A place for everything
Carpenter Patrik talks about his System Edström racking system
Patrik Skoglund has been working as a carpenter for Swedish company Silje Bygg since 2014 and has years of experience. So, it’s safe to say he’s seen it all. And according to Patrik, without his System Edström racking, his working day would be much harder.
The company has around 10 employees and takes on a wide variety of projects, from working on new-builds to repairing existing buildings, fixing water damage and much more. It’s a challenging, fast-moving environment, in which efficiency is paramount.
Thanks to his System Edström racking, Patrik has a well-ordered workspace in his van that means he’s ready for anything, wherever his work takes him.
Creating the perfect workspace
Since 2015, Patrik has worked out of a Volkswagen Transporter fitted with System Edström racking. Although each van has a similar set-up, Patrik and his colleagues have also had an input into what suits them best. Patrick says: “We run pretty much the same system across all five or six vans, though the details vary. For example, a lot of us like to keep drawers by the door for quick access. You always know where your tools are. Everyone has their own system.”
Patrik has made only a few tweaks to his set-up, but one key change was freeing up space for a ladder and keeping the floor clear. “We often need to transport large boards like chipboard, plastic or insulation,” he explains. “When dealing with water damage, we sometimes load demolition material straight from the site, so it doesn’t get left outside. That’s why it’s important to keep the central aisle open.”
Favourite features
Asked which part of his system he likes most, Patrik doesn’t hesitate: “The drawers. They’re practical, spacious and make it easy to find my tools. I’ve got my own system and know exactly where everything is, from tie-down straps in the bottom drawer to spare hammers and machines in the others.”
Being prepared for anything is part of the job, he adds. “We might turn up to fix a door and end up needing to replace hinges. That’s when it helps to have all the tools and screws with us, because you never know what’s coming. Without this racking, everything would be chaos. You need a place for everything so you don’t waste time hunting around and it saves time for the customer, too.”
Patrik’s top three solutions
• Dropfront shelves – everything stays put and within reach.
• Drawers in different sizes – from small fixings to bulky kit.
• Accessories and hooks – ideal for cables and his carpenter’s belt.
Are you a carpenter who needs to bring order to your van? Take a look at our online configurator for inspiration.
