
Mega Multi-Store Warehouses: Construction
How Alpha Platforms Helped Amazon Build Two Mega-Warehouses
What was the challenge?
The Amazon mega-warehouse construction team in Windsor, CT was looking for a boom lift operator to help install metal siding panels on the second floor and trim around the roof of the 3,800,000-square-foot building. Due to the massive building size and the 105-foot-high flat roof, using a dropped basket or scaffolding would have been costly, and potentially risked damaging the walls, the roof, and the roof edges. Therefore, the project manager searched for a contactless height access solution to reach the upper floors to minimize the risk and control costs.
- The warehouse walls that needed panels and trim were situated above and over an 80-foot-tall, 130-foot-deep first-floor buildout that wrapped around the entire building. Neither the JLG nor United Rentals lifts available onsite were capable of a required side reach of up to 130 feet.
- During our initial consultation, the client did not believe that our boom lift could have such an “insane” side reach. However, when our estimator met with the client’s construction engineer, they analyzed the blueprint-based numbers and Alpha’s boom lift’s working envelope and concluded that the majority of the surface was within our reach.
- Subsequently, Alpha Platforms’ boom lift was hired for two months to assist with this installation.
What was the solution?

What was the outcome?
The A-250 was able to reach 95% of the required surface of the second floor up and over the roof. Also, Alpha installed a custom sunroof attachment to the lift cage, keeping workers in the shade during the hot, sunny days of summer.

- 12-foot extra large cage
- 1,322 lbs lifting capacity for crew, equipment, and materials
- Cage rotation 2 x 200°
- Side reach up to 130 feet
- Unique "under and up" or "up and over and back" access
- Smooth controlled motions to move close to and around glass and fragile structures
- Jib length 49’2’’
Alpha Platforms has helped hundreds of teams like yours
Customer Testimonials
from Case Studies
Excellent service, arriving on time every day, responsible with the load limit, very attentive to the lubrication and controls of the crane.
I had an emergency project on a 140' high voltage tower and needed Alpha Platforms next day. They were so helpful and expedient walking me through the entire process so I was comfortable with the deal. They showed up to my site next day and cut about 2 days off of the project due to the safety, speed and efficiency of their lift and operators. I'll never rent or hire another lift company. I would recommend Alpha platforms for all your high reach needs.
Jon told me that it was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. City Sign Service, Inc. will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects
We had an exceptional experience with Alpha! They are professionals, great operator team. Overall reliable, recommended will certainly return for my future needs hands down.
My company used alpha lifts to clean a 14 floor building and they were great. Very accommodating, always on time, and will work with you to get the job done safe and sound. The lifts they provide are state of the art and can pretty much reach any low rise building under 250 feet. I’d recommend them to anyone doing window cleaning or facade cleaning, or anything king of height access work!
We wanted to give it a try and see what this boom truck could do. We loved the idea of a wide basket that could reach up to 30 feet and get to the brick wall over the roof. The main reason we loved the truck was how it maneuvered the boom to lower the bricks inside a dumpster, which was located behind the truck. It saved us at least one extra day of work. It all went great.
The project was performed successfully, and we were really glad to have contactless means of reaching the building, as we all know that pipe scaffold might damage the structure, in this case, very very sensitive.
Alpha has the most efficient and leanest site setup time I’ve ever seen. My brother, who is the top climber of our group, first struggled to understand how this cage could go around the tower better than the crane - and when it did the whole 360°, he became a believer. Also, each laborer said how incredibly safe they felt - very different from the small crane basket. We were able to secure and push back the panels in place without the basket ever moving.
That is a fine piece of equipment! And the competent, professional group that goes along with it is just the cherry on top. I really appreciate everything. I'm sure we'll be able to use Alpha again in the future as we get these opportunities. In fact, it will only help our business knowing we have a safe, reliable solution to these over 50‘ height challenges.
Excellent team working with us, always willing to do anything for the best
It was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top-notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From the first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. We will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects. Thank you for your help!
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