When planning a warehouse buildout or retrofitting your facility with new racking or conveyor systems, one of the most important choices is who you hire to handle the labor. The right labor partner for a material handling installation project can mean the difference between staying on schedule and costly delays.
Experienced professionals understand the complexity, safety requirements, and pace of system installation work. In short: the right material handling installation companies make sure everything runs smoothly.
Here’s what to look for when evaluating material handling installers for your next warehouse setup.
Why Specialized Labor Matters
Unlike general warehouse tasks like picking, packing, or unloading shipments, installation work is structured, time-sensitive, and often physically demanding. Material handling systems like pallet racking, conveyors, AS/RS, or mezzanines require teams that are strong and reliable as well as trained to interpret layout drawings, safely operate equipment, and work around other trades like electricians and system integrators.
A qualified labor partner brings more than muscle to the table; they will:
- Anticipate material flow based on installation sequence
- Understand staging, spacing, and crew support
- Know how to work under tight timelines and evolving priorities
- Have specialized equipment for safe and sturdy installation
- Be experienced with integration to ensure equipment works together
The right crews keep your project efficient, safe, and on track.
What to Look for in Material Handling Installation Companies
Start by asking if the labor provider has experience with the type of material handling equipment you’re installing. Experience installing push-back racking is different from building high-bay AS/RS systems. Likewise, conveyor installs involve different safety and sequencing considerations than mezzanine construction.
Look for:
- Case studies or project summaries
- References from past clients
- Familiarity with your system brand or layout style
You’ll find that the most reliable material handling installation companies are those that can show you documented success with similar equipment and other clients.
Safety Certifications and Site Readiness
If a provider is vague about its safety practices or unwilling to share documentation, that’s a red flag. All workers at your site must have proper credentials and certifications for the job they are going to do and training on the equipment to be used.
Crew Management
Labor needs can change during a project (and often do). You may need a four-person team during staging and unloading but ramp up to 10–12 workers during the core install phase. Choose a provider that can scale labor as needed and includes onsite supervision.
Project-ready labor teams should come with:
- A dedicated team lead or supervisor.
- A communication plan for updates and changes.
- The ability to ramp up or down as needed without losing continuity or quality.
Key Questions to Ask Potential Providers
Before committing to a labor partner, asking a few key questions can help you determine fit. For example:
- Have you worked on similar projects?
Ask for details, not just generalizations. - How do you train and qualify your workers?
Look for structured programs and experience requirements. - Do you provide your own tools and PPE?
Some sites supply equipment, but experienced crews typically bring their own essentials. - How do you handle change orders or schedule shifts?
Flexibility is key in live project environments. - What’s your safety record?
Request incident rates or Experience Modification Rate (EMR) if available.
Red Flags to Watch For
Unfortunately, not all labor providers are equipped to handle material handling projects. Here are some warning signs:
- Generic warehouse labor being passed off as installation-ready talent
- No site lead or supervisor provided for multi-person crews
- Lack of safety documentation or equipment certifications
- Inconsistent labor where workers are swapped daily, reducing efficiency
- Minimal references or vague responses about previous projects
If it feels like you’re hiring temp workers instead of professionals, you probably are.
The Value of Skilled Material Handling Installers
A professional labor partner will protect your investment. When your install team is supported by material handling installers who understand how to prep, stage, lift, and assist with precision, you avoid delays, reduce safety incidents, and finish stronger. Plus, the right labor partner gives you flexibility. Whether you’re handling one site or coordinating multiple facilities, a trusted crew ensures consistency across locations.
The best material handling installation companies act like an extension of your own project team.
Hiring the cheapest labor may save you money on paper, but it can cost you in the long run. Late installations, damaged equipment, and safety violations quickly add up.
For trained professional labor tailored to material handling installations, you can trust Conesco Storage Systems. Our crews are experienced, safety-focused, and ready to support your project from staging to final install. Contact the Conesco team today to discuss your warehouse installation and integration needs.
Ted Hodges - CEO & Founder
Ted Hodges is the Founder and CEO of Conesco Storage Systems, a company he started in 1986 to provide turnkey warehousing products and services, including the repurposing of quality, used material handling equipment. With over 40 employees across the country, Ted and his team serve customers of all sizes throughout the different stages of the warehousing lifecycle.
