BHD evolves from its cantilever racking roots to a global supplier supporting modern warehouse and automation needs.
When Jack Frid imported a Spanish cantilever racking system into Australia in 1999, it was with the aim of improving storage at his timber yard in Clayton. At the time, long-length storage solutions were limited.
What set the imported Meca racking apart was its versatility and strength – it could accommodate oversize and irregularly shaped materials more effectively than standard pallet systems.
That first installation quickly attracted the attention of other timber merchants, prompting Frid to begin importing the product for sale. The interest snowballed, forming the foundation of what would become BHD – a company known both locally and abroad for it engineered cantilever racking systems.
Initially operating under the name MECA Racking Solutions, the business became known across Australia for supplying cantilever systems to the timber, plumbing, building, and steel sectors. By 2006, with growing demand, MECA had established itself as a dedicated brand.
However, by 2018, the company recognised the need to evolve its market presence.
“MECA was synonymous with cantilever racking, but we had become more than that,” explains John Harrison, General Manager of the BHD rack project. “The rebrand to BHD signalled our capability beyond one product category and opened the door to broader racking and storage solutions.”
While cantilever racking remains the company’s core product, its applications have evolved. BHD now supplies racking systems compliant with FEM (European) standards and tailored to Australian regulatory requirements, including seismic and wind loading considerations.
These racks are no longer confined to indoor storage; they are frequently adapted with roofing and cladding to form fully enclosed sheds and semi-permanent structures.
“We build entire shed systems out of our racks,” John says. “It’s a modular approach to storage infrastructure.”
One of the company’s defining features is its vertically integrated model. Apart from the international shipping leg, BHD controls its entire supply chain – from design through to manufacturing and delivery. This approach allows for tighter quality control and more agile production scheduling, which can be critical for custom jobs or large-scale orders.
The company currently operates four manufacturing facilities – two in China and two in Vietnam – which support production across a range of storage system specifications. This production capacity underpins BHD’s ability to meet demand across both local and international markets.
“We’ve structured ourselves to scale when needed,” says John. “Whether it’s a one-off solution or a national rollout, we’ve got the capacity to deliver.”
BHD’s growth has not been limited to the Australian market. Since 2021, the company has maintained a growing presence in the United States, operating from a base in Atlanta, Georgia. The office, which now includes warehousing and stockholding, allows the business to respond more effectively to North American demand.
“The reception in the US has been strong,” John says. “Having stock on the ground has been critical to building trust and improving lead times.”
This international footprint also positions BHD to support global integrators, especially those working across regions with shared infrastructure standards. While the company does not act as an integrator itself, it collaborates with automation providers to ensure racking compatibility with conveyors, robotic systems, and other smart warehouse components.
The push toward automation is one of the most notable shifts in the logistics and warehousing sector in recent years. John points to the surge in e-commerce and post-COVID supply chain pressures as key drivers behind the demand for higher storage density and more efficient material handling.
“There’s been a significant change in the way warehouses operate,” he says. “It’s not just about storing stock – it’s about how quickly and accurately you can move it.”
To meet this demand, BHD has invested in equipment upgrades across its manufacturing sites and expanded its in-house design capabilities. The company is now producing racking systems that factor in not only weight loads and physical dimensions, but also compatibility with automation layouts and access points.
“Designing for integration is the next frontier,” John adds. “We’re working to ensure that our systems don’t just store – they support movement, retrieval, and optimisation.”
Also, rather than offering off-the-shelf solutions, BHD places emphasis on site-specific design. Each project begins with a technical consultation to map out customer requirements and environmental constraints.
“Every site is different,” says John. “We work closely with clients to ensure the final solution is fit-for-purpose – whether it’s a coastal yard storing pipe or a metro warehouse integrating pick-to-light systems.”
Despite this focus on tailored solutions, BHD remains a high-volume manufacturer. This dual capability – to customise and to scale – reflects the company’s maturity and operational flexibility.
It also allows BHD to service clients across a range of industries, including building materials, steel distribution, infrastructure, and third-party logistics.
Looking ahead, BHD anticipates increased demand for hybrid storage systems that blend static and dynamic elements, along with growing interest in racking with embedded technology. While the company has no immediate plans to move into software or automation controls, it continues explore opportunities for closer integration with those who do.
Ultimately, what began as a small-scale import operation has grown into a global supplier of long-length storage systems, built on two decades of technical refinement and customer focus.
With a diversified manufacturing base, end-to-end supply chain control, and a strong presence in emerging logistics markets, BHD is positioning itself to support the next generation of warehouse infrastructure. ν