A local company that repurposes shipping containers for business and residential use has launched a line of portable cold storage containers.
 
Craftspace Commercial Inc., an offshoot of Craftspace Inc., will offer the 40-foot refrigerated containers for rent on a short- or long-term basis, according to a news release. The company has a starting supply of 10 units, which can be used for such purposes as perishable inventory storage, portable catering refrigeration and storage of supplies during emergency responses.
 
“The demand for cold storage has increased significantly and is evident by recent expansion at the Port of Wilmington, along with major investments in cold storage warehousing and distribution facilities throughout the region,” Gregg Howell, company co-founder and chief operating officer, said in the release. “With our experience in creating modular shipping container buildings, renting refrigerated containers at the local level was a logical step.”
 
Each container, known as a “reefer,” offers about 2,000 square feet of temperature-controlled space. The air conditioning units run on electricity.

“Refrigerated storage is an industry that is poised for solid growth and Wilmington is in a perfect location for the growth,” business development manager Travis Sumners said Friday. “There is tremendous spending and interest from worldwide companies to set up an office or shop in the region. The port will be one of the best in the U.S. when all the improvements are made. It's already top in the U.S. for production speeds. It's a fantastic time to offer our refrigerated rental units for a growing customer base in our region.” 
 
Craftspace Commercial shares offices with Craftspace Inc. at 921 Princess St. in Wilmingon’s Soda Pop District. The original company was founded in January 2020.

NOTE: This version of the story has been updated with additional comments from company personnel.