From its origins, to Air Sea Containers 1946 to Present Day
In 1946 Herbert Staniford and William Gaskell founded Staniford Drums, supplying wooden barrels to the soap and detergent industry. The business prospered and went on to supply re-conditioned steel drums to the oil industry. William Gaskell retired in 1964. Herbert bought William’s share of the business and Donald, Herbert’s son joined the company.
In 1969 the company took on the new name Staniford (Rock Ferry) Ltd, following which Donald Staniford bought 50% of the business. Herbert Staniford retired in 1971 and left his share to his 5 children.
In 1981, in response to new legislation governing the transport of dangerous goods, Donald Staniford formed Air Sea Containers Ltd, specifically to deal with these kinds of requests and went on to develop an extensive range of UN approved packaging.
Today Air Sea Containers is a leading provider of high-quality packaging, and also houses a UKAS accredited packaging testing facility, offering premium packaging and testing service to almost all industries, including food and drink, speciality chemicals, petrochemical, agriculture and medical research.
Where it all started
Mr Herbert Staniford and Mr William Gaskell opened Staniford & Gaskell Ltd Cooper & Drum Reconditioners, New Chester Road, Rock Ferry, Merseyside.
Rapid Growth
After several years of rapid growth Staniford & Gaskell Ltd bought its first lorry, a Fordson Thames.
Donald Staniford Joins
William Gaskell retired, Herbert Staniford bought William’s share of the buisness, Herbert’s Son, 25 year old Donald Staniford joined the business.
Staniford (Rock Ferry) Ltd
The company name changed to Staniford (Rock Ferry) Ltd following which Donald bought 50% of the business.
End of an Era
Herbert Staniford retired from the business leaving his share to his 5 children
Investment in Technology
Donald’s brother Douglas joined the business and built Stanifords first computer system.
Innovators in the field
Donald Staniford formed Air Sea Containers Ltd in response to new legislation governing the transport of dangerous goods
Shipping Product from Rigs to Land
A range of smaller packaging for samples being shipped from rigs to land where developedA range of smaller packaging for samples being shipped from rigs to land where developed.
Tinplate & Fibreboard Boxes
Small 4G packaging range for petrochemical industry based on the heavy duty tinplate drums was developed in 1988. The first UN approval Code GB/0582was created
Petrochemical Range Investment
The petrochemical product range was expanded throughout the early 1990’s to include single packagings and inner packagings
Forming Partnerships
During the early 90’s the company experienced wide recognition in the DG industry which led to some key agents coming on board in Italy, USA, Germany, South Africa, Portugal, Spain.
Company Further Expands Personnel and Product Range
Donald’s daughter Katharine joined the company to learn the business and develop the ISO 9000 Quality Management System.
The first Infectious Substance Category A Biopack 1, UN Approved packaging was also developed.
Infectious Substance Packaging Re-developed
Further expansion of the Infectious Substance Biomedical products progressed with the addition of thermal control products throughout the 90’s.
New Warehouse Development
The company invested in land to expand its property portfolio and built a new warehouse in Birkenhead, which was named Staniford Building.
Growth Across the World
More agents were established in France, Norway, Singapore, Thailand and UAE.
Infectious Substance Range Expanded
In the early 00’s the Infectious Substance, Category B range of products was developed leading into the qualified thermal control range.
Offices Move Location
In 2010 the Staniford warehouse was remodelled to accommodate offices. Offices where then relocated from New Chester Road site to the newly purpose built offices to combine both operations.
Product Investment
Investment into innovative products continue and the 4GV range was redeveloped
New Regulations
In response to changing regulations, the lithium battery range was created to aid safe shipment of lithium ion and lithium metal batteries.
Sustainability in Mind
The new eco range was developed featuring biodegradable packing chips and ECO 4GV was launched
Barry Johnston Joins
A new operating facility in USA was opened, Air Sea USA.
Specialised Packaging for LQ
The Limited Quantity capability tested range was created for shipper sending hazardous goods in smaller quantities.
Diversification into the Testing of UN Packaging
The company diversified from suppling specialist dangerous goods packaging, gained ISO17025 approval and opened on site UKAS approved UN Test Lab.
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