As mentioned earlier, the first thing I've done is engage my next door neighbor to quote on an alarm / monitoring system. A bollard will also be placed inside, directly behind the roller door. I'm not going to divulge info regarding the security system, but i can be there onsite from my house within 4 minutes during peak hour. There is also a massive wrought iron fence that auto closes at a certain hour and can only be opened via remote control. There's only one way in / out.
WORST case scenario is a ram raid and the thieves loading one machine before I get there. I can "look after" myself
The location and existing security was the governing factor in selecting this building. Research on the building indicates it is very well constructed (as Jeff pointed out), and there will be a "blue chip" company building the factory which is located on the street.
I DO appreciate ALL the ideas and comments put forward. The kind words of encouragement are also greatly appreciated. Things will change in Melbourne regarding the (lack of) social pinball scene and interstate members will be more than welcome.
Certainly - if anyone is in the racking and pallet lifting industry - feel free to contact me, as I need quotes on storage etc !
tick, well done/said NINO.
I wish u were nearby Nino cause I could share the local pallet racking company that I engaged to supply me with enough storage/racking for 80 machines.
It cost me $2400 cash only brand new for the first set to store apx 50 machines. I could recommend exactly which product and what size of everything for pinball machines if u wanted to save a lot of homework. Bargain n much cheaper than I thought it would be. I reckon the guy up here has the cheapest pricing in Australia. I went wholesale from the importer located on the Gold Coast n reckon the pallet racking is the bees knees. Blue and orange in colour n fully powdercoated etc etc. The pallet racking I purchased was easy to build, and was designed to take almost 2 and a half times the weight of a pinball machine.
It took me apx 2 hrs to build enough for the first 40 machines etc. If u are interested I could send u sizes/costs n some photos.
The trick is not to buy stuff that is double the price cause each bay will hold 2 tonnes when u don't need such thick steel.
Anyway, happy to help, post some info if u need any help from someone who did the pallet racking to store a lot of machines.
I could always take a photo of the product n see if u can find the same stuff for the same price down your way. If anyone quotes u anymore than $2400 to store apx 50 machines, they are having a lend. I went two machines high. That way u don't have to buy a forklift or one of those electric Crown lifts if u don't want to. If u go three or 4 machines high, it is still pro rata the cost, so u can go higher, and it doesn't blow the budget if u do want to have a forklift or Crown lifter. Hope it helps. Let me know if u want some photos posted of what I have purchased n the exact weight n sizes, design etc.