Bespoke 40ft Container Workshop for International Use

Exeter

Container Case Study

How a 40ft Container Became a Specialist Workshop 

A drilling and tubing technology company based in Exeter required a bespoke 40ft container workshop for specialist equipment and workshop activities. The client also plans to transport the workshop to New Zealand in the future, so the design needed to support both everyday use and international transportation. 

The client chose a standard 40ft tunnel container which the team then converted around the client’s specific requirements, creating a durable and practical workspace with specialist lifting equipment, insulation, internal lining and ventilation. 

Creating a Bespoke 40ft Container Workshop 

The team divided the 40ft container workshop into two areas using an internal partition. The main section provides a spacious workshop for equipment and machinery, while the smaller partitioned area provides additional enclosed space. 

The workshop includes two lifting gantries that run along the length of the container. This setup allows the client to move equipment from the cargo doors towards the partition and position it wherever they need it within the workshop. 

Specifications

Insulated 40ft Container Workshop 

The client needed the 40ft container workshop to serve as th ideal workspace for their personnel, so the team installed a complete insulated internal lining system. 

The team installed treated timber studs and fitted 50mm insulation between them and then added 12mm plywood and finished the walls with 2mm white PVC hygienic walling. 

The smooth PVC surface creates a bright, clean interior that the client can easily wipe down, making it suitable for a busy workshop environment. 

Heavy-Duty Flooring for a Workshop Environment 

The client initially wanted to retain the container’s original marine plywood floor. However, the steel can create a slippery surface, particularly when employees handle equipment. 

Upon review if this risk factor, an upgrade was carried out which saw the entire floor coated with a two-pack epoxy system and added sand to create a textured finish. 

This anti-slip container workshop flooring provides a durable surface that can withstand regular workshop activity with additional grip underfoot. 

Bespoke Personnel Door with Escape Push Bar 

The team installed a bespoke personnel door with an escape push bar. 

The team recessed the door into the container structure so it remains within the ISO frame. This prevents the door from protruding beyond the container when the client transports the workshop. 

The team also installed a door stop that limits the door’s movement and prevents it from hitting the container’s steelwork. 

Internal Lifting Gantries for Equipment Handling 

The 40ft container workshop includes two lifting gantries that help the client move equipment throughout the workspace. 

The gantries run from the cargo doors towards the internal partition, allowing the client to bring equipment into the workshop, lift it and move it along the length of the container. 

The client will add their own chains to the lifting equipment. 

The team also installed a removable securing mechanism to prevent the gantries from moving during transportation. The client can remove the securing screw once the workshop reaches its destination, allowing the gantries to operate normally. 

Ventilation Hatch 

A ventilation hatch was added to the smaller partitioned area. 

The hatch remains within the container’s ISO dimensions, allowing the client to secure it during transportation. A key-operated mechanism locks the hatch closed, while a removable bracket allows the client to hold it open once the workshop reaches its final destination. 

The client plans to install their own air-conditioning equipment behind the hatch. The design provides the required airflow without creating a large permanent opening in the container wall. 

Designed for International Transportation 

The client informed the Lion team that they intend to transport the 40ft container workshop to New Zealand in the future. The requisite requirements were therefore incorporated into the conversion from the beginning by our modifications experts. 

The team treated the timber studs used throughout the internal construction and designed the bespoke features around the container’s ISO dimensions. 

The team also secured the lifting gantries during transit to prevent unwanted movement inside the workshop. 

This approach gives the client a portable 40ft workshop that can support specialist work now, whilst allowing them to relocate it internationally in the future. 

The container was finished in RAL 9010 White and the bespoke container conversion was completed within 13 weeks. 

Case Study

Summary

The Result

The completed 40ft container workshop gives the client a specialist workspace designed around equipment handling, storage and future international transportation. 

This project demonstrates how Lion can transform a standard 40ft shipping container into a workshop tailored to highly specific requirements. 

Whether you need a 40ft workshop container for machinery, a portable engineering workshop or a specialist workspace that you can transport between locations, bespoke container conversions can provide a flexible alternative to traditional construction. Get in touch with us to know more.

FAQs – 40ft Container Workshop 

Can you turn a 40ft shipping container into a workshop? 

Yes. Lion can transform a 40ft shipping container into a workshop with insulation, internal partitions, electrics, specialist flooring, doors, windows, lifting equipment and other bespoke modifications. 

Can a 40ft workshop container include insulation? 

Yes. The team can install insulation between internal timber studs before adding plywood and other wall finishes. This approach creates a more suitable internal environment for workshop use. 

Can you transport a 40ft container workshop overseas? 

Yes. Customers can design a portable container workshop around future transportation requirements. This project incorporates several features specifically designed to support the client’s plans to transport the workshop to New Zealand. 

Can you add partitions to a 40ft workshop container? 

Yes. Internal partitions can divide a 40ft workshop container into separate working, storage, office or utility areas.