Portakabin invests in European operation

UK-based Portakabin has launched a new temporary building designed for the European rental market following a major investment in its UK manufacturing facility.

Its new Alta buildings have been specifically created for the European rental market and to meet demand, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors, for “premium, spacious and energy-efficient” temporary buildings.

Portakabin's new Alta buildings.

The Alta buildings are taller, more spacious and airy than traditional cabins. They measure 6 m long by 3 metre wide and have ceiling heights of 2.75 m. The units can be assembled into multi-storey buildings, either stand-alone or linked to existing buildings.

Portakabin has created 30 new jobs in the UK and 15 in France in connection with the new product, and said further recruitment was planned with increased manufacturing output.

Steve Newell, design and Engineering Director at Portakabin, said; “We already have an extensive suite of highly successful buildings in Europe, however, working closely with our colleagues in France, we’ve created a solution to meet the growing demand for premium, spacious and energy-efficient temporary buildings on the continent.”

He added that the company was getting “incredible feedback regarding the solid floor feel – our floor loadings are almost twice as much compared with standard modular buildings – together with the higher ceilings and larger windows and doors, adds to the overall feeling of a robust, quality building and comfortable, light, welcoming space.”

Cyril Petit-Masquelier, President of Portakabin France, said; “These buildings are designed to meet the requirements for temporary buildings, but we’re getting feedback from our customers that they actually don’t want to leave.”