What Is a Mezzanine? How Pac Rac Systems and Cogan Add Instant Space Without Expansion

If you’re struggling with warehouse space constraints, you’re not alone. Many Canadian businesses face the challenge of expanding operations without the time, cost, or disruption of relocating or building an addition. That’s where Cogan mezzanines and Pac Rac Systems come in.

As one of Canada’s exclusive suppliers of Cogan mezzanines, we help businesses unlock hidden space and transform their operations nationwide — without expanding their footprint. In other words, we help you get more from the space you already own. With local expertise in Belleville, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Pac Rac Systems team installing a Cogan mezzanine, ensuring fast and professional setup.

What Is a Mezzanine?

A mezzanine is an elevated steel platform installed between your warehouse floor and ceiling. In simple terms, it creates a new level of usable space — like adding a second floor inside your building, but without major construction.

There are several types to consider:

• Freestanding (structural) mezzanines: These are supported by their own columns, independent of existing racking or shelving.

• Rack-supported mezzanines: These are built on top of racking systems, combining storage and access.
  ⚠️ Important NBC 2020 update: Under the National Building Code of Canada (NBC 2020), rack-supported mezzanines are typically no longer compliant as occupiable work or storage platforms without engineering upgrades or approvals. Therefore, if you have an existing rack-supported system, it’s essential to assess it for code compliance.

• Shelving-supported mezzanines: These are integrated above shelving units to maximize vertical space.

As a result, mezzanines have become widely used in warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing facilities, and retail environments across Canada.

How Do Mezzanines Work?

Mezzanines help you take advantage of vertical space you already own but may not be using effectively. By adding an elevated level, you can:

• Increase storage capacity for pallets, inventory, or equipment

• Create additional office, packing, or work areas

• Improve operational flow with catwalks or conveyor systems

👉 For more details, check out Cogan’s official mezzanine page.

The bar grating floor on this Cogan mezzanine provides strength, durability, and slip resistance.

The Pac Rac + Cogan Advantage

At Pac Rac Systems, we don’t just supply mezzanines — we deliver engineered space solutions that meet the demands of Canadian businesses. That’s why companies trust us to help them grow efficiently.

• Exclusive Cogan supplier: You get premium Canadian-made mezzanines backed by over 100 years of engineering excellence.

• Custom design: We assess your site, understand your needs, and deliver a solution tailored to your operation.

• Durability and safety: Cogan mezzanines are built to last and meet all Canadian building code and safety requirements.

• Fast, professional installation: We minimize downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.

• In addition, we ensure every system meets local code requirements and client needs.

Who Should Consider a Mezzanine?

• Warehouses running out of floor space

• Businesses storing long or bulky items

• Companies managing seasonal inventory surges

• Operations adding new equipment or workstations

• Growing businesses that want to avoid the cost and disruption of moving

For example, companies facing seasonal inventory spikes often turn to Cogan mezzanines to stay agile without committing to costly expansions. As a result, they gain flexibility and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Ready to Maximize Your Space Without Moving?

At Pac Rac Systems, we help you look up, not out — transforming your existing space into a smarter, more efficient operation.

👉 Request your custom Cogan mezzanine quote today

We’ll help you design, supply, and install the right mezzanine solution — on time, on spec, and on budget. Because when you partner with us, you get more than a product — you get a long-term space solution.