A missing wire shelf, basket or divider can prevent refrigeration equipment from returning to normal use, even when the unit itself is still operational. The problem becomes more difficult when the original manufacturer no longer offers the spare part, the lead time is too long or the technical documentation is unavailable.
This does not always mean that the entire unit needs to be replaced. It may be worth checking whether the missing wire component can be recreated from a physical sample, photographs, a drawing or a clear set of dimensions.
Two separate assessments are required. The refrigeration system, electrical installation and overall condition of the unit should be evaluated by the responsible service team. SHELMO can assess whether the missing wire shelf, basket, divider or grid can be manufactured.
A missing shelf does not always mean the end of the equipment
Wire components are regularly removed, cleaned, loaded and reinstalled. As a result, they may become damaged or worn before the rest of the equipment reaches the end of its useful life.
A refrigerated display may still operate correctly even though a shelf has corroded, a basket has been damaged or a divider is missing. Replacing the entire unit solely because the original component is unavailable may therefore be disproportionate.
Start with the overall condition of the equipment
Recreating a wire component is worth considering when:
- the equipment remains technically reliable and safe to use,
- the main problem is a missing or damaged wire component,
- mounting points, guides and supports remain intact,
- the equipment is expected to stay in operation,
- replacement would involve additional downtime, transport or installation work.
If several critical systems are failing or the equipment requires major modernisation, a new wire component may not solve the underlying problem.
When is recreation technically feasible?
The best reference is the original component, even when it is damaged. A physical sample allows the manufacturer to check the wire diameter, geometry, support points, mounting details and surface finish.
If no sample is available, photographs and dimensions may be sufficient for an initial review. It should be possible to determine:
- length, width and height,
- wire diameter and spacing,
- position of hooks and support points,
- mounting method,
- expected load,
- required material and finish.
For components with demanding mounting geometry, a sample can be produced first to verify fit and function before the full batch is manufactured.
Recreate the component or replace the equipment? Quick comparison
Recreation is worth considering when the equipment remains reliable and the main problem is an unavailable wire shelf, basket, divider or grid.
| Criterion | Consider recreating the component | Equipment replacement may be better |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment condition | The unit remains reliable, safe and suitable for continued use | Several major faults exist or substantial modernisation is required |
| Scope of the problem | The issue mainly concerns one wire component | Several essential assemblies are damaged |
| Available information | A sample, photographs, drawing or reliable dimensions are available | Geometry and mounting details cannot be determined accurately |
| Required quantity | The part is needed for several units or as a small reserve batch | Only one part is required with no likely repeat demand |
| Total cost | Replacement involves transport, dismantling, downtime or modifications | Custom manufacturing costs more than a reasonable replacement |
| Fit risk | Fit and function can be verified using a sample | Fit, stability and safe use cannot be verified properly |
Note: the overall technical condition of the equipment should be assessed by the responsible service team. SHELMO evaluates the manufacturing feasibility of the missing wire component.
When does it make economic sense?
The decision should not be based only on the price of the component. The total cost of solving the service problem matters.
Replacing the equipment may involve purchasing, transport, dismantling, installation, changes to the surrounding fixture and operational downtime.
Recreating a wire component involves technical preparation, production setup, finishing and, when required, a sample.
The solution becomes particularly relevant when the same part is needed for several units, multiple retail locations or as a small reserve batch for future service visits.
What information should be provided?
For an initial review, send:
- photographs from several angles,
- images of the mounting area,
- the main dimensions,
- wire diameter and spacing,
- close-ups of hooks, guides and supports,
- equipment type or model,
- expected quantity,
- required finish and delivery date.
More information is available on the Replacement wire components for service page.
One component or a small batch?
SHELMO mainly manufactures small and medium series. A single component may be treated as a sample or prototype because technical and production preparation is still required.
If the same part is used in several units or may be needed during future repairs, producing a small replacement batch may be more efficient.
How does the process work?
- You send photographs, dimensions, a drawing or a physical sample.
- We review the technical feasibility.
- Material, finish, quantity and mounting details are clarified.
- A sample can be produced when verification is required.
- After approval, the agreed batch is manufactured.
The shelf recreation process is explained in more detail in How to recreate a wire shelf for a refrigerated display.
An unavailable catalogue part does not always justify replacing the complete refrigeration unit. If the equipment is still reliable and the geometry of the missing component can be determined accurately, recreating the wire part is worth evaluating.
Send us a photograph, sample, drawing or the available dimensions. We will check the manufacturing feasibility and explain what information is needed for a quotation.
FAQ
Does SHELMO sell original spare parts for specific brands?
No. We manufacture custom wire components and do not operate a catalogue of original spare parts.
Is a photograph enough for the initial review?
It may be sufficient to start the assessment. Dimensions, quantity, mounting details and finish are normally required for an accurate quotation.
Can one component be ordered?
Each enquiry is reviewed individually, but SHELMO mainly focuses on small and medium series. A single component may be treated as a prototype or sample.
What components can be recreated?
Wire shelves, baskets, dividers, grids and other simple wire components used in refrigeration and retail equipment.
