Many textile and footwear plants were built years ago; output has grown, but industrial-park land has run out. A new store is costly and far from the workshop. Another route is to densify the existing store: higher racking, narrower aisles and very narrow aisle (VNA) trucks. This article looks at when a store in the sector should go this way and at the two STILL ranges, MX-X and NXV.
Which textile and footwear stores suit VNA?
VNA is not for every store. It pays off when rack positions are many, goods stay relatively long and the building is tall enough. Three store types in the sector often qualify:
- Fabric stock by lot: fabric awaiting cutting and leftover fabric kept for top-ups, stored for weeks.
- Imported leather stores: hides arrive in large shipments and are used gradually according to the production plan.
- Seasonal finished goods: goods made early for a brand’s season, held until the delivery date.
Line-side staging and fast-moving trims stores usually do not need VNA. Aisle width principles are in warehouse aisle width and forklift selection.
STILL’s two VNA ranges
STILL MX-X: large stores, very high racking, man-up
The STILL MX-X is a man-up VNA truck whose cab rises with the operator. Travel speeds reach 14 km/h and lift heights 18 metres. Active load stabilisation (ALS) shortens storage and retrieval by up to 5 %, and the turret head shortens picking distances. Because the driver rises with the goods, the MX-X can also pick single cartons from high racks – useful when a finished-goods store holds full pallets but also needs single sample or top-up cartons. STILL also offers performance packages to match the truck to the application.
STILL NXV: small stores, high racking, heavy goods
STILL positions the STILL NXV for efficient space use in small warehouses. Compact dimensions with a rotating turret head or telescopic fork mean it needs very little aisle space. It loads and unloads at heights of up to 13.8 metres and handles goods up to 1,500 kg at height with OptiSpeed and ALS. Optional cross-line lasers between the forks or a camera system aid precise positioning – helpful when placing bulky fabric or leather pallets into tight rack bays.
Guide table: stage – model – reason
| Stage / store | STILL model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term fabric stock, many positions | MX-X | Very high racking, ALS, high speed |
| Finished goods: storage plus single picks | MX-X | Man-up, operator rises with goods |
| Small imported-leather store | NXV | Compact, turret or telescopic fork |
| Bulky pallets into tight bays | NXV | Optional cross-line laser, camera |
What to do before investing in VNA
A VNA store is a system: racking, trucks, floor and process must be planned together. For textile and footwear, also check:
- Floor flatness: very high lifts need suitable floors; older workshop floors may need treatment.
- Guidance: VNA trucks run in guided aisles; the specific solution is determined in a technician’s survey.
- Load dimensions: fabric rolls and leather bundles are rarely square; bays must be designed around real loads.
- Fire safety: dense fabric and leather stores hold a lot of combustible material; racking and escape routes must follow current fire regulations.
- Support trucks: VNA needs counterbalance or reach trucks to bring goods to the aisle ends.
See our racking systems, the article VNA trucks: MX-X or NXV and the very narrow aisle truck range. Other truck types for the sector are on the textile & footwear solutions page.
Frequently asked questions
How many positions do we gain by moving from reach trucks to VNA?
It depends on building height, load dimensions and current layout. There is no general figure; a store drawing is needed to calculate options.
MX-X or NXV for a footwear store?
For large stores with very high racking and single picks, MX-X. For smaller stores prioritising compactness and mainly full pallets, the NXV is worth considering.
Do VNA drivers need special training?
Yes, it is advisable. Working at height in narrow aisles requires specific skills. See our operator training service.
Fabric or leather store full? Send a quote request with a floor plan, building height and load dimensions, or call our hotline 0902 63 79 70 for a VNA site survey.