At a boarding school in South Africa (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool), efficient, reliable kitchen storage is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity. When the boarding house kitchen’s existing shelving setup consisted of heavy, rusted stainless steel and galvanized units prone to damage and difficult to clean, their Senior Foodservice Manager, Jean van Staden, knew it was time for an upgrade. After researching options and meeting with the local Cambro representative, they decided to replace their aging units with Camshelving Basics Plus Series. The results have been nothing short of transformative.
From Rust and Noise to Durability and Quiet
Before switching to Camshelving, the kitchen relied on older metal shelving that had become rusty, heavy, and nearly impossible to adjust. Cleaning underneath and behind the shelves was a major undertaking, and the worn wheels on mobile trolleys created constant noise. Since installing Camshelving, the team has experienced:
- Effortless Assembly and Maintenance: Each shelf and post assembles without tools, making installation and reconfiguration quick and simple.
- Reduced Noise and Stress: New shelving and trolleys glide smoothly and quietly, lowering stress levels in the kitchen and dining halls.
- Modular Flexibility: The ability to reassemble and repurpose components means the school can adapt its storage layout as needs change. For example, converting a pantry section into a bulk‐storage area without purchasing new units.
Before
After
Maximizing Space and Usability
With 1,500 students (340 residing in the hostel), every square inch of kitchen real estate matters. Camshelving’s modular design has allowed the team to:
- Optimize Footprint: By stacking and arranging shelves in custom configurations, they reclaimed valuable floor space for prep stations and mobile carts.
- Make Cleaning a Breeze: Unlike the previous metal shelves, these units disassemble easily so staff can clean under and behind them in minutes, not hours.
- Ensure Long‐Term Durability: Built with corrosion‐resistant materials, the new shelves withstand constant use and harsh kitchen environments without worrying about rust or weakening joints.
Service and Support Backed Locally
After reviewing Cambro’s warranties and learning about the local service network, the boarding house foodservice manager was reassured that this investment would pay dividends over time. All Camshelving products sold in South Africa are serviced locally, ensuring prompt support and guidance on maximizing storage efficiency.
Advice for Fellow Foodservice Managers
“My recommendation is to do your homework,” says van Staden. “While there are other shelving brands available, the guarantees and customer service behind Camshelving are unmatched. Work with the local representative. Let them measure your space, propose a design, and show you how containers and accessories can further streamline your workflow.”
By choosing Camshelving, Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool has not only upgraded its storage but also improved day‐to‐day operations, reduced noise and stress, and ensured a flexible system that will evolve alongside its kitchen needs.
Author: Felix Bazgan is the Director of Digital Marketing at Cambro.
Content provided by Cambro rep, Francis Bekker.
