early. Overhead cranes (with or without crane runway beams), mezzanines, suspended equipment and a future photovoltaic installation can all be built into the structural design, based on the approved loads, positions and interfaces.

Question 17

What are the lead times for a project?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend on the type of building. For a model held in stock, delivery is possible from four weeks: the time needed to roll-form the sheets, prepare and pack the order, then schedule its transport. This may vary depending on the options selected, particularly cladding, doors and windows. For a made-to-order building, an outline schedule can be provided before the order is placed and adjusted according to the complexity of the project.

Question 18

What does building a food processing plant involve?

Accepted Answer

A food processing plant project starts with defining the requirements: dimensions, process, equipment, temperature conditions, loads and site constraints. Our involvement then covers the engineering study, the structural design, approval of the drawings, and manufacture and delivery of the steel building. Planning and regulatory approvals, process engineering studies, foundations, erection and building services are coordinated by the project owner and the parties concerned, according to the scope defined for each project.

Question 19

What types of pre-engineered steel building can be built?

Accepted Answer

The pre-engineered steel building principle can be applied to a wide range of projects: storage warehouses, logistics buildings, workshops, production facilities and buildings for the food processing industry. The construction principle remains the same (components engineered, manufactured in the factory and assembled on site) but the structure and the envelope are adapted to the dimensions, loads, equipment, flows and technical requirements defined for each project.

Question 20

What is a pre-engineered steel building?

Accepted Answer

A pre-engineered steel building is a structure that is designed and engineered before being manufactured in the factory. The components are then delivered to site to be assembled in accordance with the assembly drawings. This method allows connections to be prepared in advance, limits adjustments on site and makes it possible to offer both standard configurations and buildings tailored to the specific constraints of each project.

Question 21

What is a modular storage building?

Accepted Answer

A modular storage building is designed to keep pace with your business as it grows. Where expansion plans are defined early, we can build in provisions at the design stage that make a future extension easier. The structure then meets your current needs while allowing, as far as possible, for the growth you expect in your volumes.

Question 22

Which type of building should you choose for food storage?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on the nature of the products, the volumes involved, storage temperatures and the way flows are organised. Ambient storage, a temperature-controlled zone and a cold store do not require the same levels of insulation, airtightness, clear height or equipment. Working from your specification, we engineer the structure and the warehouse envelope around the operating conditions defined for your business.

Question 23

What is a pre-engineered industrial building?

Accepted Answer

A pre-engineered industrial building is designed and manufactured in advance, then delivered to site as components ready for assembly in line with the assembly drawings. This approach allows the structure, its connections and its interfaces to be prepared precisely. The building can be based on a standard configuration or fully adapted to the dimensions, loads and equipment defined for the project.

Question 24

Are your logistics buildings suitable for e-commerce?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A building intended for e-commerce can be engineered for high storage capacity, order-picking areas, dispatch areas and, where included in the project, mezzanines. Working from the zoning and operating data defined by the customer, we adapt the bay spacing, heights, openings and structure to the volumes handled, the planned equipment and seasonal peaks in activity.

Question 25

How is a cold chain building engineered?

Accepted Answer

Designing a cold chain building starts with defining operating temperatures, humidity levels, flows, openings and the characteristics of the refrigeration equipment. The structure and envelope are then engineered to meet the required levels of insulation and airtightness and to accommodate the planned installations. Maintaining the required temperature depends on the coordinated design of the envelope, the refrigeration equipment and the operating conditions.

Question 26

What is the maximum span without intermediate columns for an industrial building?

Accepted Answer

Our industrial buildings can achieve spans of up to 30 metres without intermediate columns, freeing the entire floor area for your equipment, your flows or high-level storage. The structural design is carried out by our engineering team based on the loads, the portal frames and the operating constraints specific to your business.

Question 27

What lead times should you expect for a building intended for your site or one of your clients?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend on the type of building. For a model held in stock, delivery is possible from four weeks: the time needed to roll-form the sheets, prepare and pack the order, then slot it into the transport schedule. This may vary depending on the options selected, particularly cladding, doors and windows. For a made-to-order building, an outline schedule can be provided before the order is placed, then refined according to the dimensions and complexity of the project.

Question 28

Do you work internationally?

Accepted Answer

Our buildings have already been delivered to more than 65 countries. For every project, the structural design is adapted to the applicable standards and climate data for the site.

Question 29

How does a building project with Steel Shed for Business work?

Accepted Answer

Every project follows a structured sequence: analysis of your requirements, engineering study, then submission of our quotation. Once approved, we issue the approval drawings, release the building to manufacturing and organise delivery. A dedicated project team handles all communication and supports you through every stage covered by Steel Shed for Business.

Question 30

Can you supply a building for our own company’s needs?

Accepted Answer

We design depots, workshops, storage buildings, maintenance areas and logistics bases for companies in the construction sector, among others. The building is engineered around your equipment and plant, your storage requirements, your flows and the constraints of your site.

Question 31

Does a pre-engineered building always mean a standard building?

Accepted Answer

No. We offer standard configurations, but our engineering team can also design custom buildings tailored to the dimensions, equipment and specific constraints of a project. In both cases, the components are engineered and manufactured in advance. It is the design and manufacturing method that is industrialised, not necessarily the building itself. Even a standard configuration is checked and adapted to the loads and site conditions.

Question 32

Can a food processing site be extended while production continues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to a prior survey of the existing building and suitable phasing. Our engineering team reviews the structural connection and the interfaces with the building in operation. Manufacture and deliveries can be organised in several phases to fit the timetable agreed with the customer, the project manager and the erection contractor. This coordination is designed to limit the impact of the works on production, though occasional shutdowns may still be needed during the more sensitive phases.

Question 33

What clear height should you allow for a distribution warehouse?

Accepted Answer

The clear height of a distribution warehouse depends on the type of storage, the height of the racking, the number of levels and the handling equipment in use. Depending on the project, it can range from six metres for small-scale distribution and floor-level storage to twelve metres for a modern, scalable logistics hub with automated high-bay storage. Our engineering team determines the clear height beneath the structure based on your current needs and the foreseeable changes in your business.

Question 34

What is a custom steel building?

Accepted Answer

A custom steel building is designed around the specifics of each project: dimensions, intended use, loads, equipment, openings and site conditions. Our engineering team designs the structure based on the approved technical data before manufacturing begins.

Question 35

What does a structural steelwork engineering team do?

Accepted Answer

A structural steelwork engineering team designs and engineers steel frames: calculating loads, selecting sections and verifying stability against the applicable standards. At Steel Shed for Business, this team is in-house: your drawings are produced internally, from the first calculation to the final technical package, with nothing subcontracted.

Question 36

How do you choose an industrial building contractor?

Accepted Answer

Choosing a partner for an industrial building should be based above all on their command of structural design, their understanding of operating constraints and their ability to incorporate equipment data. It is equally important to check how clearly the scope is defined, how technical approvals will be handled, manufacturing lead times and how deliveries are organised. Steel Shed for Business draws on an in-house engineering team and supports its customers from technical analysis through to assembly of the building.

Question 37

Do you carry out the engineering work in-house?

Accepted Answer

Our in-house engineering team brings together structural engineers, CAD technicians and estimators. It carries out the structural design work, from the calculations through to the drawings needed for approval and manufacture. The documents issued depend on the scope agreed for each project and on any requirements from the third-party inspection body.

Question 38

What clear height should you allow for a logistics warehouse?

Accepted Answer

Clear height depends on the type of storage, the height of the racking, the number of levels and the handling equipment in use. It frequently ranges from six to twelve metres, and higher still for some high-bay warehouses, but it should be determined by the way your logistics operation works. Our engineering team designs the clear height beneath the structure based on the approved technical data and the foreseeable changes in your business.

Question 39

What spans and heights can you build to?

Accepted Answer

By using welded plate girders (PRS), we can design buildings with clear spans of up to 50 metres and no intermediate columns. The achievable span is assessed based on the site's climatic conditions, particularly snow and wind loads, as well as any loads specific to the project.  Height is not limited to a standard range: it is tailored to your operations, your equipment and the technical constraints of the building. Welded plate girders allow the steel frame sections to be precisely adapted to large dimensions and the required performance.

Question 40

How can an industrial building be extended while production continues?

Accepted Answer

Extending an operational industrial building calls for a prior survey of the existing structure and close coordination between everyone involved. Our engineering team reviews the structural interfaces using the available data and designs the extension according to the agreed phasing. Manufacture and deliveries can be organised in stages (phase 1 order, phase 2 order and so on) to fit the site programme and limit the impact of the works on production. Occasional shutdowns may nonetheless be necessary during certain tie-in phases.

Question 41

What does the technical package from the engineering team include?

Accepted Answer

What the package contains depends on the scope agreed for the project. It may include the site layout drawing, 3D structural views, setting-out drawings, elevations, the load take-down, the design assumptions statement and, where it forms part of the scope, the structural calculations. The documents needed for manufacture and assembly are then produced as the project progresses. Any assumptions and drawings requiring sign-off are approved by the parties concerned before manufacturing begins.

Question 42

What are the benefits of an in-house engineering team?

Accepted Answer

An in-house engineering team streamlines communication between the sales, technical and manufacturing teams. Because it knows the building system first-hand, adjustments are handled faster, project data stays in one place, and there is better continuity between the structural design, the drawings and the release to manufacturing. This way of working improves responsiveness and gives you clearer visibility over the technical stages of the project.

Question 43

Which standards are your steel structures designed to?

Accepted Answer

Our steel structures are designed to the applicable Eurocodes and their National Annexes. The calculations cover wind and snow loads and, where required, the seismic actions specific to the site. Imposed and equipment loads are taken into account on the basis of the approved technical data. The components concerned are manufactured in accordance with the applicable CE marking requirements.

Question 44

Can you work on a building we are delivering for one of our own clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can act as a technical partner and supplier of the steel structure on a project led by your company. Our engineering team works from the specification, drawings and data provided by your team, the project manager or other design consultants. The scope covering engineering, supply, delivery and, where applicable, erection (through an external contractor) is set out in the quotation.

Frequently asked questions about our steel buildings