Steel King Receives U.S. Patent for Innovative SK ADVANTX™ Structural Bolted Racking System
Patent recognition reinforces Steel King’s leadership in automation and cold storage solutions.
Stevens Point, WI — July 9, 2026 — Steel King Industries, a leading manufacturer of storage rack and material handling products has announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has officially issued U.S. Patent No. 2,667,187, titled “Hot Rolled Storage Rack Systems and Methods,” for the company’s innovative SK ADVANTX™ Structural Bolted Racking System.
Originally introduced at ProMat 2025, SK ADVANTX is the first structural, modular, bolt-together racking system manufactured in North America and was specifically engineered to meet the demands of large-format automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), high-bay warehouses, and cold storage facilities. The newly issued patent protects the system’s unique design, which utilizes upright components—including posts, horizontal braces, and diagonal braces—that are bolted together on-site to create a highly flexible, expandable, and cost-effective structural rack solution.
Steel King’s SK ADVANTX™ for Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
“Receiving this patent is a tremendous milestone for Steel King and a testament to our team’s commitment to innovation,” said Steel King’s Director of Engineering, Amit Kutumbale. “It also validates the innovation that our Principal Engineer, Arlin Keck put into developing SK ADVANTX. Our customers continue to seek storage solutions that can adapt to increasingly complex automation projects and demanding cold storage environments. This patent underscores our commitment to delivering industry-leading products that solve those challenges while providing long-term value.”
Unlike traditional welded structural rack systems, SK ADVANTX’s modular design allows for easier customization, including conveyor windows, deep upright configurations, custom brace paneling including X bracing, Apex frames, sloped roof trusses for rack supported buildings and designs that accommodate high seismic and wind loading requirements. The bolt-together construction also allows damaged components to be replaced in the field without welding, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Additionally, the system’s component-based design enables denser packaging and more efficient transportation, reducing shipping costs and expanding geographic reach compared to conventional welded uprights.
SK ADVANTX™ is the first structural, modular, bolt-together racking system manufactured in North America.
“Automation continues to reshape warehousing and distribution, and as warehouse operators continue to invest in it, building larger, more complex distribution centers, they need storage systems that can evolve alongside their operations,” added Kutumbale. “SK ADVANTX delivers that flexibility while maintaining the strength and durability customers have come to expect from Steel King.”
The issuance of Patent No. 12,667,187 further reinforces Steel King’s long-standing reputation as an innovator in the material handling industry and underscores the company’s commitment to developing solutions that improve operational efficiency, maximize storage capacity, and provide long-term value for customers.
About Steel King Industries
Since 1970, Steel King Industries has been manufacturing a full line of material handling products, including selective pallet racks, dynamic flow storage systems, cantilever racks, portable racks, and custom shipping racks, along with industrial steel containers and guard railing. Products are made using only U.S. steel. Innovation, customization, and design strength have earned Steel King the reputation as a leader in the material-handling marketplace. With over 500 employees, Steel King is headquartered in Stevens Point, WI, with manufacturing facilities in Stevens Point and New London, WI and Rome, GA. For more information, call Steel King at (800) 826-0203 or visit steelking.com.
