What Colby Storage Solutions does

Colby Storage Solutions is an Australian manufacturer and supplier of warehouse pallet racking, shelving, mezzanine flooring, conveyors, and rack protection accessories, marketed primarily under the ColbyRACK brand. Founded in 1966 and headquartered at Belrose in Sydney's northern suburbs, the company designs, engineers, and manufactures its products in-house from Australian Bluescope steel, using automated production processes including robotic beam welding and roll-forming. Its proprietary technology platform centres on the ColbySURE / RackMan certification software (developed by in-house structural engineers) and patented safety components such as the Diamond-slot beam connectors, Cobra Clip locking mechanism, and heavy-duty UU impact beams.

The company operates as a subsidiary brand of Dematic (itself owned by Germany's KION Group AG), and serves enterprise customers across warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, retail, and cold storage. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of pallet racking systems and shelving, plus professional services including design, installation, audits, and maintenance, with all sales executed via a national authorised distributor network across Australia and New Zealand rather than direct. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. Notable enterprise customers include Woolworths/Countdown, Breville, Qube Logistics, Oxford Cold Storage, Murray Goulburn, Hobson Engineering, and Coghlan, with installations ranging from thousands to over 80,000 pallet positions.

Colby's competitive positioning rests on near-60-year Australian manufacturing heritage, official Australian Made licensing, AS 4084:2023 compliance, seismic engineering capability developed since the 1990s, Steel Sustainability Australia Level 2A certification (2025), and EcoVadis Silver Medal recognition. Its products demonstrate backward compatibility with installations dating to the 1980s, creating meaningful switching costs for incumbents. Distribution is exclusively through authorised partners, with no direct-to-end-customer sales channel, embedding Colby within a localised service-and-installation ecosystem across AU/NZ.

Name

Colby Storage Solutions

Legal name

Colby Storage Solutions

Website

https://colby.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Colby Storage Solutions is an Australian manufacturer of warehouse pallet racking, shelving, and mezzanine systems, sold under the ColbyRACK brand via an authorised distributor network to enterprise customers across Australia and New Zealand. Operated as a subsidiary brand of Dematic (KION Group AG).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Warehouse Storage and Material Handling Equipment

NAICS

Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4234), Industrial Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42384)

SIC

Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040)

akta.pro primary industry

Warehouse Storage & Racking Systems (Pallet Racking, Shelving, Mezzanines) (IMAHABAD)

Keywords

• Warehouse racking systems
• Pallet racking solutions
• Industrial shelving systems
• Mezzanine flooring solutions
• Rack protection accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Belrose

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Pallet Racking and Shelving Hardware Sales: ColbyRACK pallet racking, shelving, and accessories sold as products through authorised distributor network. Products include selective pallet racking, drive-in racking, narrow aisle racking, longspan shelving, carton live storage, and heavy-duty flooring.
2. Design, Installation, and Engineering Services: Distributors provide design, installation, and aftercare/maintenance services for Colby storage solutions. Colby assists with regular racking health checks, audits, inspections, and damage repair recommendations to ensure compliance and safety.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Colby Storage Solutions designs, engineers, and manufactures the ColbyRACK brand of warehouse pallet racking systems, industrial shelving, mezzanine flooring, conveyors, and rack protection accessories at its Belrose, NSW facility using premium Australian Bluescope steel. Products are sold exclusively through a national network of authorized distributors across Australia and New Zealand, who provide system design, professional installation, and aftercare services. The portfolio includes selective, double-deep, narrow aisle, drive-in, and drive-through racking configurations, plus proprietary ColbySURE certification software for AS 4084-2023 compliance.

Product overview

Colby Storage Solutions offers a comprehensive portfolio of warehouse storage products under the ColbyRACK brand, which is designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia by Dematic. The core offering includes adjustable pallet racking systems available in multiple configurations (selective, double-deep, narrow aisle, drive-in, and drive-through) for high-density and fully-selective storage. The product range extends to industrial shelving (heavy-duty, carton live storage, longspan), raised storage mezzanine floors, conveyor systems (carton and pallet), and rack protection accessories (Colby Protect-a-RACK upright guards, end guards, and beam connectors). The company also offers proprietary ColbySURE certification software for structural compliance verification. Solutions are supported by a national distributor network across Australia and New Zealand, with manufacturing located in Belrose, NSW.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ColbyRACK: Premium brand of selective pallet racking systems designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia by Dematic. Available in various configurations including single-deep, double-deep, narrow aisle, and drive-in or drive-through.
• ColbySURE
• Colby Protect-a-RACK

Products and services

• ColbyRACK Pallet Racking Systems The ColbyRACK brand of pallet racking solutions designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia, available in configurations including single-deep, double-deep, narrow aisle, drive-in/drive-through, pallet live storage, and push-back. Targeted at enterprise warehouse and distribution customers.
• Selective Pallet Racking Standard adjustable pallet racking providing full selectivity and direct access to every pallet location for maximum operational flexibility. For warehouses and distribution centres requiring immediate access to every pallet.
• Double Deep Racking High-density storage configuration that stores two pallets deep, reducing aisle space while maintaining acceptable selectivity. For high-throughput warehouses seeking to maximise pallet positions per square metre.
• Narrow Aisle Racking Space-efficient racking designed for narrow aisles using specialised handling equipment to maximise storage density. For warehouses with limited floor space and specialised forklift fleets.
• Drive-In Racking High-density drive-in storage system allowing forklifts to enter the rack structure to deposit or retrieve pallets from the same aisle. For bulk storage of homogeneous products requiring high density over selectivity.
• Pallet Live Storage (PLS) Dynamic storage system using gravity-fed rollers to enable first-in-first-out (FIFO) pallet rotation with automatic pallet movement. For warehouses requiring FIFO inventory rotation at high density.
• Push-back Rack High-density storage system that allows pallets to be pushed back on nested carts, storing up to six pallets deep with improved selectivity. For warehouses needing high-density storage with LIFO rotation.
• Satellite Cart Storage Solution Semi-automated deep-lane storage system using intelligent self-propelled carts to handle pallets within the storage structure. For high-density warehouses requiring automated pallet movement.
• Heavy-duty Shelving Industrial shelving designed for heavy loads in warehouse environments, providing robust storage for bulky items. For warehouses requiring hand-loaded storage of heavy items.
• Carton Live Storage (CLS) Dynamic storage system with gravity-fed lanes for cartons and small items, enabling efficient order picking with automatic stock rotation. For order picking operations and e-commerce fulfilment.
• Longspan Shelving Industrial shelving with long beams designed to accommodate larger, lighter items and bulk storage in warehouses. For bulk storage of medium-sized items and hand-picking operations.
• Steel Shelving Heavy-duty steel shelving systems for warehouse storage applications. For warehouses requiring durable steel shelving for general storage.
• Heavy Duty Flooring (Raised Storage Mezzanine) Cost-effective mezzanine solutions and raised storage areas that can double usable floor area in factories or distribution centres. For warehouses needing to expand storage capacity without expanding footprint.
• Medium-Duty Flooring Mezzanine flooring solutions for medium-duty applications to expand warehouse storage capacity. For facilities requiring added floor space for lighter loads or work areas.
• Carton Conveyors (Gravity Conveyor) Gravity-fed conveyor systems for efficient movement of cartons through warehouse operations. For distribution centres requiring low-cost carton handling.
• Pallet Conveyors Conveyor systems designed for efficient handling and transport of pallets within warehouses. For distribution centres with material flow requirements.
• Colby Protect-a-RACK Heavy-duty rack protection system manufactured from steel with tapered surfaces to deflect forklift impacts and protect uprights from damage. For warehouses seeking to reduce forklift damage and protect racking.
• Connection & Clips (Cobra Clips) 4-Tang Diamond-slot Connectors paired with patented Cobra Clips that lock beams securely into place, preventing accidental dislodging. For any racking installation requiring secure, compliant beam connections.
• ColbySURE Certification Software Proprietary in-house software tool developed by Dematic's structural engineers that generates automated certification letters customised to specific racking configurations, guaranteeing load capacity and structural strength compliance with AS 4084-2023. For customers and distributors requiring documented compliance certification for installed racking systems.
• RapidRunner High-Density Storage System Dematic high-density storage system combining drive-in racking density with pallet flow benefits, using self-propelled intelligent carts for automatic pallet handling within the storage structure. For high-throughput warehouses and manufacturing facilities requiring maximum density with automated material flow.
• Mobile Pallet Racking Mobile racking system with electrically powered bases that allows aisles to be opened as needed, significantly increasing storage capacity in the same footprint. For cold storage facilities and warehouses requiring maximum density.

Quantifiable outcome

• Coghlan case study: storage capacity increased 10% above initial expectations (8,955 pallet positions achieved)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• DematiccoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDematic is the parent company and manufacturer of Colby Storage Solutions. Dematic designs, engineers, and manufactures ColbyRACK pallet racking at its Belrose, NSW facility. Dematic also provides the broader automation and materials handling technology ecosystem in which Colby products operate, including Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) and Dematic Multishuttle solutions. ColbyRACK is distributed under the Dematic brand alongside Dematic's global automation portfolio.
• Storage IdeascoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStorage Ideas is one of Sydney's leading suppliers of warehouse storage equipment and a long-standing authorised Colby Distributor (over 40 years). Specialises in design, supply, and installation of warehouse and distribution centre storage equipment to businesses in NSW. Named Colby Distributor of the Year for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023). Key projects include 80,000 pallet position installation for Qube at Moorebank.
• Colby Derrimut (Storwell Storage Solutions)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColby Derrimut (trading as Storwell Storage Solutions) is one of Melbourne's leading suppliers of industrial storage and pallet racking with 30 years of industry experience. Named Colby Distributor of the Year for 2022. Provides end-to-end services in design, supply, and installation to businesses across Melbourne and Victoria including Foodbank, Bega, and Haymes Paint.
• BarprominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSouth Africa's leading mobile racking installer. Partnered with Dematic and Storax on Oxford Cold Storage's mobile pallet racking project. Responsible for installation of the mobile racking system alongside Dematic's ColbyRACK superstructure.
• Vaughan ConstructionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBuilding contractor for the Oxford Cold Storage project. Worked with the Dematic/Storax/Barpro team to deliver the technically demanding freezer expansion project in seven months.
• Storage Ideas (for Coghlan project)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStorage Ideas designed and installed the ColbyRACK high-density storage and mezzanine solution for Coghlan (3PL provider). The innovative setup boosted storage capacity, optimised workflows, and cut operational costs for Coghlan's growing customer base.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Dematic: Parent company of Colby Storage Solutions and a global leader in automated materials handling (AS/RS, conveyors, Multishuttle). Overlaps directly with Colby's pallet racking line and broader warehouse storage solutions portfolio.
• Daifuku: Japanese global leader in materials handling including pallet racking, AS/RS, conveyors and AGVs. Comparable to Colby/Dematic in pallet racking product and warehouse automation, with stronger APAC and global scale.

Direct peers

• Frazier Industrial: North American manufacturer of selective and high-density pallet racking, drive-in and push-back systems. Comparable core product offering to ColbyRACK for distribution-centre and manufacturing applications.
• Knapp: Austrian-headquartered warehouse automation and storage systems provider, including pallet racking, shuttle systems and OSR. Comparable to Colby in serving enterprise distribution centres with high-density storage solutions.
• Steel King Industries: US-based manufacturer of pallet racking, industrial shelving and warehouse storage products. Comparable to Colby in core pallet racking product and end customers (warehousing, manufacturing, distribution).
• BITO Storage Systems: German manufacturer of pallet racking, shelving, bins and containers with global distribution. Comparable to Colby in pallet racking product offering, with active sales in APAC and similar enterprise customer focus.
• TGW Logistics Group: European provider of pallet racking, automated storage and conveyor systems for retail, grocery and 3PL customers. Comparable product mix to Colby including seismic-rated pallet racking and high-density configurations.
• SSI Schaefer: Global market leader in modular storage solutions, pallet racking, shelving and warehouse automation. Directly comparable to Colby in pallet racking product offering and enterprise customer base, with much broader international reach.
• Constructor Group Australia: Australian-owned supplier of pallet racking, shelving, mezzanines and storage solutions across ANZ. Direct competitor to Colby in pallet racking, addressing the same 3PL, retail and manufacturing customer segments.

Emerging players

• Hänel: German manufacturer of automated storage and retrieval systems (Hänel Lean-Lift, Hänel Rotomat) used in industrial and warehouse storage. Adjacent overlap with Colby's high-density storage solutions and rapid-runner/pallet live storage ranges.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/colby-storage-solutions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Colby Storage Solutions