1st Container’s History
In April 2024, we celebrated a remarkable milestone – our 20-year anniversary! 🎉 It’s been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and countless memories that have shaped who we are today.
To commemorate this special occasion, we’ve put together a timeline below highlighting some of the significant milestones and cherished moments from our two-decade journey. From humble beginnings to where we stand today, each picture tells a story of dedication, perseverance, and innovation. And yes, there are obligatory pictures of our younger selves!
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our incredible team, loyal customers, and partners. Your trust, commitment, and collaboration have been the driving force behind our success, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
20 Years of 1st Containers
Mitch Brenner, the driving force behind 1st Containers. A former golf professional with a passion for both sports and entrepreneurship, Mitch embarked on an exciting journey that led to the creation of our thriving container business.
Armed with nothing but a vision and determination, Mitch took a bold leap into the world of business ownership. Recognising the potential in the market, Mitch gathered £15,000 as an initial investment. This sum was not amassed alone; rather, it was a collective effort involving contributions from Mitch himself and three close friends who shared his vision for the business.
1stContainers.co.uk was one of the first websites launched within the container marketplace, we have continued our innovative approach to container services throughout our 20-years.
CAI International are a global leader in container leasing and logistics solutions. This partnership represented a significant milestone for us, as it allowed us to expand our offerings and better serve our customers’ needs. Together, we provide innovative container solutions, exceptional service, and unmatched reliability to businesses worldwide. This partnership has been a major contributor to our success and longevity.
Textainer leads the resale industry, boasting over 45 years of experience as one of the largest sellers of used containers. Our partnership with them spans nearly two decades, instilling confidence in the quality and availability of our stock. This enduring collaboration enables us to consistently surpass our customers’ expectations.
Triton is one of the world’s largest and most reliable suppliers of high-quality shipping containers, partnering with them so early in our history has been a major driving force to how we have been able to provide the products, services and prices that we have. This partnership is nearing 20-years and is something we are very proud of.
Catapulting off the success of the Depot opening in 2006, our company embarked on a trajectory of growth and expansion. By 2008, the initial 1/4-acre depot site had expanded to an impressive 2 acres, reflecting the company’s rapid development. To accommodate our ever-expanding team of employees and centralise our operations, we undertook the construction of an office on the depot site. This office became the cornerstone of our administrative and operational functions, serving as a hub for collaboration and innovation. As the years progressed beyond 2008, our company continued to flourish, driven by a dedicated team and a commitment to excellence, solidifying our position as a leader in our industry.
In July 2021, 1st Containers proudly unveiled a new milestone in our commitment to excellence—the introduction of our ‘ISTU’ prefix containers. These containers, bearing the distinctive ISTU prefix, signify the pinnacle of quality and reliability synonymous with the 1st Containers brand.
Registered under the prestigious BIC (Bureau International des Containers) code for 1st Containers, the ISTU prefix containers represent a culmination of our dedication to providing only the finest solutions to our customers.
In a strategic move to further enhance our global presence and service offerings, 1st Containers forged a partnership with Global Container Solutions (GCS), a renowned leader known for their quality services and exceptional efficiency in the ever-evolving container markets.
With over 60 years of combined experience in the container sales and One Way SOC (Shipper Owned Container) markets, the GCS team brings unparalleled expertise and industry knowledge to the table. Their proven track record in supplying containers to diverse regions around the world positions them as valuable allies in our pursuit of excellence.
As part of this partnership, Andrew Day, Director of Global Container Solutions, joined the 1st Containers board. Andrew’s wealth of experience and strategic insights further strengthens our leadership team, enabling us to navigate the complexities of the global market landscape with confidence and foresight.
After 18 years of remarkable growth and resilience, 1st Containers embarked on a transformative journey—a rebranding initiative to reflect the evolution and success of our business. As we emerged stronger from the challenges posed by the pandemic, we recognised the need for a fresh identity to propel us into the next decade of innovation and growth.
The decision to rebrand was driven by our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and adapting to the changing needs of our customers. Our business had evolved significantly since its inception, expanding our offerings, diversifying our client base, and embracing new technologies. It was time for our brand identity to reflect the dynamic and forward-thinking nature of our organisation.
Our old website served us well, but eventually you need to embrace new technologies to serve your customers better. The new website is faster, more packed with content and easier to navigate.
At the end of 2024, 1st Containers expands its family by acquiring Flintham Cabins, a seasoned business with 25 years of experience specialising in steel and site cabins. This strategic move comes after years of close collaboration between the two companies on various projects. Flintham Cabins’ expertise in cabin production perfectly complements 1st Containers’ existing conversion capabilities, promising a fruitful partnership for the future.
In the early months of 2024, 1st Containers wasted no time in expanding its family further with the addition of the Ace Group of companies. This conglomerate includes Ace Containers, Northern Containers, and Ace Self Storage, collectively boasting nearly 25 years of success in container sales in the northern regions of England. Led by a dynamic father and son duo, the Ace Group brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the 1st Containers group, and strengthening our
18 years after the inauguration 1/4 acre site in Rainham back in 2006, we were thrilled to announce the expansion of our footprint with the opening of our 15th dedicated depot, strategically located in Tilbury.
This development represents a monumental achievement in our growth trajectory and underscores our unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional container services to our valued customers. The decision to establish a presence at Tilbury Port was carefully deliberated, driven by its cutting-edge lifting facilities, extended operating hours, and fully concreted floor, all geared towards optimising operational efficiency and ensuring swift turnaround times for our clients.
With our newest and largest depot yet, we’re poised to meet the evolving needs of our clientele while solidifying our position as a leader in the industry.