Category: News

  • Columbia Arson Case: Suspect Arrested in Connection with Self-Storage Complex Fire

    COLUMBIA – In a significant development, Columbia police detectives have arrested 44-year-old Dionne Denise Houston on charges related to a recent arson case. The arrest, made on Wednesday in the 600 block of Wilkes Boulevard, marks a crucial step in the investigation of a fire that ravaged a self-storage complex on Nebraska Avenue on December 12.

    The incident, which drew the attention of both police and fire services, occurred at the I-70 Mini Storage facility. Firefighters were dispatched in the early morning hours after receiving multiple reports of a fire at the location. Upon arrival, they were met with intense smoke and flames emanating from the one-story self-storage building. The fire, which caused an estimated $100,000 in damages, was efficiently controlled within 30 minutes.

    Investigations led by the city’s fire marshal concluded that the fire originated from inside one of the storage units and was deliberately set. This determination of arson set the stage for the involvement of Columbia police detectives in the case.

    Key evidence that led to Houston’s arrest came from security footage obtained from the storage facility. The footage reportedly shows Houston making multiple visits to the unit throughout the night. Most notably, she was observed leaving the building at a calm pace even as the structure was visibly engulfed in flames.

    Dionne Denise Houston now faces second-degree arson charges. She is currently being held at the Boone County Jail, with her bond set at $10,000. The case highlights the effective collaboration between the city’s fire and police departments in addressing and solving serious criminal incidents.

    As the legal proceedings against Houston move forward, the community awaits further details and developments. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of arson and its impact on property and public safety.

    https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/arrest-made-after-arson-at-columbia-self-storage-unit/

  • Janus International Expands Operations with New Manufacturing Plant in Wrocław, Poland

    Wrocław, Poland – Janus International, a leader in the self-storage industry, has announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Wrocław, Poland. This expansion signifies a strategic move by the company to bolster its presence in the European market.

    Ramey Jackson, CEO of Janus International Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility, highlighting its role in the company’s growth strategy in Europe. “The Wrocław plant represents our thoughtful approach to expanding in the European self-storage market. Our goal is to serve our customers effectively as a global organization,” said Jackson. He also acknowledged the efforts of Colin Jeromson and his team in making this expansion successful.

    Colin Jeromson, Managing Director of Janus International Europe Ltd, emphasized the company’s commitment to operational excellence and the production of high-quality, sustainable products. “We are the market-leading self-storage manufacturer and the only full-solution provider in this sector. Our expansion into Poland strengthens our capabilities,” Jeromson stated. He also expressed gratitude towards local partners including Prologis, Argon Legal, and Cushman & Wakefield.

    The new factory’s first delivery is slated for Less Mess Storage, a prominent operator in the region. Guy Pinsent, CEO of Less Mess Storage, praised Janus’s product quality and service. “The cooperation with Janus helps us maintain our market leadership in Poland and the Czech Republic. The new Wrocław factory will further enhance our partnership and our ability to offer top-quality self-storage solutions,” Pinsent remarked.

    Janus International’s expansion into Poland, with its new Wrocław facility, marks a significant step in its journey towards becoming a dominant player in the European self-storage market. The company’s focus on quality, sustainability, and customer service continues to drive its success and growth.

    Janus International Europe is a global pioneer in providing sustainable self-storage solutions. As an expert in the field, the company specializes in consulting, designing, manufacturing, and installing self-storage units worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, Janus International Europe stands out as a leading supplier and manufacturer in the self-storage industry.

    The company’s expertise extends beyond traditional storage solutions. It is also at the forefront of facility automation and access control technology, evidenced by its provision of the award-winning Nokē Smart Entry system. This system represents a significant advancement in security and convenience for self-storage facilities, showcasing the company’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology into its offerings.

    With its head office and manufacturing plant located in the UK, Janus International Europe boasts a global reach. The company maintains strong connections with facilities in key regions such as the USA, Asia, and Australia, enabling it to serve a diverse and international client base effectively. This extensive network underscores Janus International Europe’s position as a global leader in the self-storage sector, committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable, and technologically advanced storage solutions.

  • Europe/UK Self-Storage Operator Safestore Reports Steady Growth in 4Q 2023

    Safestore Holdings PLC, a prominent self-storage operator with locations across Europe and the United Kingdom, has unveiled its interim financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023, concluding on October 31. The report indicates a positive trajectory in revenue and average rental rates for the majority of its portfolio.

    In the reported period, Safestore witnessed a 1.4% increase in total revenue, reaching £57.6 million. However, the group’s “like-for-like” growth experienced a minor decline of 0.4%, measured using a constant exchange rate (CER). Notably, the average rental rates across the company’s portfolio rose by 2% to £30.22, and for same-store facilities, the increase was even more significant at 2.8%, bringing the rate to £31.57.

    Despite these financial upticks, occupancy rates presented a mixed picture. Overall occupancy for Safestore’s portfolio was reported at 77%, a decrease from the previous year’s 82.1%. Same-store occupancy also saw a drop, falling by 3.2% to 79.6% from 82.8% in the previous year. However, the company’s Paris locations stood out with the highest closing occupancy rate of 81.3% during this period.

    In addition to its operational performance, Safestore has actively expanded its physical footprint. The quarter saw the opening of four new facilities and the completion of one expansion project, collectively adding 150,100 rentable square feet to its portfolio. Looking ahead, Safestore has ambitious plans with 30 development projects in the pipeline, expected to add approximately 1.5 million square feet.

    CEO Frederic Vecchioli reflected on the industry’s trends, noting, “The COVID period has acted as an accelerator of growth for the self-storage industry. While demand stabilized below 2022 levels, inquiry levels remain higher than pre-COVID times.” He also emphasized the significant undersupply of high-quality self-storage capacity in the U.K. and Europe, viewing it as a structural growth driver for the industry.

    Safestore currently operates 190 self-storage facilities across Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Its extensive storage properties, totaling about 8.1 million square feet, serve approximately 90,000 customers, positioning the company as a key player in the European and UK self-storage market.

  • Ottawa’s Self-Storage Industry Booms Amid Shrinking Condo Sizes

    Ottawa – The self-storage business in Canada’s capital is experiencing unprecedented growth, a trend closely linked to the increasing prevalence of smaller condominium units. Industry employees in Ottawa report a ‘huge demand’ for self-storage units, with shrinking living spaces cited as a primary driver.

    The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) reveals a significant expansion in the storage sector, with Ontario adding 4.2 million square feet of storage space over the past three years, a jump of 11 percent. Ottawa ranks second in Ontario for self-storage space, boasting over 3 million square feet of units. In comparison, Toronto leads with 43.3 percent of Ontario’s total 19 million square feet of self-storage space, followed by Ottawa’s 15.9 percent and Mississauga’s 10.9 percent.

    Cael Gédéron, an employee at U-Haul’s Coventry Road location, notes the diverse uses of storage units. “Our clients range from those downsizing or moving to contractors needing space for equipment,” he says. Gédéron also mentions the low storage vacancies since February at his location, prompting U-Haul to offer alternatives like trucks, trailers, and containers. On average, people rent storage units for two to three months.

    Matthew Midgley of Self Stor Storage attributes the rise in self-storage demand to decreasing condo sizes, alongside other factors like renovations, travel, retirement, and student storage needs. MPAC data supports this, showing the average size of condos built in 2017 in Ontario’s major urban centers, including Ottawa, decreased significantly compared to those built in the 1990s.

    As condo spaces contract, residents increasingly turn to self-storage solutions. Nationally, one in 10 Canadians now uses storage units. Self-storage consultant Ryan Mantha of Dymon Storage in Ottawa notes the high demand for storage units, citing yearly rent increases and inflation as contributing factors. Mantha, who personally uses a storage unit, observes that local businesses, particularly those downsizing due to home office adaptations during the pandemic, are key drivers of this demand.

    The Canadian storage industry has seen impressive financial growth, generating $7.3 billion in gross revenue this year, a substantial increase since 2012. Local businesses, according to Mantha, are a significant part of this demand, using storage units for inventory and office space.

    Allan Mertick, a home renovator, highlights the practicality and challenges of using self-storage. Having rented a unit for over 12 years, Mertick finds it indispensable for storing tools and supplies, but acknowledges the tendency for items to remain in storage long-term, incurring ongoing costs.

    This surge in Ottawa’s self-storage industry underscores a broader trend of evolving urban living spaces and the adaptive strategies of businesses and residents to manage their spatial needs effectively.

  • Former Debenhams in Swindon Set for Transformation into Urban Self-Storage Centre

    Swindon – The iconic building that once housed Debenhams department store in Swindon, which has been vacant for over three years, is set to receive a new lease on life. Away Storage Ltd has received approval from Swindon Borough Council to transform this landmark building into an ‘urban self-storage’ facility, bringing a new utility to the heart of the town.

    The Debenhams store, a staple of Swindon’s retail landscape, closed its doors in June 2020. Since then, the prominent building, located at the intersection of Fleming Way and The Parade, has remained unoccupied. This new development project by Away Storage Ltd aims to repurpose the building while retaining a portion of its commercial essence.

    The plan includes the creation of four retail units on the ground floor, accessible from The Parade, offering space for other businesses to operate. This aspect of the proposal seems to have played a crucial role in winning over some of the planners at the council, who initially expressed reservations about converting such a central and accessible location into a storage facility.

    Away Storage Ltd addressed these concerns by highlighting the lack of interest in the property for retail use since its closure. They pointed out the risk of further deterioration and obsolescence of the building, emphasizing the changing dynamics of shopping preferences, with a shift towards smaller retail spaces, flexible leases, and online shopping.

    The company’s approach to urban self-storage is centered on revitalizing town centers by repurposing large, empty units like the former Debenhams store. They aim to provide sustainable solutions that serve the needs of city-center residents and local businesses, within easy reach of public transport and major highways.

    Despite some concerns from the council’s planning policy officer about the low-density use of such a prime town center location and the building’s functional relationship to Fleming Way, the proposal was eventually approved. A key condition for the approval is that the four ground-floor retail units must be prepared for occupancy and actively marketed before any self-storage units become operational.

    This development represents a significant change in the use of prime urban real estate, reflecting evolving retail trends and the growing demand for centrally located storage solutions in urban areas.

  • Dentons Facilitates Top Box’s €69 Million Sale to European Self-Storage Giant Shurgard

    Frankfurt – In a significant move in the self-storage industry, the renowned global law firm Dentons has successfully guided Top Box in its €69 million sale to Shurgard, Europe’s leading self-storage provider. This major transaction was executed through a competitive bidding process, marking a notable expansion for Shurgard in the European market.

    As a result of this deal, Shurgard, known for its extensive network of self-storage facilities across Europe, will acquire five strategically located properties from Top Box. These properties, boasting a combined storage space of approximately 17,100 square meters, are situated in key German cities: Essen, Duisburg, Cologne, Wiesbaden, and Mannheim. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move for Shurgard, further cementing its position as the largest self-storage provider on the continent.

    Shurgard’s impressive portfolio includes 273 self-storage facilities, which account for a total of 1.4 million rentable square meters spread across Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark. This acquisition from Top Box is expected to enhance Shurgard’s offering in Germany, allowing for greater accessibility and options for customers seeking self-storage solutions.

    The successful completion of this deal underscores Dentons’ expertise and reputation in facilitating major transactions in the real estate sector. This latest achievement further solidifies the law firm’s position as a go-to advisor for significant mergers and acquisitions in the European market.

    The industry awaits to see how this acquisition will influence the dynamics of the self-storage market in Europe and how Shurgard will integrate these new properties into its expansive network. This deal not only represents a substantial growth for Shurgard but also highlights the increasing demand for self-storage solutions across Europe.

    Summary:

    The global law firm Dentons has successfully advised the self-storage company Top Box on its recent sale to Shurgard for €69 million. This transaction was a part of a competitive bidding process, and it involves Shurgard acquiring five Top Box properties, totaling approximately 17,100 square meters, located in various German cities including Essen, Duisburg, Cologne, Wiesbaden, and Mannheim.

    Shurgard, a leading self-storage provider in Europe, manages 273 facilities across Germany, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, and Denmark, covering a total of 1.4 million square meters available for rent.

    The Dentons team, comprising professionals from its Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Munich offices, offered comprehensive legal guidance to Top Box throughout the sale. The team was led by Dr. Clemens Maschke and included experts in various fields such as corporate/M&A, real estate, tax, and foreign trade law.

    Shurgard: From Humble Beginnings to European Self-Storage Leader

    Shurgard’s journey in the self-storage industry is a story of remarkable growth and strategic expansion. It all began in 1995, in Brussels, with a simple yet innovative idea: providing a reliable space for people to store their personal belongings. This first center in Brussels marked the beginning of a new era in self-storage solutions, catering to the evolving needs of urban residents and businesses.

    In the years following its inception, Shurgard rapidly expanded its footprint. New self-storage centers sprang up, one after another, mirroring the growing demand for flexible and secure storage options. Today, Shurgard stands as the largest provider of self-storage in Europe, a testament to its vision and commitment to customer service.

    Shurgard’s network now encompasses over 270 self-storage centers, strategically located in seven European countries. This impressive coverage includes most capital cities and major urban areas in the Netherlands, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. This widespread presence not only signifies Shurgard’s dominance in the market but also ensures accessibility and convenience for a diverse and growing clientele.

    The company’s growth trajectory reflects a deep understanding of the market and an ability to adapt to changing consumer needs. Whether for individuals needing extra space during a move, students seeking temporary storage, or businesses requiring additional inventory space, Shurgard has positioned itself as a reliable and flexible solution.

    Shurgard’s success is rooted in its customer-centric approach, offering a range of storage options tailored to different needs and budgets. Their facilities are known for being clean, secure, and easily accessible, features that have become synonymous with the Shurgard brand.

    As the self-storage industry continues to evolve, Shurgard’s pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence suggest that it will remain at the forefront, driving innovation and setting standards in the market. What started in Brussels has now become a leading European business story, showcasing the power of a simple idea executed with precision and care.

  • Store More Mansfield Launches with High-Tech Storage Facilities

    In a significant expansion of its storage services, Store More has proudly announced the opening of its new self-storage site in Mansfield. This latest addition marks a key milestone for the company, which first opened its doors eight years ago in Hull and has since expanded to Wrexham and now, Mansfield.

    Located at the former Wickes building on Chesterfield Road South, the Mansfield site holds sentimental value and historical significance. The building, which served as a vaccination center during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, is now being transformed into a state-of-the-art storage facility.

    Store More Mansfield has kicked off its operations with an impressive 20,000 square feet of completed storage space, with plans to expand to a total of 30,000 square feet. The site’s launch has already seen a flurry of activity, with over 2000 square feet occupied on the opening day and a steady stream of inquiries.

    Katie Garfoot, the site manager at Mansfield, expressed her enthusiasm about joining the local community. She emphasized the site’s advanced features, stating, “Our units are powered by technology, with top security.” The company prides itself on providing secure, tech-driven storage solutions, catering to both individual and business needs.

    Store More’s commitment to the community is also reflected in their introductory offer – a 12-week half-price deal, making their services more accessible to residents and local businesses. Interested customers can reach out through Store More’s website or directly call at 01623 571916 for inquiries and bookings.

    The business is officially set to open its doors on Monday, November 13, marking a new chapter for Store More and the Mansfield community. With its blend of technological innovation and customer-focused services, Store More Mansfield is poised to become a key player in the local self-storage market.

  • Attic Self Storage Unveils New Facility in Beckton with Community Art Project

    Beckton, London – Attic Self Storage has inaugurated its latest facility in Beckton, East London, accompanied by the unique ‘Beauty of Beckton’ art exhibit, showcasing works from local artist Matt Ponting and primary school students.

    The exhibition aims to celebrate the Beckton community, involving children from nearby schools in creating art that reflects their appreciation for the area. In a generous gesture, Attic Self Storage is contributing £1,250 to Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton and donating £500 in art supplies to Ellen Wilkinson Primary School, recognizing their significant contribution to the art project.

    Brothers Alyaan and Basel Zaidi, aged 6, from Royal Wharf Primary School, are among the young artists who participated. Alyaan’s artwork reflects his fascination with London’s landmarks, inspired by a school trip, while Basel expressed his fondness for Beckton’s DLR train station and the Beckton Triangle retail area.

    Matt Ponting, a Beckton-based artist known for his work in East London, including the East Ham Nature Reserve and a mural in Stratford, will create a bespoke installation inspired by the children’s artworks. His piece, envisioned to be vibrant and optimistic, will be displayed at Attic’s Beckton facility and later donated to the Richard House Children’s Hospice.

    Ellen Wilkinson Primary School has praised the initiative for its positive impact on students and the local community. The school eagerly anticipates using the donated art supplies to further encourage student creativity.

    The new Attic Self Storage facility, situated off the A13 in Claps Gate Retail Park, offers enhanced storage options with 24/7 access and keyless electronic locks controlled via an app. Designed with modernity and sustainability in mind, the site features 868 steel units across 2247 square meters, including free EV charging points for customers.

    In an ongoing effort to support local causes, Attic Self Storage has pledged to donate £5 to Newham Foodbank for every new customer until the end of the year, reinforcing their commitment to the community.

    The ‘Beauty of Beckton’ initiative and the opening of the new storage facility reflect Attic Self Storage’s dedication to serving and enhancing the local community, providing both practical storage solutions and opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement.

    About Attic Self Storage

    Attic Self Storage, an independent and award-winning provider based in London, has established a reputation for delivering modern, clean, and safe storage facilities combined with exceptional customer service. Founded in 2006 by Frederic de Ryckman de Betz, the company opened its first store in Bow, East London in 2008, and has since expanded, even through challenging economic times, by maintaining a strong focus on customer needs.

    Distinguished by its customer-centric approach, Attic Self Storage aims to redefine the perception of self-storage by creating units that are not only safe and accessible but also feel like an extension of the customer’s home or business. Their facilities offer complimentary 24-hour access, allowing customers the flexibility to access their units anytime. This level of convenience is further enhanced by app-controlled locks in some locations, like the Marylebone facility, for seamless access.

    The company’s commitment to ease and comfort extends to its customer service. Attic Self Storage prides itself on its experienced customer service teams who are always ready to assist, whether it’s arranging a removal van or simply making a cup of tea for customers on their moving day. The positive feedback and numerous awards received are testaments to their successful approach.

    Attic Self Storage also places a strong emphasis on ethical and socially responsible operations. Their commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies underscores their dedication to driving standards in the industry. As they continue to grow across London, they remain focused on delivering top-notch facilities and customer service, leveraging new technologies to enhance the self-storage experience for their customers.

    Overall, Attic Self Storage stands out in the London market for its blend of high-quality facilities, customer-first service approach, ethical practices, and innovative use of technology, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and business storage solutions.

  • Japanese Art in XXXL Format on Less Mess Storage Buildings

    On May 19, 2022, the buildings of Less Mess Storage in Warsaw became the canvas for extraordinary art pieces. These were created by the renowned Japanese artist, Photographer Hal, whose style simultaneously sparks interest and controversy. His work was previously featured in a CNN Style article.

    What makes his work stand out? Photographer Hal specializes in placing people, including nude couples, in intimate positions inside bags from which the air has been vacuumed out, creating a vacuum-packed effect. The process of creating each piece involves weeks of planning, hours of setup, and then just 10 seconds for taking the photographs, after which the bag must be quickly opened to prevent suffocation.

    This project was initiated by the creative agency Mamapool, which had previously collaborated with Hal on a condom marketing campaign. The idea stemmed from the desire to represent the metaphor of being “overwhelmed by clutter” and “suffocated by things,” common problems in both personal and business contexts.

    Interview with Mamapool Creative Agency

    When asked about the idea of combining self-storage services with Hal’s art, Tom Pinsent of Mamapool explained that they wanted to convey emotions related to stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed by too many items. The Mamapool team was familiar with Hal’s work from their previous collaboration in Tokyo. The biggest challenge in the project was overcoming language barriers and coordinating the remote session.

    Interview with Less Mess Storage President – Guy Pinsent

    Guy Pinsent from Less Mess highlighted that the concept of vacuum-packed sessions was original and unique. The campaign aimed to draw attention to universal human emotions associated with pressure and stress. Despite concerns about whether the Polish public was ready for such a controversial campaign, Guy believed that Hal’s works perfectly conveyed the intended message.

    Interview with Models – Robert McGuinness and Asa Kubiak

    Robert McGuinness, one of the models, described the experience of being vacuum-packed as exciting but also controversial and potentially dangerous. Asa Kubiak, a female model, spoke about her initial fears and excitement related to the project. Both emphasized that working with Hal was an extraordinary experience that allowed them to confront their fears and push their limits.

    This unique project combines art, marketing, and deep human emotions, demonstrating an innovative approach to brand communication for Less Mess Storage.