New ideas for modified containers are becoming more sophisticated

THE CONTAINER customisation and supply market is steadily growing, as more applications are found to be cost-efficient, according to Steve van Doorn, Cape Town-based manager of Container Trust, the sales division of United Container Depots (UCD).
It's been a big shift from its traditional use as building site tool rooms and storage sheds, he said, as new ideas for landside uses of modified second-hand containers become more sophisticated.
Some of the more novel uses recently have included boutiques in townships for a cosmetics distribution company; video stores; medicine-holding refrigerated containers for veterinary supplies; spaza shops; blast freezers for farm-based meat shops; accommodation units; and classrooms.
The fact that Container Trust networks the domestic and Namibian markets as a sales arm within UCD also helps its national presence, Van Doorn added.
The two companies have full-scale branch operations in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth (covering the Eastern Cape/Border areas) and Walvis Bay
While UCD store and repair containers, and do pre-trip checks on reefers (refrigerated containers), he said, they also do the conversions for Container Trust.
Our marketing function then comes into play as we nurture markets as varied as supply of basic units to shipping lines, the construction industry, and the like; to customising control rooms for mining applications; and fast-food spaza shops.