Omega invests in new containers

AS ONE of the smaller players in the container rental and sales market, Omega Container is able to combine both business efficiency and hands-on customer service, according to MD Mark Cringle. “If there is one thing that we have learned from Omega’s 10 years in the industry, it’s that we have to be able to make decisions rapidly to meet customer expectations, and always produce what we promise. “It has also taught us that we must treat all our customers equally – regardless of whether they buy one or a hundred containers a year.” Cringle has built his own philosophy of customer satisfaction into the company’s trading policy – and this has seen Omega growing steadily over the last decade, focusing on its specialities in cabotage, cross-haul, and container sales and rental. He also stressed that honesty was another vital part of his company’s business attitude – and he rejected the bribery, kickbacks and corruption that are becoming prevalent in many areas of the container industry. “I’m one of the old school,” Cringle said, “and believe that you can only achieve things by blood, sweat and tears. There are no shortcuts.” His latest development plans include the purchase of Omega’s first crane-truck – a move that Cringle saw adding to his company’s internal control of market factors. “We want as much of our own control as we can achieve,” he said, “and this gives us effective control of our delivery and collection.” Omega has also started investing in brand-new containers for its rental operation. “They are initially capital-intensive,” said Cringle, “but will give us a low-maintenance life-span, and are therefore a good long-term investment.” The next logical step, again aimed at achieving more internal control, is the intention to purchase Omega’s own repair and conversion depot. “Acquiring your own property has distinct advantages over rental,” Cringle added, “with the primary benefit being that you are paying for a company asset, not just facing an on-going rental cost.”