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For companies in the process of
making warehousing and storage decisions, there
is a broad spectrum of options that should be
considered. For those in need of large-scale complex
materials handling, the warehousing function is
often better left to a third party specialist.
On the other end of the spectrum are unserviced
spaces, which offer little more than 3 walls and
a loading door (if you're lucky).
Between the extremes lies a unique
option which is proving to be highly effective
for a growing number of companies. A new breed
of self-storage facility has emerged, designed
explicitly to meet the needs of businesses.
With a range of basic services including around-the-clock
security, call answering, fax reception and
transmission, climate-controlled warehouses,
meeting space, and parcel reception and handling,
many companies are finding that their needs
can be met without the costs of renting traditional
warehousing space and services.
Robin Moore and his wife Anita
discovered the self-storage option over three
years ago. From their home in Barrie, the Moores
operate Favourite British Imports Ltd., a company
that imports and distributes British confections
and groceries.
With
a delivery area stretching from Sarnia to north
of Barrie, they needed a centralized storage
facility, one that could accommodate the company's
unique needs.
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"We
have a fluctuating business in which our inventory
needs are much higher at certain times than others,
so we needed a facility that could offer us flexibility
throughout the year, as well as the opportunity
to grow if necessary," explains Moore. The Moores
found what they needed at Jiffy Storage for Business,
a self-storage facility located in Toronto.
There
they discovered that space could be rented on
a monthly basis, allowing them to take only the
space the company required at different points
throughout the year. While entrepreneurs like
the Moores make up much of the tenant base at
such facilities, there are also benefits for larger
companies, according to Allan Barkin, president
of Jiffy Storage. "The key here is that it is
not necessary for a company- of any size- to invest
in a large space based on what they think they
may need in the future," says Barkin. Despite
the numerous advantages, Barkin and Moore agree
that the self-storage route is not for everyone.
For most companies, however, it is one more option
that should be considered in the quest for the
perfect space. |
