Understanding 3D Storage Systems and 3D Storage Solutions
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
- 3D Storage Systems designs and manufactures high-density dynamic racking solutions—such as pushback and pallet flow—and sells exclusively through distributors and rack manufacturers.
- 3D Storage Solutions is a Canadian distributor that sells directly to end users within Canada.
- Systems does not sell direct, and Solutions does not sell in the United States.
- Dealers or rack manufacturers: contact 3D Storage Systems.
- Canadian warehouses or end users: contact 3D Storage Solutions.
Ever find yourself typing “3D Storage” into Google and wondering which company you actually need… Systems or Solutions? You’re not the only one. Both names are familiar in the industry, and both companies have deep roots in warehouse storage, but their focus and customer base are distinct. Here’s a brief history, and a simplified breakdown that hopefully answers the question of who does what.
Why Two Companies Exist
3D Storage Systems was founded in 1992 to design and manufacture high-density storage systems, beginning with the low-profile structural pushback cart that helped define the industry standard.
At the time, selling directly across North America wasn’t realistic for a three-person engineering startup, so the company focused on selling its manufactured product through a trusted network of rack manufacturers and material-handling dealers.
For a brief period in the 2000s, market consolidation in Canada left few distribution options. To continue serving Canadian customers, 3D Storage Systems temporarily sold directly to end-clients in the Greater Toronto Area. But as demand for 3D’s products grew across the United States, more time and attention were needed to properly support its expanding dealer base.
In 2010, 3D Storage Solutions was created to take over the direct-to-end-client business in Canada, allowing Systems to return to its channel-only focus. The two companies now operate independently but complement one another within clearly defined roles.
What Each Company Does Today
3D Storage Systems (Manufacturer)
- Designs and manufactures pushback, pallet flow, and other dynamic racking systems.
- Works exclusively with distributors and rack manufacturers.
- Provides engineering support, training, and dealer resources.
3D Storage Solutions (Distributor – Canada Only)
- Provides full turnkey racking projects directly to Canadian end users.
- Manages permitting, engineering coordination, installation, and service.
- Acts as a distributor-level customer of 3D Storage Systems, purchasing at the same pricing structure as other dealers.
Geography and Sales Boundaries
| Company | Sells To | Territory | Notes |
| 3D Storage Systems | Dealers, rack manufacturers | Canada, U.S., international | No direct sales to end users |
| 3D Storage Solutions | End users | Canada only | Does not sell in the U.S. |
These boundaries eliminate channel conflict and maintain clear trust lines between the manufacturer and its distributor network.
Guardrails That Protect Trust
3D Storage Systems maintains a strict separation of leads and pricing to protect its distributors’ interests.
Pricing parity: Solutions receives the same pricing as any other distributor.
Lead protection: When Systems learns a dealer is engaged with a project, Solutions steps back.
Transparency: Both companies operate independently in daily practice, preserving the confidence of every partner.
Helping You Reach the Right Team
Because both companies share the “3D Storage” name, search engines sometimes display one site instead of the other. An end user in Toronto may type “3D Storage” and land on the Systems site, or a U.S. dealer may accidentally reach the Solutions site.
When that happens, both companies simply reroute the inquiry to the right team.
To save time:
Dealers and rack manufacturers: Visit 3D Storage Systems
Canadian end users: Visit 3D Storage Solutions
How the Two Work Together
In some cases, collaboration benefits the client.
For example, a U.S. distributor supplying a national customer might need installation and permitting for a new Canadian facility. 3D Storage Systems refers them to Solutions, who manages:
- Provincial permitting and documentation
- Engineering reviews for life safety, sprinklers, egress, and lighting
- Certified installation crews from coast to coast
Solutions has managed projects coast to coast—from Newfoundland to British Columbia—and evaluates opportunities in Quebec on a case-by-case basis, given the province’s unique regulatory framework.
Quick Reference: Who To Contact
| Scenario | Contact |
| You are a rack manufacturer or dealer anywhere in North America. | 3D Storage Systems |
| You are a Canadian end user needing a turnkey racking project. | 3D Storage Solutions |
| You are a U.S. distributor with a Canadian site that needs install or permitting. | 3D Storage Solutions (via referral from Systems) |
| You are a U.S. end user seeking racking direct. | Contact a local distributor or request a referral from 3D Storage Systems. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the two companies share leads?
No. Lead information is never shared without consent.
Does Solutions receive special pricing?
No. Pricing parity applies across all distributors.
Can Solutions sell in the United States?
No. Solutions’ scope is strictly Canadian.
Can Systems sell directly to end users?
No. Systems sells only through its dealer network.
I’m unsure which site I reached. What now?
If you’re a Canadian end user, head to 3D Storage Solutions.
If you’re a dealer or rack manufacturer, visit 3D Storage Systems.
Final Takeaway
The partnership model between Systems and Solutions has proven effective for over fifteen years. Systems remains focused on engineering and dealer support; Solutions continues to provide direct, full-service projects within Canada.
Both companies are committed to the same standard of integrity, engineering, and service that have defined 3D Storage for over three decades.
The difference is simply who each company serves, and ensuring every customer, distributor, and partner knows exactly where to turn.