Building on success

Big Box Buildings, part of the East Yorkshire based Big Box Group (operating throughout the UK), has been delivering a variety of temporary and more permanent buildings in double-quick time for companies looking for simple and affordable storage solutions.

Ian Mackenzie, Director of Big Box Buildings, says the demand for temporary buildings – lightweight structures with PVC roofs that can be installed within six weeks – has been rising steadily in an uncertain economy.

“Our buildings are popular because they usually don’t require groundworks, just fitting to an existing hardstanding, even with an all-steel exterior,” Mackenzie said. “Manufacturing, logistics and warehouse operations often tend to need extra onsite storage – and we’re simply able to do that quickly and cost-effectively.

“Whether it’s a workshop, production area, covered loading area or even a factory extension, we’re able to deliver high-quality, hassle-free solutions that can be in place for decades.”

In April 2020, at the start of the global pandemic, Big Box Buildings delivered two storage structures for Smurfit Kappa, a FTSE 100 company and one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging in the world, which operates in more than 30 countries.

“Their challenge was unique,” continued Mackenzie. “A lot of their packaging goes to the healthcare sector, so they really saw an upturn in demand when the pandemic began. There was no space to store the extra packaging they were producing. Some of it was exposed to the elements.

“They needed two goods-out ‘canopies’ urgently. One was simple but the other, due to its snug location and extremely uneven and sloped surface, was more of a challenge. But we don’t say no to a challenge.”

The order was placed in April. The BRC-grade aluminium frame structures were on ground and in use by the end of May.

“They were delighted with their buildings. In fact, they were back in touch at the start of 2021 to request a further two. It’s another intricate job, but we’re excited to deliver it and help them build on their growth.”

As part of the Big Box Group, buildings are often just the start of the solution, explained Ian.

“We are much more than just the building shell,” he said. “We can be just that, but the intralogistics arm of our business can look at the design of the building and consider how racking, shelving, safety and storage equipment can fit perfectly within it.

“Then we can look at whether automation can add any further value by observing activity in buildings and identifying any practices or places where time and energy is being lost. We can bring technology to the table and deliver a tangible return on investment.

“It’s very rare that you can bring all three of these areas together, but that’s exactly what we do. Having everything under one roof, so to speak, gives our customers one point of contact, with the potential to save costs.

And, ultimately, it makes their lives much easier. That’s what we’re about”