Our Story
In 1988, Alistair Forbes founded Almar Container Group, not only to lease and trade shipping containers but to help his customers fulfill their unique needs and goals. Since then, Almar has grown into a successful organisation with international offices, servicing multiple industries. Looking back, we are proud of what we have achieved, and what we have done for the container industry through our innovative technology and customer service.
Our proudest accomplishment, however, is not that we are a respected leader in the global container industry, or that we are a supplier and employer of choice for many, but we are most proud of the fact that, through it all, we have not lost sight of Almar's humble beginnings and main priority: the success of our customers.
Industries we serve:
- Transport
- Logistics
- Remote site accommodation
- Cold-storage
- Offshore oil and gas
Almar HQ: The Quarterdeck
- 1988
Almar was established by Managing Director, Alistair Forbes, with the core business of leasing and trading containers from the head office in South Africa.
- 1994
The first international office is setup in Dubai.
- 1998
The Almar footprint is extended to Brasil.
- 2003
Almar opens up across 4 continents with an office in India.
- 2008
The product range is extended beyond shipping containers with the introduction of the flatpack modular accommodation unit.
- 2009
Almar begins inroads into the offshore O&G industry with the launch of it's DNV2.7-1 certified containers and baskets.
- 2011
An African focus is developed with the establishment of an Almar office in Mombasa, Kenya.
- 2012
Almar extends its focus into Africa and opens offices in Luanda, Angola and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 2013
Almar broadens its Kenyan operation, opening up the East African head office in Nairobi. The operations in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam are also extended to offer a full spectrum of services including genset and reefer rental as well as container conversions
- 2016
The economic climate in Brazil and Angola forces a closure of these operations, enabling Almar to focus on the rapidly expanding East African market, and the establishment of an office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- 2017
Almar looks to extend it’s footprint in East Africa, with operations opening in Kampala, Uganda.
Why We Do What We Do
At Almar we believe it’s important to know why we do what we do, not just knowing what we do. So why do we come to work in the morning, it’s simple:
“To be the best we can be in every situation, overcoming challenges and achieving together.“
This simple phrase embodies our passion for teamwork, consistency and a solution driven focus in everything we do.
Values
A foundation to everyday life at Almar, are our Values.
These values are:
Passion
We have a passion for innovative and technically sound container solutions.
Accountability
We are committed to, and accountable for our actions - we do what we say we will.
Teamwork
We enjoy our work and team environment.
Integrity
We believe in honesty, integrity & ethical business.
Humility
We have humility and respect for all people.
Relationships
Customer service & relationships are key to our success.
Quality
Our products are technically sound, because of this we can focus on customer service.
Container Owners Association
ALMAR is a member of the Container Owners Association which ensures that we continually comply with international standards and form part of a global network of container expertise.
ISO Standards
ALMAR is a member of the Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal (B.I.C.) with two registered prefixes, namely ALRU and ALMU, you are assured of all our container codes being ISO standard.
SAOGA Membership
Almar has been a member of the South African Oil and Gas Alliance (SAOGA) since 2010. This alliance is dedicated to promoting the upstream and midstream sectors of the oil and gas value chain within the Southern African Region.
Certified Containers
Our offshore containers are all certified by either Det Norske Veritas or Lloyd's Register to ensure that they meet the required DNV2.7-1 and EN12079 standards in support of IMO MSC/Circ.860(1998) for all containers and baskets used in the transit of cargo offshore.
What Our Customers Say
The Almar team has offered exceptional service to date and has proved to be a reliable, professional and ethical supplier of offshore certified CCU’s.
Stephen Johnson, Strategic Sourcing Manager
During the 15 years of our association, Almar has proved itself to be a most reliable supplier of container equipment. We consider the Company to operate to high ethical standards and overall a valued and trusted supplier.
Capt. Dan Hjalmarsson, Group Vice President Mea Region
We would like to confirm that we, the US Embassy Nairobi, have recently contracted with Almar Container Investments Inc. for the supply of a large quantity of containers, order value in excess of USD 400,000 (Fouth Hundred Thousand Dollars). These containers were all brand new units which needed to be delivered on time for one of our projects in Africa. We are very happy to confirm that the containers were delivered as promised, on time and we were very pleased with the quality of both service and products supplied by Almar.
J. Mark Midkiff, First Secretary
We have been dealing with Almar Container Investments Inc. since the early 1990's. In our experience Almar have supplied their product on time, to the correct specification and with the correct quality. Their service has always been exemplary.
David Smith, Global Business Development Manager
From working with Almar Container investments Inc. for over 10 years, we have found them to be a very reputable company who have always been able to deliver whatever quantity of containers they have committed to. We are pleased to confirm that the service and associated administration which we have received from them with the supply of containers, has been professional, ethical and of a high standard.
M. Shiva, Chief Executive Officer
We are very happy with the quality of the service, support and the products supplied by Almar.
Mark Bunn, Unilever Customer Operations Manger