Shipping containers have become a convenient storage option for a whole range of industries – well beyond the waterfront – offering strength, security and great portability.
In recent years the hiring, selling and modification of shipping containers has become a specialist business and many new applications have been found for a seemingly basic rectangular structure.
In the South Island, the leading supplier of shipping containers for business and non-commercial use is Royal Wolf Trading New Zealand Ltd. Established in 1997, the company has a stock of around 150 containers at its base next to Christchurch International Airport and another 120 sitting with agents throughout the South Island.
Royal Wolf's South Island Manager, Paul Creighton, says the list of uses for a container is long and growing. It includes building site storage, temporary workshops, dangerous goods stores, self-storage lock-ups, tack rooms and, with the addition of a refrigeration system, cold storage. With further modification these robust and transportable storage units can also be turned into temporary accommodation.
And Now it's a Cabin…
The company's latest development is a container-based cabin, complete with a kitchenette, split air conditioning unit and wiring. These units are partly pre-fabricated by suppliers offshore and fitted out at Royal Wolf's Christchurch workshop to the client's specifications.
Paul Creighton says the units are meeting strong demand for secure temporary accommodation and as site offices for the construction industry. One of the big advantages of a container-based cabin is that there is no need to put in foundations (although some hirers choose to pour a basic concrete pad) and in many cases there is no need for a building permit. Royal Wolf has a number of 20ft units under development and also plans to introduce 40ft cabins. All have a ceiling height of 2.9metres.
Current applications for cabins include building sites in remote locations, and also for businesses with short term staffing requirements such as orchards and vineyards. Where space is at a premium these units can be stacked, with access provided by stairs or a connecting gantry.
Royal Wolf believes business is all about finding a solution to a problem, and providing a high level of service. The company's sales team works with clients to price various fit-out options and arranges delivery and collection through an extensive trucking network.
Sizes & Specifications for Any Use
Shipping containers come in various sizes, from 3m to 12m in length (the industry uses the original measures of 10feet and 40feet), with the most popular or standard size being 6m or 20feet. Containers can be insulated, non-insulated or refrigerated, depending on the client's individual needs. Portable chillers and freezers offer a neat solution for businesses handling fresh produce, such as meat processors, horticulturists and flower growers, to maintain quality control and standards needed for access to markets. Royal Wolf offers refrigerated units with single-phase and three-phase power and has recently developed a single-phase system capable of chilling within a range of 10 degrees C to minus 20 degrees C. In recent months Royal Wolf has started updating much of its inventory with newer units.
Skilled Modification Team
With a little ingenuity, Royal Wolf's team of electricians, plumbers and gas fitters can modify any container for a specific use. Their projects to date include a temporary kitchen, retail kiosks, tack-rooms, gate houses, sleep-outs and even a two storey, three bedroom home. Fitting out can include power supplies, air conditioning, kitchens, security screens and sign writing, to name just a few possibilities.
Flexible, No-Fuss Solutions
When it comes to functionality, very little can match a container. They are fully portable, robust, safe and secure and designed for easy pick up and delivery. Royal Wolf offers a range of new, used and refurbished units and expert advice from a team that knows the container industry inside out.
Hire agreements are 4 weekly, with special long term rates by arrangement – and all of the company's containers are available for purchase, if the hirer prefers to own.
Professional Self Storage
Self storage has become a growth industry. Royal Wolf has provided short and long term storage for around 10 years, offering a professional service and the benefit of experience. Individual lock-up units have 24-hour access seven days a week, and are alarmed and patrolled – an ideal solution for furniture, bikes, jet skis, cars, wine collections, personal document storage and much more.
