An interview with Dan O’Sullivan of Titan Self Storage

Titan Self Storage explains how our insulated USC containers are being used to improve and expand their facilities. Dan O’Sullivan, head of operations at Titan, explains why these containers are an essential part of their plans and how sustainability is central to this.

Dan O’Sullivan and Titan Self Storage

We spoke with Dan O’Sullivan, head of operations at Titan Self Storage. Titan Self Storage started in 2012 in Littehampton and now has nine branches across the United Kingdom. Growth was initially driven by investment from individuals and investment companies. In 2021, Titan completed a management buyout, giving the company greater control and attracting new investment to expand.
Recently, two existing self-storage facilities were acquired, in Bridgend and Telford. In Bridgend, USC containers are being used in an original way during the conversion!

Innovation deployment of USC containers

At the Bridgend facility, where Titan Self Storage deployed USC containers, the building consists of two sections: a newer section with the reception area and an older, single-story section at the rear. During the acquisition, Titan saw an opportunity to improve this older section by adding additional floors and amenities such as mezzanine floors and elevators.

For the project in Bridgend, Titan Self Storage deliberately chose the insulated USC containers instead of converted shipping containers. Although several options were explored, the insulation of the USC containers proved to be a deciding factor. “Our current units are climate-controlled internally and equipped with individual alarms, and we wanted to replicate that as much as possible with external units,” explains Dan O’Sullivan. Traditional shipping containers with a simple wooden or metal partition did not meet this standard. Choosing USC containers, which are specially designed and fully insulated, provided the opportunity to ensure the desired customer comfort without compromising on quality or user experience.

Future of outdoor storage

Outdoor storage is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, especially if it becomes possible to replicate the internal model with full insulation and anti-humidity damping. USC is already well advanced in this area and may even be fully prepared. This makes their containers an attractive option that will be increasingly used. A USC container costs many times less per square than a purpose-built space, which means the initial investment is significantly lower. This makes getting started with these containers a lot more accessible. Interest in this type of storage is expected to increase, especially if it remains possible to realize the same price per square foot from customers.

Sustainability within Titan Self Storage

Sustainability is playing an increasing role within Titan Self Storage, both in current operations and in future expansion plans. At recently acquired sites, such as Bridgend, sustainability is one of the key drivers behind investment projects. “Sustainability is high on our agenda right now,” says Dan O’Sullivan. “At Bridgend, where we are demolishing and rebuilding the second building, we are doing that in part to make the property more sustainable.” Titan is considering installing solar panels after the rebuild and has already implemented several smaller initiatives, such as installing recycling bins and switching to fully recyclable materials for packaging. Even the pens they use are now made of 100 percent recycled materials. These efforts show how Titan is committed to not only improving their services, but doing so in a responsible and environmentally friendly way.