Securing a firm position
April 1st 2006

In today's fast moving commercial markets, where companies need to be able to respond swiftly to changing demands, relocatable buildings are an invaluable resource.

Tempastor outlines the benefits

When it comes to securing a firm position within the ever changing niche markets of today, companies need true flexibility coupled with rapid, economical and educated responses. As more and more brand choices keep appearing, it is little wonder these niches keep getting smaller and that fickle changes in demand appear without warning. Companies need to be continually on their toes with immediate access to flexible solutions.

From capitalising on seasonal demand or abrupt market swings, through to longterm re-build and expansion projects associated with company growth, relocatable buildings can help your business meet fluctuating demand with lucrative precision, as follows:

Reduce overheads and logistical headaches by having multiple operations on site

Bringing multiple operations on site as opposed to renting or purchasing additional land and buildings presents huge cost savings - from the rental or new build costs right through to utility bills, communication and transportation costs between sites.

Additionally, the colossal capital expenditure required for a re-location or new build can be avoided by drip-feeding the temporary building hire charges through operational costs on a quarterly basis.

It's not only the basic warehousing and storage that can be kept on site, relocatable buildings can be used for more specialists operations also. Logistical operations can be accommodated by an extra high eaves height of 8m on some larger buildings, allowing for the largest of articulated trucks. Additionally, the ability to remove wall panels, create a tunnel structure or simply provide a canopy will allow for a goods in and out facility.

Temperature control can often be required for sensitive goods which is when a superior insulated walling and roofing system is essential.

Capitalise on business opportunities before your competitors with rapid response times

Imagine an abrupt surge in orders but no capacity to meet the extra demand.

Or an exciting R&D development but no facility for ongoing testing.

The modular construction of relocatable buildings and the fact that no foundations are needed on the majority of surfaces, allows for simple and quick transportation and installation. Buildings manufactured and supplied by TempAstor are installed by construction teams who are directly employed by the company and hold licences to the highest industry standards.

The country's leading trailer manufacturer, Ifor Williams, realised the benefits of relocatable buildings when they ran out of site capacity to cope with a heavy seasonal surge in trailers during the spring and summer months. As timing was of the essence to ensure customers would not be disappointed a relocatable building was installed as a matter of urgency, providing the additional manufacturing space required over the five month period of high demand.

Avoid costly long-term commitment or expensive errors of judgment

Even with the most thorough market research in the world, no-one can achieve a complete crystal ball effect and long term commitments can sometimes turn into expensive errors of judgment.

With a relocatable building your building requirements can match project requirements with precision; to the day and to the penny! Furthermore, businesses can juggle building requirements around for years if necessary, re-locating buildings to different sites as required.

Stilton producers, Long Clawson Dairy recently benefited from this kind of flexibility when they purchased a relocatable building from TempAstor. Due to a year on year rising demand for Stilton and blended cheese, Long Clawson needed additional operational space at their Bottesford site.

A major re-structuring and expansion project was implemented, part of which required the installation of an additional warehouse building. Reaching almost saturation point at the site with this latest development and facing an anticipated continued growth in demand, the decision to install a permanent warehouse building was too much of a long-term commitment; more flexibility was needed.

To solve the dilemma, a relocatable building was purchased and installed on a concrete base substantial enough to take a permanent structure in case the situation changed.

Speaking about the project, John Pearson, Long Clawson's commercial production manager commented: "Without a doubt, cost and flexibility have been the major benefits to us. The relocatable building has avoided the huge financial implications and logistical headaches associated with a permanent build.

"Furthermore, we have the option to sell the building back to TempAstor for at least 50% of the purchase price. If we decide to keep the building we then have the flexibility to relocate it to an alternative site if our situation at Bottesford changes."

Cost savings compared to a permanent structure

The purchase or hire of a relocatable building compared to that of a permanent structure would create substantial savings in areas such as labour, foundations, site services, architectural services, building inspections, road access, maintenance costs, rates and building regulations.

The difference in quality is less acute with buildings built to fully comply with British and EEC safety standards for structural safety, fire and safety codes. The aluminum frames come with a 10 year guarantee, but there have been many examples of up to 25 year use.

Flexible financial packages

Hire or sale options are available dependent on requirements, each retaining a high degree of flexibility to suit individual needs.

Outright purchase comes with a buy-back clause, offering as much as 50% of the paid for price. Alternatively, hire to buy options are available. Either choice presents a simple 'get-out clause' in the event of commercial climate change.

Profit from minimal or exempt building regulations and lower rates Many relocatable buildings fall into the exempt category here due to factors such as period of use, application and building size.

For example, if your building is going to be a long-term public facility, building regulations will be applicable and aspects such as disabled access and drainage will need to be installed. If the building is more of a basic warehousing and storage facility, then building regulations could be minimal or exempt.

Relocatable buildings can fall into a much lower ratable category than permanent structures. If the building is being used for warehousing and storage the ratable value will decrease again.

Although regional Valuation Offices will look at each case individually, your company will almost certainly benefit from reduced or exempt rates.

Lose no operational days during renovation or re-build work

Renovation or re-build work will most certainly require additional storage or operational space at some point. Utilising a relocatable building for this will ensure your operation can continue at maximum strength during these unavoidable periods of upheaval and disorder.

TempAstor will be exhibiting a relocatable building at Peterborough Truckfest, Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May, Stand A 21.

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