THE LANDSIDE use of marine containers in South Africa has now grown into a market with an annual turnover of R150-million.
Almost an unknown idea two decades ago, it is now a thriving global industry, with modified units the big area of growth.
It was only in the latter half of the 70s that second-hand containers began to appear in the open market in any quantity, said Christopher Lee, Durban-based managing director of Container World.
However, the 90s has seen a real boom in the custom-building sector of the industry, and the SA market has proved more ingenious than most others in finding alternative uses for container modifications - ranging from storage, site office and accommodation units; through classrooms and clinics; to spaza shops and fast-food outlets.
From Lee's records, the SA landside container market has progressed steadily from a R200 000 turnover in 1978; to about R5-million in 1983; R20-m in 1988; R40-m in 1993; and the current market estimate of R150-m.
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