BUNKABIN has revealed that working with the Scottish construction sector has been one of the key reasons behind the portable accommodation manufacturer and provider’s continued success.
The Oldham-headquartered firm has been making and hiring out portable cabins and units for over 40 years, and has worked across the constructions sector, as well as with the likes of Glastonbury, Manchester United, and even the Royal Family at Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday celebrations!
Showcasing its offering at ScotPlant 2024, where Bunkabin exhibited for the first time, business development manager Benjamin Rothwell took Project Plant on a guided tour of the units, including the new Bespoke Diner solution.
Featuring sleeping units that include thermostatic-controlled heating, wrap-around shelving, a side desk, wardrobe, and en-suite bathroom complete with a mains-powered shower, the Bespoke Diner allows teams of construction workers to cook and eat together in a homely environment.
Benjamin revealed there is already a waiting list for the product, with companies seeing the benefit of having a separate area on site where team members can cook, eat, and socialise after work in a more relaxed environment.
Bunkabin was originally founded to address the difficulties construction workers faced when it came to having sufficient rest after shifts while working away from home, often in remote locations, with lack of sleep leading to obvious potential dangers on site. Home comforts such as ‘luxurious’ mattresses are included to build on the firm’s belief in the importance of a good sleep, as well as smaller perks such as the wall plaster, which allows for magnetic pictures to be put up.
“It can lead to better productivity,” Benjamin said. “We have to think about that when designing our units. Why would you want to stay in something like this? The obvious reason is the fact there’s no accommodation nearby (but) that doesn’t mean you should have to compromise. Times have changed; staff don’t want to just stay in B&Bs above pubs anymore – they want to feel rewarded and valued.”
Having worked extensively with the Scottish construction market over the years, Bunkabin has provided accommodation across the country – including in areas more prone to extreme weather such as Shetland, St Kilda, and Benbecula.
“The Scottish market is probably one of the keys to our success because if it works in Scotland, it shows how strong our units are,” Benjamin added.
“Over the last six to seven years, we’ve done so much more work in Scotland. Maybe it’s because of the robustness and the ability of the units to handle the environment, as well as our prices not going up.”
Revealing that the firm had always wanted to exhibit at ScotPlant, Benjamin said it was ‘really important’ to allow new customers to see and touch the products – particularly because the company does not employ salespeople.
“We don’t have anyone going around telling you what you want to hear to hire our product; our principal core is this product will work for you if you need it.
“There’s no point trying to sell something to get a bonus; it’s got to work. We tell you what it is, what works, and then you make an informed decision for your staff.”
