A SOUTHAMPTON company is fast establishing itself as the UK leader in the supply of self storage containers.

Currently turning over in excess of £3.2 million, Willbox, whose headquarters is at Manor House Avenue, hires out more than 2,200 units at any given time.

These are used for a wide range of domestic and commercial uses, and include a premium range of storage containers, specifically designed for self storage site operators, site accommodation, offshore, flat pack and ISO tanks.

Willbox has 18 regional depots across the UK, from Truro to Aberdeen, and sends containers from the Falkland Islands to the Monarch Isles.

Chris Williams, director of Willbox, said: “Our business has grown exponentially, largely due to the UK’s burgeoning self storage industry which is currently worth in excess of £440 million a year.

“Contrary to popular opinion, most users are not hoarders, but rather entrepreneurs establishing new businesses or expanding their operations, or people navigating major changes in their lives such as house construction, renovations, divorce, moving, or putting their treasured belongings into storage while they fulfil their wanderlust.

“Self storage, already accounting for more than 42.2 million sq ft of space in the UK alone, is set to grow substantially over the next five years, and although our business is not solely reliant on this sector, it will undoubtedly have a positive effect on our expansion plans.”

Part of Williams Shipping, the marine and logistics company, Willbox’s parent company has been trading since 1894.

It includes marine services and vessel charter, cargo services, logistics and transport, container hire and sales, as well as marine lubricants distribution. The group is now run by the fourth and fifth generation of the Williams family.