Pre-installation fit-out streamlines production process

Burnell Switchgear and Control is a specialist company dedicated to designing, delivering and installing bespoke electrical switchgear products used by the energy industry has found that Portable Space’s shipping containers provide the perfect shell to house its highly sophisticated equipment.

Burnell Switchgear and Control, which operates from two production facilities in Dartford and Gravesend, has built up an excellent reputation since it was established 48 years ago. Over the years it has commissioned many shipping containers from Portable Space to be used as sub-stations in the solar industry, ranging in size from 10ft to 40ft and including both high and low cubes.

Howard Humphreys from Burnell says: “These units are self-contained and robust, taking up a small footprint in which our specialist and valuable equipment can be installed. Typically we provide Portable Space with outline drawings of what we require and they then produce their own detailed technical drawings for us to approve before manufacturing starts.

“With sub-stations, one of the benefits has been that much of the conversion can happen in Portable Space’s workshops before being delivered to us in Dartford, including lining out the units, electrical fit-outs (lights and plug sockets) and installing pedestrian doors. Once the units arrive with us, we then complete the build of the substation, with cast resin transformers, HV switchgear and controls.

“Meeting deadlines is an important factor in our industry and Portable Space has always worked with us to deliver quality products on-time. We have always found the team very helpful and polite – they really know their stuff!

“Quite simply Portable Space are a very professionally-run company who we enjoy working with and hope this will continue for many years to come.”