This approval remains an important testimonial when tackling the tank container market in the United States with any degree of seriousness and UBHI believes firmly that the US market promises substantial opportunity in both the near and longer term.

The resurgent British tank container manufacturer set out on an irrevocable course just under four years ago to transform itself from a company recognised primarily as one of the world's leading manufacturers of standard tanks into a producer of swap tanks and bespoke tank containers for specialist applications. The company has to some extent set the agenda in the world of tank containers ever since, not least with its ground-breaking Global Alliance with CIMC for the manufacture of standard tank containers in China.

This accord originally for a ten-year period allows for the joint marketing on a "horses for courses" basis of the output of both manufacturing facilities. Specials from UBHI, standards from CIMC. Whilst some observers before the event saw this as UBHI "selling the family silverware" the co-operation has proved a resounding success with CIMC taking a significant share of the standard tank market with breathtaking speed and UBHI moving steadily into the increasingly important domain of special tank containers.

The UK company has now stabilised its annual production at around 750 tanks per year and boasts a healthy order book, which is very much a testimony to the wisdom of its fundamental strategy.

Amongst tanks currently in production are a large series of 30000-litre swap tanks, a variety of baffled tanks, lined tanks and assorted tanks for specialised or hazardous chemicals. Prominent also is a range of tanks, large and small, for offshore applications, both for oilfield supply and for more complex operational applications.

The company is also building cryogenic tanks - an area of considerable promise for the future - and is currently developing its own design of mini-tank to cater for the niche between the IBC and the tank container. The company exhibited at the Offshore Europe 2003 exhibition in Aberdeen as part of the drive to promote these new developments As part of an ongoing process of continuous improvement, UBHI has undertaken a thoroughgoing review of its front-line production management.

A new, streamlined structure aims to facilitate maintenance of the highest levels of quality, service and efficiency. The emphasis is on optimised internal logistics and communication in order to avoid off-schedule production conditions and promote rapid incorporation of innovations in production methods - often employee-inspired - into accepted best practice.

Simultaneously, considerable time and resource has been invested in health and safety training and in general improvements to the working environment, including the acquisition of new equipment.

Far from being viewed now as an error on the part of UBHI, the alliance of the company's trusted technology and know-how with the industrial muscle of CIMC is increasingly recognised as a model for the future.

Growing demand for tank containers in the Chinese and Far Eastern markets, combined with the success of the Global Alliance has already triggered the establishment of a number of would-be imitators building standard tanks in China.

For the customer, the difference is not only that they can purchase specials as well as standards from the Alliance. They know also that, although the standard tanks are built by a relatively new entrant to the tank container market, they have ready access at all times to the knowledge and technical support of one of the world's most respected and longest established tank builders.

It is a formula, which few can emulate and which is already bringing advantages not only to the Alliance partners but also to a growing number of enthusiastic customers.

Nov 2003