Manufacturing businesses often need more storage space as production increases. Raw materials, spare parts, tools, finished products, packaging materials, and maintenance equipment can quickly occupy valuable space inside a facility.
Expanding a warehouse or manufacturing building can be expensive and time-consuming. For some businesses, a shipping container can provide additional enclosed storage without requiring a permanent building expansion.
However, choosing the right container requires more than simply selecting the largest available size. Manufacturers should consider what they are storing, how frequently it needs to be accessed, equipment dimensions, security, moisture control, delivery access, and future growth.
Why Manufacturers Use Shipping Containers
A manufacturing operation may require several different types of storage simultaneously.
For example, a facility may need space for:
- Raw materials
- Spare parts
- Tools
- Maintenance equipment
- Packaging supplies
- Finished products
- Seasonal inventory
- Safety equipment
- Machinery components
- Replacement parts
A shipping container can provide a separate storage area while allowing the primary manufacturing space to remain focused on production.
For businesses starting their research, the Shipping Containers for Sale: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026) provides an overview of the major factors to consider before purchasing.
1. Determine What the Container Will Store
The first step is identifying exactly what will go inside the container.
Manufacturers should consider whether the container will be used for:
Raw Materials
Materials waiting to enter the production process can sometimes be stored separately from the main facility.
Spare Parts
A dedicated container can help keep replacement components organized and accessible.
Tools and Maintenance Equipment
Maintenance teams may need a separate location for:
- Hand tools
- Power tools
- Replacement components
- Maintenance supplies
- Equipment accessories
Finished Inventory
Depending on the product and environmental requirements, finished products can sometimes be stored in a container until they are ready for shipment.
The storage requirements of the actual materials should always be considered before selecting a container.
2. Choose the Right Container Size
Manufacturers can choose from several container sizes depending on their storage requirements.
Common options include:
10ft Containers
A 10ft container may work well for smaller manufacturing operations that need additional space for tools, spare parts, or limited inventory.
20ft Containers
A 20ft container can provide a practical balance between capacity and footprint.
It may be useful for:
- Maintenance supplies
- Tools
- Spare parts
- Packaging materials
- Smaller inventory
30ft Containers
A 30ft container can provide additional storage capacity when a 20ft unit is too small but a 40ft unit is unnecessary.
40ft Containers
A 40ft container can provide substantial enclosed storage for larger inventories, equipment, and production-related materials.
45ft Containers
Businesses requiring additional length can also consider 45ft Containers, provided the property and delivery conditions can accommodate the unit.
For a more detailed comparison, link naturally to Shipping Container Size Comparison: 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, 40ft & 45ft (2026).
3. Consider a High Cube Container
Manufacturing businesses often use shelving and storage racks to maximize available floor space.
Additional vertical clearance can therefore be valuable.
A High Cube container provides more internal height than a standard-height container and may be useful for:
- Taller shelving
- Stacked materials
- Larger components
- Equipment
- Packaging supplies
See High Cube Shipping Containers: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying (2026) for more information.
You can also browse High Cube Containers when comparing available options.
4. Organize Inventory by Function
A container becomes much more useful when its interior is organized around the way the manufacturing operation works.
For example, one section could be dedicated to:
Maintenance
- Tools
- Replacement parts
- Lubrication supplies
- Maintenance equipment
Another area could contain:
Production Materials
- Components
- Packaging
- Raw materials
And another could be used for:
Finished Inventory
- Completed products
- Packaging materials
- Ready-to-ship items
Shelving, bins, labels, and clearly defined storage zones can make inventory retrieval significantly easier.
5. Think About How Frequently Items Are Accessed
Not everything should be stored in the same location.
Frequently used materials should generally remain easy to access, while seasonal or rarely used items can be positioned farther inside the container.
For example:
Frequently accessed:
Tools and daily maintenance equipment
Occasionally accessed:
Replacement machinery components
Rarely accessed:
Seasonal equipment or backup inventory
This simple approach can reduce unnecessary unloading and reorganizing.
6. Consider Used vs. Newer Containers
Manufacturers do not necessarily need the same container condition for every application.
A used container may be appropriate for certain general-storage requirements if its condition meets the intended use.
Inspect:
- Doors
- Floor
- Roof
- Walls
- Seals
- Corner posts
- Corrosion
- Previous repairs
For more information, see Used Shipping Containers for Sale: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026).
Businesses looking for a newer-condition unit can also compare one-trip containers.
The One-Trip vs. Cargo Worthy Shipping Containers (2026) guide explains the differences between these options.
7. Protect Manufacturing Inventory From Moisture
Moisture can be particularly important when storing:
- Metal components
- Machinery parts
- Electrical equipment
- Tools
- Packaging materials
- Products that can be damaged by humidity
Manufacturers should consider:
- Proper site placement
- Ventilation
- Moisture management
- Keeping materials off the floor where appropriate
- Regular inspections
A container should not automatically be treated as a climate-controlled warehouse.
If the materials require specific environmental conditions, a specialized storage solution may be necessary.
8. Refrigerated Containers for Temperature-Sensitive Materials
Some manufacturing businesses work with materials or products that require controlled temperatures.
In those cases, a standard dry container may not be appropriate.
A refrigerated container can provide temperature-controlled storage for suitable applications.
Learn more about this option through Refrigerated Shipping Containers: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026).
The exact temperature requirements of the material should always be established before choosing a refrigerated unit.
9. Security Is Important for Manufacturing Storage
Manufacturing facilities may store valuable tools, machinery components, inventory, and raw materials.
A container can provide an additional secure storage area, but the overall property security system still matters.
Consider:
- Strong locking arrangements
- Restricted access
- Exterior lighting
- Cameras
- Perimeter security
- Container positioning
For more detailed guidance, see Shipping Container Security Tips: How to Protect Your Container (2026).
10. Plan Equipment and Loading Access
Manufacturing materials may need to be moved using:
- Pallet jacks
- Forklifts
- Hand trucks
- Carts
- Other material-handling equipment
Before positioning a container, determine how inventory will be loaded and unloaded.
A container that is technically large enough may still be inconvenient if equipment cannot efficiently reach the doors.
Measure the equipment and consider the required clearance before finalizing the layout.
11. Consider Specialized Container Types
Standard containers are not the only option available.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat racks can be useful for certain oversized or unusually shaped cargo.
See Flat Rack Shipping Containers: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026).
Open Top Containers
An open-top design can provide loading flexibility when materials need to be loaded from above.
See Open Top Shipping Containers: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026).
The right option depends on the material being stored and how it needs to be loaded.
12. Prepare the Container Foundation
A manufacturing facility should have an appropriate location prepared before the container arrives.
Depending on the site and intended application, possible surfaces may include:
- Gravel
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Other properly prepared surfaces
The surface should provide appropriate support and drainage for the intended container.
Before delivery, review Shipping Container Foundations: Everything You Need to Know (2026).
13. Plan Delivery Around the Manufacturing Facility
Container delivery needs to be coordinated with the physical layout of the property.
Consider:
- Gate width
- Road access
- Turning space
- Overhead clearance
- Trees
- Utility lines
- Buildings
- Other obstacles
- Final placement location
It can be helpful to determine the delivery route before purchasing.
See How Shipping Container Delivery Works: What Buyers Need to Know (2026) and How to Prepare Your Property for Shipping Container Delivery (2026).
14. Use Containers to Separate Maintenance Operations
One practical manufacturing application is separating maintenance equipment from the main production area.
Instead of keeping every tool and spare part beside production machinery, a dedicated container can serve as a storage point for maintenance supplies.
This can help businesses create a more organized workflow.
A dedicated maintenance-storage container might contain:
- Tools
- Replacement belts
- Bearings
- Fasteners
- Electrical components
- Machine accessories
- Maintenance records
15. Consider Future Manufacturing Growth
Manufacturing operations can change quickly.
Production increases may result in:
- More raw materials
- More finished inventory
- Additional machinery
- More maintenance equipment
- More packaging supplies
When selecting a container, consider whether the current storage requirement is likely to increase.
Choosing a suitable size from the beginning can reduce the need for another storage solution shortly afterward.
16. Maintain the Container Regularly
A container used for manufacturing storage should be inspected periodically.
Check for:
- Rust
- Corrosion
- Roof damage
- Door problems
- Damaged seals
- Water intrusion
- Floor problems
- Condensation
You can reference Shipping Container Maintenance Guide: How to Keep Your Container in Great Condition (2026) for additional maintenance considerations.
For long-term planning, How Long Do Shipping Containers Last? Lifespan Explained (2026) explains some of the factors that influence container service life.
Manufacturing Storage Applications
Manufacturing Need | Container Option to Consider |
|---|---|
Small tools | 10ft |
Spare parts | 10ft or 20ft |
Maintenance equipment | 20ft |
Packaging materials | 20ft or 30ft |
General inventory | 20ft–40ft |
Large inventory | 40ft |
Additional storage length | 45ft |
Tall shelving | High Cube |
Temperature-sensitive storage | Refrigerated |
Oversized materials | Flat Rack |
Top-loading materials | Open Top |
General lower-cost storage | Used |
Newer-condition storage | One-Trip |
The appropriate option depends on the actual materials, equipment, dimensions, environmental requirements, and loading process.
Manufacturing Container Setup Checklist
Before purchasing, review the following:
☐ What materials or equipment will be stored?
☐ Have the items been measured?
☐ Is additional vertical clearance necessary?
☐ How frequently will items be accessed?
☐ Will a forklift or pallet jack be used?
☐ Is the container size sufficient?
☐ Will future inventory growth require additional space?
☐ Is a standard container appropriate?
☐ Is a specialized container necessary?
☐ Is a used container suitable?
☐ Would a one-trip container be preferable?
☐ Is the storage area secure?
☐ Is the foundation properly prepared?
☐ Can the delivery vehicle access the property?
☐ Is moisture management required?
☐ Are temperature-controlled conditions necessary?
For a final purchasing review, use Shipping Container Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy (2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shipping containers be used for manufacturing storage?
Yes. They can provide additional enclosed storage for tools, spare parts, equipment, packaging, inventory, and other suitable materials.
What size container is best for a manufacturing business?
There is no universal size. The appropriate container depends on the quantity and dimensions of materials, available property space, access requirements, and future storage needs.
Are High Cube containers useful for manufacturing?
They can be useful when additional vertical clearance is needed for shelving, equipment, or stacked materials.
Can a manufacturing business use a used shipping container?
Yes, provided the container’s condition is appropriate for the intended storage application. It should be inspected before purchase.
Can manufacturing equipment be stored in a refrigerated container?
Some temperature-sensitive applications may benefit from refrigerated containers, but the required temperature and operating conditions should be confirmed before purchase.
How should manufacturing inventory be organized?
Divide the container into clearly defined zones based on frequency of access and material type. Shelving, bins, labels, and inventory records can also improve organization.
Conclusion
For manufacturers, shipping containers can provide additional space for equipment, tools, spare parts, raw materials, packaging, and inventory without immediately requiring an expansion of the main facility.
The right solution depends on the storage requirements. Manufacturers should evaluate container size, height, condition, security, moisture management, loading access, foundation, delivery requirements, and future growth before purchasing.
When properly selected and maintained, a shipping container can become a practical extension of a manufacturing operation’s storage capacity.
When you’re ready to find the right container for your needs, explore Shipping Containers and compare the available sizes and configurations.
For more information about international shipping container standards, visit the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
