40-foot High Cube Open Side Container as a mobile storage unit for a technical facility

Temporary storage for the paint booth in the 40-foot High Cube Open Side Container

A technical facility had been ordered to expand production, but the completion of the production facilities was delayed. This is what happened to an industrial company in Hamburg. The decision to expand production with a paint booth had been made and the technical equipment ordered, but then delays arose in the completion of the production facilities. Approvals from the authorities were delayed, and requirements for exhaust air and structural inspections dragged on. So where to put the technical equipment? A 40-foot high-cube open-side container served as the ideal mobile temporary storage solution.

40-foot high cube open side container used as a mobile storage facility for a technical installation

When critical “know-how” must be safeguarded

Everything was planned and coordinated. The production division of a well-known Hamburg-based industrial company had decided to increase its vertical integration for the manufacture of its high-quality products. The decision was also driven by the fact that this process step involves important “know-how” that the company wanted to implement and thereby secure within its own operations. Until now, this “know-how” had been outsourced; in the future, it is to be integrated “in-house.” The risk seemed too great that the external service provider’s specialists might “be lost” and that the “know-how” would consequently no longer be available. Therefore, it was decided to integrate this part of production into the overall manufacturing process. The necessary technical equipment had to be purchased.

When Planning and Reality Diverge

Once the planning for the production expansion was complete and approved by management, the components of the technical equipment could be ordered. There seemed to be enough time between the order and delivery to prepare the production facilities. The equipment was ordered. As further preparations progressed, additional planning requirements suddenly arose due to regulatory requirements for planning approval. Occupational safety and fire safety issues also required additional attention. It often happens that changes in one area lead to necessary adjustments elsewhere. This very quickly results in unforeseen additional work, which pushes the schedule back. However, the delivery date for the technical equipment could no longer be postponed.

Temporary storage in shipping containers is the solution

When delivery schedules for goods diverge during planning, mobile temporary storage in the form of shipping containers can be the optimal solution. They are readily available and can be precisely delivered and removed at the right time. Shipping containers, in their various designs, can be the perfectly tailored solution for the temporary storage of goods and technical equipment of all kinds. Whether it’s unpackaged goods or products on pallets, nearly every item finds its place in the container. Side-door containers are well-suited for oversized products such as long lumber, steel bars, or pipes because they can be opened along their entire length—6 meters for a 20-foot container and 12 meters for a 40-foot container. They also offer excellent protection against the weather and theft.

Everything is always within reach

Constant availability of 20’ and 40’ side-door containers and on-time delivery

Thanks to the high availability of specialty containers at iCON International Container Service GmbH, mobile storage solutions can be offered at any time. As a rule, a lead time of 1 week is sufficient if the container is to be delivered free on site. If the customer picks up the container, the process is even faster. For delivery, the sea containers can be transported in an environmentally friendly manner via intermodal transport, combining rail, inland waterway vessels, and trucks. To place the container where it is needed, a crane truck is usually used. It sets the container down exactly where our customer needs it.

Maximum flexibility with storage in sea containers

The sea container as a mobile storage unit is often the perfect solution for both short-term and long-term storage needs. The containers are readily available and can be made available on-site within a short time where they are needed. Storage capacity can be flexibly expanded and reduced at any time. Storage in shipping containers can be used as a complete solution for warehousing purposes or as a necessary supplement to existing storage capacity. Using special ramps, the containers can be accessed by modern industrial trucks and thus serve as a practical and barrier-free component in logistics processes.

Flexible storage space rental

The need for storage capacity is not always predictable. Whenever storage space is needed for unpredictable periods, a storage container can be a practical solution, as rent is paid only for the actual period of use. Unlike renting conventional storage space, container solutions do not involve long-term lease agreements. As a rule, the minimum term is set at 4 weeks, regardless of actual usage.

Permit Procedures for Setting Up Containers

When using containers for storage purposes, it is always important to check which specific requirements apply from the relevant authorities >building authority in the respective state. Generally, setting up containers for storage purposes alone is unproblematic and can be done without major requirements from the authorities. However, we strongly recommend contacting the relevant building authority in advance to clarify the specific requirements. You can find helpful tips and information at the following link: https://www.wohneigentum.nrw/beitrag/container-baugenehmigung.