Warehouse & Shed Foundations

Aarsleff's Expertise on Foundations

At Aarsleff Ground Engineering, we specialise in delivering efficient, durable, and cost-effective solutions for warehouse and shed foundations across the UK’s commercial sector.

Our team supports clients through every phase of their warehouse development, from preconstruction consultation to the final stages of structural support. Whether it’s a large logistics hub or a bespoke industrial storage facility, we bring the technical knowledge, resources, and innovation necessary to ensure solid, long-lasting foundations.

Our in-house design capabilities, modern fleet of piling rigs, and highly trained site operatives allow us to execute even the most complex foundation packages, tailored to the specific ground conditions and loading requirements of each project.

What Types of Projects Have We Worked On?

We’ve delivered foundation packages for warehouse and commercial shed developments of all sizes, from single units to expansive multi-unit distribution parks. Working in close collaboration with structural engineers and project managers, we ensure early involvement in the design process, helping identify the most suitable and cost-efficient foundation type.

Our experience spans a range of industrial and commercial projects, including:

Distribution centres
Cold storage sheds
Manufacturing warehouses
Retail and logistics hubs

Our teams are experienced in working in challenging conditions, including brownfield sites, high water tables, contaminated land, and restricted-access locations.

Piling Services

Piling is at the heart of Aarsleff’s expertise, and for warehouse and shed foundations, it provides a fast, clean, and highly reliable solution. Our range of piling services includes both driven and bored systems, depending on ground conditions, environmental considerations, and structural requirements.

We offer:

By leveraging our fleet of modern piling rigs and in-house logistics, we can mobilise quickly to site, minimise disruption, and keep programmes on schedule, which is a critical factor for time-sensitive warehouse projects.

Full-Service Ground Engineering

Aarsleff is more than a piling contractor, we are a full-service ground engineering specialist capable of delivering integrated foundation packages. For warehouse and shed developments, we routinely undertake:

Our geotechnical design team collaborates with clients to propose the most suitable solutions, balancing performance, budget, and environmental impact. We also carry out enabling works, site preparation, and foundation capping beams where needed.

Two yellow drilling rigs being operated by workers wearing PPE on a construction site.

Retaining Wall Capacities

Many warehouse and shed developments require excavation or are built on sloped or unstable ground. To accommodate this, Aarsleff delivers comprehensive retaining wall solutions, from initial design to installation. We work with clients to develop engineered systems that ensure stability, long-term performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Our retaining wall capabilities include:

These systems are often used to form basement levels, support changes in ground elevation, or provide protection during excavation works. Each retaining solution can be adapted to the unique conditions of the site.

Aerial shot of the completed king post wall for Jewson’s Chesterfield branch.

Warehouse & Commercial Shed Case Studies

Over the years, Aarsleff has successfully completed the foundation works for many warehouse and commercial shed developments.

St Helens Commercial Sheds

A piling rig positioned in the centre on a piling mat and surrounded by concrete piles. Workers and other heavy machinery are visible.

Location: St Helens, North East of England

Aarsleff worked for Bowmer and Kirkland to construct a large scale piling job for commercial sheds in the North East of England. This job involved nearly 15,000 precast piles and 8 Junttan PM20/22 Rigs. The piles were manufactured by our sister company, Centrum Pile Ltd.

The main challenge on site was logistics. With a tender programme of 18 weeks, our team’s focus was on maintaining the schedule. Thanks to their hard work and excellent production, we achieved practical completion four weeks ahead of the original programme.

Magnavale Cold Storage Warehouse

Ground engineering project in Derbyshire

Location: Magnavale, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, England

In preparation for a new cold storage warehouse in Chesterfield, Aarsleff were contracted by IBO Construction Ltd to design and install a 200 linear metre soil nailed slope with a sprayed concrete ‘rigid’ facing and 40 linear metres of a king post retaining wall.

Facing complex logistics and challenging design elements, our team assessed rock stability, soil nails, and groundwater control, producing high-quality drawings. Soil nails up to 7m long were installed on 80-degree slopes excavated in a top-down sequence, ensuring stability throughout the project.

Giant Warehouses

Location: Avonmouth, Bristol, England

Aarsleff delivered major piling works on behalf of global construction specialist,ISG Ltd, who were building six warehouse units in Avonmouth, as part of the £21.8 million More+ Central logistics park. We managed the installation of up to 5,066 precast concrete piles, averaging 17m in length with diameters of 200/250/300mm, using three Junttan piling rigs.

Our sister company, Centrum Pile Ltd. produced the piles using responsibly sourced materials. They used a cement replacement in the concrete mix called Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA). This reduced the cement content by 38%, resulting in a lower embodied CO2.

Distribution Warehouses

A groundwork project being performed at sunset, illuminated by floodlights. A construction worker and a blue piling rig in operation is visible, surrounded by concrete piles.

Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England

In 2022, Aarsleff worked on a large scale piling project for three new offices/warehouse units in Peterborough. The 5090nr. 250mm Type 4 piles were driven through made ground on mudstone at depths of 13-16m, with some in stiff clays at 8m, using four PM20/22 rigs.

Arrival was slower than expected due to limited information, delaying progress. Our delivery team maintained strong communication with the client and between management and site. Despite delays, the dedicated site team’s efforts ensured that the project timelines, initially set at tender, were met or exceeded.

Partner with Aarsleff for Your Next Project

With a reputation built on technical excellence, customer collaboration, and safe delivery, Aarsleff Ground Engineering is your trusted partner for warehouse and commercial shed foundations. Our nationwide presence, skilled workforce, and ability to integrate with wider construction teams make us the go-to provider for industrial foundation works.

We understand the pressures of warehouse construction, such as tight programmes, challenging ground conditions, and the need for precision. That’s why we bring everything from early-stage advice to full project delivery under one roof.

Four workers in PPE walking towards a site. Three workers are wearing a orange Aarsleff jacket.

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A leading UK ground engineering specialist, focusing on multi-discipline excellence and value engineering. We design and deliver some of the UK’s largest ground engineering projects.

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Our vision is to bring confidence to those constructing the landscape of tomorrow .

1947. Central Jutland, Denmark. Per Aarsleff borrowed 10,000 Danish Kroner from his father’s life insurance, bought an excavator, and founded Northern Europe’s leading contracting company.

Our biggest asset, our team is composed of the leading experts in ground engineering. Working with collaboration and cohesion at the core of our business, we can guarantee a quick and founded answer to all your questions.

We recruit and reward our people based on our ‘Step into the Blue’ company culture, where we embrace the core values of Life and Health, Trust, and Responsibility.

We do everything to ensure our team and yours work safely on our sites. With our core value of Life & Health, we see safety as a cultural pillar.

Our ISO accreditations are an assurance to you that we take governance seriously. Read our policies to discover more.

The projects that keep society running. Bridges, buildings, transit and rail facilities, embankment support, marine and offshore facilities, mines, airports, and water projects.

Close-up view of steel reinforcement cages at a construction site. A yellow KLEMM drilling rig is in the background.

Keeping things turning. Sewage Treatment Works, Waste Water Treatment Works, Wind Farms and Wind Turbines, Biomass Plants, and Power stations.

Aarsleff's Junttan PM 20HLC piling rig in operation with two workers present. Another piling rig can be seen in the background.

Meeting society’s needs. Nursing and care homes, MOD buildings, Schools and Universities, and small or large-sized residential developments.

Three piling rigs positioned on a muddy site under a blue sky. Construction workers are seen near the rigs.

Staying on the move. Remediation, bridges, and foundation work are integral to keeping the industry running smoothly.

Aarsleff worker kneeing down on one knee with a yellow piling rig and concrete piles in the background. The worker is wearing high-visibility clothing and a white hard hat.

The landscape of the marketplace. Mega-retail sheds, distribution warehouses, University accommodation, and major supermarket and household name units.

Keeping things afloat. Ports and harbours, coastal defences, river embankments and inland waterways.

An aerial view of the Port of Hanstholm.