Call free on: 0808 303 1101
Our Services
From standard container solutions to expert conversions, modifications, repairs and modular buildings – S Jones covers it all. We also provide industry-leading services for self-storage operators. Explore what’s possible by choosing a service on the left.
Shipping Containers for Sale
From small to large-scale storage, find the ideal shipping container to suit your needs at a competitive price.
Shipping Containers for Hire
Discover our huge range of storage containers for hire, plus welfare and workspace units that provide quick and easy site solutions.
Specialist Container Conversions
We’re a trusted provider of standard and bespoke container conversions, designed for industrial, commercial, and specialist applications.
Modular Buildings
Engineered for fast installation and long-term performance, our modular buildings provide flexible space solutions for every sector.
Shipping Container Modifications
From insulation to electrics and security upgrades, we provide tailored container modifications that transform standard units into practical, high-performance spaces.
Shipping Container Repairs
On-site container repairs and restoration that reduce downtime and save you money.
Standard Container Conversions
Discover our range of ready-made offices, chemical stores and topper containers - professionally converted, and available for rapid turnaround.
StoragePro
Container sales paired with expert support give you everything you need to start or grow a successful self storage site. Explore our Core, Plus and Ultimate packages and scale with confidence.
Shipping Container Finance
Take advantage of flexible finance options for bulk orders through Approved Business Finance. Your streamlined, stress-free purchase is only a click away.
For many research, testing, and diagnostic applications, transporting samples to a fixed laboratory is not always practical or efficient. In some cases, testing must take place on site, in remote locations, or close to where samples are generated. This is where a mobile laboratory becomes essential.
A shipping container mobile lab offers a practical, secure, and highly adaptable solution. Designed to withstand extreme environments and engineered for global transport, shipping containers provide a robust foundation for laboratories that need to be deployed quickly and operate reliably in a wide range of locations.
Converted shipping containers are increasingly used as mobile laboratories across sectors such as research and development, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, utilities, and industrial testing. Their popularity is driven by several key advantages.
A container laboratory can be designed and built off site, then transported directly to its final location ready for use. This reduces on-site construction time and disruption, particularly in sensitive environments such as hospitals or operational industrial sites.
Once in place, container labs can be relocated as required, either within a single site or to a completely new location. This flexibility makes them suitable for both short-term projects and long-term deployments where permanent construction is not desirable or cost-effective.
Crucially, shipping containers can be fully customised to meet specific laboratory requirements, from environmental control and specialist storage to power, lighting, and water services. Their steel structure also provides a high level of security, protecting valuable equipment and materials from theft, vandalism, and harsh weather conditions.
No two laboratories are the same. The purpose of the lab, the equipment used, and the operating environment all influence the final design. A well-designed mobile lab starts with a detailed understanding of how the space will be used.
The design process typically begins with a technical consultation to define requirements such as workflow, equipment layout, environmental controls, and access needs. From there, a detailed design is developed to ensure the finished unit meets both operational and safety expectations.
Shipping containers are modular by nature, offering flexibility in size and configuration. Standard container lengths range from 10ft to 40ft, with high-cube options available for increased internal height.
Containers can be used as standalone units or combined side-by-side or end-to-end to create larger laboratory spaces. This modular approach allows mobile labs to scale with project requirements, whether that means a compact testing unit or a multi-room facility.
Most mobile laboratories require reliable power and lighting to operate safely and effectively. Electrical systems can be installed during the conversion process, allowing the unit to be connected to site power or alternative energy sources on delivery.
Depending on the application, additional utilities such as running water, drainage, sinks, or welfare facilities can also be integrated. By completing this work during fabrication, the mobile lab arrives ready to be connected and commissioned with minimal on-site work.
Personnel doors, emergency exits, and windows can also be added where appropriate, improving usability while maintaining safety and security.
Many laboratory applications depend on tightly controlled internal environments. Temperature regulation, humidity control, and air quality management can all be designed into a container laboratory.
Insulation, vapour barriers, and specialist linings help maintain stable conditions, while HVAC systems can be specified to meet precise performance requirements. Where necessary, additional measures such as filtered ventilation or controlled airflow zones can be incorporated to support sensitive testing processes.
Storage solutions, including secure cabinets and specialist racking, can also be built in to support safe handling and organisation of materials.
The internal layout of a mobile lab must support both efficiency and safety. Workbenches, shelving, storage cupboards, and equipment mounts can all be positioned to suit specific workflows and compliance needs.
Externally, container labs can be finished to meet branding, access, or site integration requirements. This may include paint finishes, corporate branding,ramps for accessibility, and external lighting. Despite their industrial origins, converted containers can be finished to a high professional standard suitable for public-facing or regulated environments.
Security is also a critical consideration. Heavy-duty locking systems and reinforced access points help ensure the laboratory remains protected when unattended.
Compared to traditional construction, shipping container mobile labs offer several practical advantages. They are typically faster to deploy, involve less site disruption, and can be relocated rather than abandoned when project needs change.
From a cost perspective, container labs often represent a more efficient investment than permanent structures, particularly for organisations that require flexibility or operate across multiple sites. Reusing shipping containers also supports sustainability objectives by extending the lifecycle of existing materials.
When carefully designed and professionally built, a shipping container provides an excellent platform for a mobile laboratory. It combines durability, flexibility, and customisation in a way that few other solutions can match.
At S Jones Containers, we have extensive experience delivering bespoke container laboratories for a wide range of applications. From early-stage design through to fabrication and delivery, each project is developed to meet exact operational requirements while ensuring reliability and long-term performance.
A shipping container mobile laboratory is a fully converted container unit designed to function as a self-contained lab space that can be transported and deployed wherever testing or analysis is needed. These units are usually built on strong, weather-resistant shipping containers and customised with insulation, HVAC, power, utilities, and specialised fittings to meet your operational requirements. For more information on how conversions work and the types of units available, see our container conversions page.
This approach gives organisations flexibility and speed compared with traditional construction, making it especially useful for research, field studies, clinical testing, environmental monitoring, and rapid response situations. Mobile labs deliver reliable performance without the overhead of permanent build works and can be scaled by joining multiple container units if required.
Shipping container labs can be tailored extensively to suit your specific use case. Common options include insulation and thermal control, humidity and air filtration systems, specialised internal storage and shelving, lab benches, utilities such as plumbing and electrics, and secure access personnel doors and windows. These options ensure the internal environment is controlled and fit for purpose. See our laboratory and R&D units page for examples of specialist lab conversions.
In addition, external finishes like branded painting, ramps for accessibility, and signage can be included to ensure the mobile lab integrates well on site and meets operational requirements. All customisations are planned during the design phase to align perfectly with your workflow, equipment, and compliance needs.
Environmental control is critical in mobile laboratories and can be achieved through integrated systems that manage temperature, humidity, and air quality. Insulation and moisture-control linings help maintain stable internal conditions, while HVAC systems can be specified for precise control of air circulation and temperature zones. For test environments needing stricter control, additional filtration or specialist ventilation can also be added.
These systems are designed during the lab’s conversion, meaning they arrive onsite ready to be connected to power and commissioned with minimal disruption. This level of internal control is essential in applications such as pharmaceutical testing, research and development, and environmental analysis where consistent conditions are necessary for valid results.
Yes, container labs can be equipped with full utility connections including running water, drainage systems, lighting, and power outlets. During the conversion process, electrical wiring, plumbing, and waste systems are installed in accordance with UK standards so that the lab arrives ready for onsite connection. This ensures you have a fully functional workspace from day one, avoiding the need for costly on-site modifications.
If your lab requires specialised utilities, such as regulated water pressure, chemical waste management, or dedicated electrical circuits for sensitive equipment, these can also be incorporated into the design. Early planning and specification ensure these systems integrate seamlessly into the mobile lab’s workflow and safety requirements.
The first step is to reach out to an experienced conversion provider like our dedicated Conversions Division, who can help define your project scope and technical requirements. Our team can guide you from initial concept through design, fabrication, delivery, and commissioning. Start by reviewing our container conversions services and then contacting us with your specifications to receive a tailored consultation and quote.
During the initial consultation, considerations such as internal layout, environmental controls, utility requirements, and delivery logistics will be discussed to ensure the final lab meets your performance, safety, and operational goals. Speaking to experts early helps streamline the process and ensures the lab solution you receive aligns precisely with your needs.
If you are considering a mobile laboratory and want to explore how a converted shipping container could support your project, speak to our team today. We can help you define requirements, assess feasibility, and deliver a solution tailored to your needs.
