CONTAINERS FOR THE FOOD INDUSTRY
Sometimes we get challenging and unusual requests for container conversions from our clients. The briefing for this project was to convert an ordinary shipping container into a suitable unit for smoking fish in! This project had a very specific remit, including the creation of chimneys to let the smoke out, along with the need to retain the corner castings to enable lifting by crane. Follow our step-by-step conversion pictures to see how the smokery was created.
Our client requested a 26ft unit, with the corner castings for lifting intact, so we took a standard 40ft shipping container, cut a section from the middle, and welded the two remaining sections back together. This meant the corner castings could be retained on both ends.
Now we had the basic shell of the smokery unit, we were able to start work on adapting the interior with suitable features for smoking fish safely and hygienically!
The original shipping container doors are removed and replaced with a recessed personnel door, which is more suitable for frequent pedestrian entry. This personnel door is half glazed for viewing, and vented.
To allow smoke to escape it was essential to cut four chimneys into the roof section, designed to let smoke out without letting water in. Once this procedure was completed, we repainted the whole container in white, for a fresh clean appearance, and then delivered to our client's site.
Step 1 - The Cut and Shut
Our client requested a 26ft unit, with the corner castings for lifting intact, so we took a standard 40ft shipping container, cut a section from the middle, and welded the two remaining sections back together. This meant the corner castings could be retained on both ends. Now we had the basic shell of the smokery unit, we were able to start work on adapting the interior with suitable features for smoking fish safely and hygienically!
Step 2 - Replacing the doors
The original shipping container doors are removed and replaced with a recessed personnel door, which is more suitable for frequent pedestrian entry. This personnel door is half glazed for viewing, and vented. Step 3- Hygiene first
As the unit is to be used for smoking fish, its essential for hygiene reasons that all interior surfaces are fully washable, therefore the entire interior is fitted with plastic trim, and the floor laid with lino with drain holes cut in to allow water to escape easily and prevent condensation.
Step 4 - Letting the smoke out of the smokery!
To allow smoke to escape it was essential to cut four chimneys into the roof section, designed to let smoke out without letting water in. Once this procedure was completed, we repainted the whole container in white, for a fresh clean appearance, and then delivered to our client's site.