Warehouse and manufacturing facilities often have an open floor plan, and while that may seem efficient on some levels, in most cases, the open space can work against productivity. That’s where industrial curtains can help.
Commercial curtains are an easy solution for manufacturers who want to improve productivity without undergoing construction. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about warehouse divider curtains and how they can benefit you today.
Productivity vs. Efficiency
Before diving into the benefits, we want to discuss a terminology misconception, which is productivity vs. efficiency. They’re similar, but they’re not the same thing.
Productivity is about output. It’s how much work gets done in a certain period. Efficiency, on the other hand, is about how that work gets done. Are you wasting energy, time, or space? Then you might have areas to improve in efficiency.
Ideally, your manufacturing facility is doing well in both areas. Unfortunately, many struggle with at least one, usually due to poor space management, lack of defined zones, or interruptions. That’s where warehouse divider curtains can help.
What Are Industrial Divider Curtains?
Industrial divider curtains are large curtains built to withstand the wear and tear of manufacturing environments. You’ll find them hanging from ceilings, mounted on tracks, or set up as retractable barriers that can slide out of the way when needed. They’re used to divide spaces, contain contaminants, control temperature, and reduce noise. Unlike building permanent walls, installing warehouse curtain systems is quick and doesn’t require construction downtime.
At Singer Safety, we offer a wide range of industrial curtains to improve workplace productivity in manufacturing. For example, our industrial welding curtains separate workers and bystanders from welding operations such as flash burns, UV light, and sparks. For large areas, our Super-Vision Series can divide spaces into more efficient areas, and our commercial curtain hardware can help you customize the curtains to fit your needs.
The Benefits of Warehouse Divider Curtains
If you’re looking to improve productivity, installing commercial curtains comes with many benefits. Here, we cover some of the main ones.
Create New Work Zones Without Construction
When work zones aren’t clearly defined, materials can pile up in the wrong places, employees may wander around looking for tools, and accidents are more likely to happen. Industrial divider curtains help you set up clear zones for different tasks like assembly, welding, painting, packaging, and more, and unlike drywall, these curtains can be adjusted as your workflow evolves.
Reduce Distractions
Manufacturing facilities are loud. The noise of machinery, forklifts, and tools can make it hard to concentrate and communicate. That kind of noise has been shown to affect safety and productivity, but using warehouse divider curtains to block or dampen sound helps reduce distractions. Employees working in a quieter area are more focused, make fewer mistakes, and can communicate more clearly.
Create Temperature Zones
In environments where temperature control is important, such as locations with extreme heat or cold, industrial curtains can create temperature-controlled zones. This makes sure that workers stay comfortable and don’t overheat or freeze while on the job. Temperature control also improves overall productivity since workers are more likely to do well when they’re not distracted by discomfort.
Control Dust and Fumes
Exposure to toxic substances poses many health risks, including skin and lung irritation. Installing warehouse curtain systems around dusty processes like grinding or sawing helps you trap contaminants before they spread. The same goes for fumes in welding zones or overspray in paint booths.
Reduce Noise
According to studies, 16 percent of workers with jobs in noisy environments experience some degree of hearing loss. This can affect both safety and productivity.
At Singer Safety, our industrial divider curtains are made from heavy-duty materials that absorb and block sound waves, preventing them from traveling around a facility. By reducing the transmission of noise, commercial curtains can create a quieter work environment. Not only does a quieter workplace reduce hearing damage, but it also reduces stress and improves communication.
Adapt to Changing Needs
Your layout will likely need to evolve with new equipment, product lines, or staff. One of the best things about warehouse curtain systems is how easy they are to reconfigure. You can expand, shrink, or relocate work zones in a matter of minutes.
Improve Morale Without Renovations
Nobody wants to work in a chaotic, noisy, or freezing-cold warehouse. With commercial curtains, you can improve the overall environment without major renovations. Cleaner zones, less noise, better lighting, and more personal space can make your team feel valued, and that translates directly to better performance.
Features of Commercial Curtains
Commercial curtains are typically made from durable materials like PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, and insulated fabrics. PVC is a popular choice for industrial divider curtains since it’s resistant to water, chemicals, and abrasion.
At Singer Safety, we offer curtains in both clear and opaque finishes, so you can choose whether you want more visibility or more privacy. Our curtains are lightweight, tear-resistant, and great for both temporary and long-term applications. For those who want a durable option, we offer insulated curtains that will give you temperature control and soundproofing.
When it comes to installation, our industrial curtains feature a gliding track system. These systems are engineered to give you easy, reliable movement and secure locking when the partitions are set. We offer standard-size kits with a range of partition materials and Singer Safety’s durable hardware. Custom configurations are also available.
Learn More About Commercial Curtains
There are many benefits of installing commercial curtains if you’re looking to improve workplace productivity in manufacturing. At Singer Safety, our mission is to improve both safety and productivity with our range of high-quality industrial curtain walls. Each of our products is designed with manufacturers in mind, and we offer both standard and custom sizes.
Need help deciding which option is right for you? Our staff can help you determine the products that will work best for your facility. To learn more, contact us today.
