The SEA-invest Group, an expert in port logistics, was looking for a large-scale storage solution to protect its raw materials from bad weather. Highlights from the interview with the site’s Technical Director, Christian Bily.

Where is your company located and what does SEA-invest do?

“We are based in the Montoir-de-Bretagne port area, around ten minutes from Saint-Nazaire. Our business is port handling: we offer ship unloading services as well as ship storage facilities before final delivery to customers.” C.B.

What were you looking for, and what did you want to store?

“We needed a place to store equipment instead of the location we already had.” C.B. SEA-invest was looking for a fast, modular solution that could regulate humidity inside the building in order to protect the materials. We needed three storage cells for the bulk storage of bentonite. Bentonite is the key raw material for making moulds: it’s basically plaster. This product is very sensitive to water, and can increase in density; it can absorb 12 times its volume in water. It therefore requires watertight protection.” C.B.

What do you think is the advantage of the SHELTERALL® solution installed on TOUTABLOC® concrete blocks?

“The advantage of this building is that there are no foundations, which translates into lower costs. We also have the option to use it for other products, and even relocate it if necessary. So, it always boils down to cost and quick assembly.” C.B.

One of the Group’s constraints was to dismantle the storage sheds and install them on another site without damaging the platform. Manufacturers want a scalable solution that adapts to fluctuating production and storage requirements.

What about volumes?

“We have three SHELTERALL® buildings, 25 metres wide by 44 metres high, on four metres of TOUTABLOC® block walls. These blocks ensure the stability of the structure. We needed a building that was easily accessible for wheelbarrows, tractors and trucks, so that they could enter the building and dump the materials: the doors had to be high enough for the trucks to enter easily without getting stuck. For this purpose, we have a door opening that is 9 m high and 19 m wide.” C.B.

The SHELTERALL® has been designed to ensure working comfort, time savings and safety.

A summary from the SHELTERALL® sales representative in charge of this project:

“The SHELTERALL® on TOUTABLOC® walls is a compelling solution because of its technical features and the fact that it requires no foundations. The SEA-invest project is a clear demonstration of our expertise: the installation of a large-scale turnkey project while meeting demanding deadlines.” Benjamin Boucher, Shelterall Sales Engineer

Shelterall is a brand of the Richel industrial group based in southeast France. Backed by 60 years of experience, it stands out from other metal-textile constructions because it complies with the Building Eurocodes, designed to last a long time, unlike the standards for Portable Buildings or dome shelters, tents and temporary structures.