Satellite Shelters Inc.: Going On Location With Modular Spaces

Satellite Shelters Inc. (Satellite Shelters) is an industry-leading provider of mobile offices, modular buildings and storage solutions for multiple applications. The Minneapolis-based company has specialized in both temporary and permanent space solutions for over 40 years. Competing with larger corporations many times its size, Satellite Shelters focuses on high-quality products, reliable service and safety.

“Our company competes with corporations that are 10-times our size,” explains Marty Mullaney, president and CEO of Satellite Shelters. “We think our history and over 40 years of experience set us apart from most of our competitors. I also truly believe our team from top to bottom exudes our customer-first approach. We employ about 150 talented individuals that make it all possible.”

And Mullaney’s insight is on point, as Satellite Shelters was recently awarded the 2012 Key Supplier Award by Bechtel’s Power Business. “To be awarded the Key Supplier Award from a company such as Bechtel, is quite an honor,” he says. “This recognition supports our company’s dedication to service excellence and our desire to partner with companies, like Bechtel, that share this same philosophy.” Mullaney, an industry veteran of 25 years, is enthusiastic as he leads the Satellite Shelters team to continued success.

Mullaney notes that the company was originally founded in 1958 by Al Hilde Jr. as a portable toilet provider. What started as an add-on product, the concept of a mobile office brought huge success. Satellite Shelters started renting mobile offices in 1972 and has since diversified significantly. With branch offices across the country, the company is fully capable of handling a wide range of varying project types and sizes.

Perfecting the Modular Office

“Our core business is comprised of construction site offices for contracting companies,” details Mullaney. The company provides many customized options ideal for any site, including: ground-level offices, commercial modular buildings, storage containers, construction trailers, portable classrooms and blast-resistant modules. The goal is to make the site as comfortable as possible for the client. “With our list of value-added products and our flexible financing options, we are able to provide a cost-effective, efficient and time-sensitive solution,” adds Mullaney.

Satellite Shelters has experience in all forms of modular construction, ranging from temporary job-site offices to multimillion-dollar permanent facilities. Recently, a 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility for Rolls Royce provided Satellite Shelters with a unique opportunity. “This project was a fantastic challenge for our team,” admits Mullaney. “The tight timeline, strict technical requirements and difficult location made this project quite interesting. I’m proud to say we completed this building both on time and up to our high-quality standards.” According to Mullaney, the Rolls Royce project is an example of how the industry is migrating from mobile office trailers to more permanent modular facilities.

Another project for the company was the Plant Vogtle Nuclear Facility. “We were required to provide roughly 150,000 square feet of space within the confines of a working nuclear site,” details Mullaney. “One of the primary reasons we were awarded this project was because of our safety record. We were on-site for nearly two years in the strictest working conditions without a single incident.”

Satellite Shelters’ proven safety record is one of the best in the business, as the company has an award-winning safety program. This distinction has allowed Satellite Shelters to perform jobs in high-risk areas, such as oil refineries and chemical processing facilities.

Looking Ahead

After many successful projects, Satellite Shelters has proven the team can compete with corporate giants in an ever-expanding industry. “We’re fortunate to be in a growing industry,” says Mullaney. “I think several factors are driving this growth, but one in particular is energy.”

The company continues to expand geographically into south Texas and the Dakotas where the energy sector is booming. “We are positioned to go wherever our customers need us,” he continues.

Despite the growing demand for modular structures in the energy sector, the economy had taken a toll on the company. “In 2009 and 2010 we saw utilization decrease by about 10 points, but we have fully recovered at this time,” shares Mullaney. “The rental industry in general is projected to grow two- to three-times gross domestic product (GDP) over the next few years. This has presented us with some hiring opportunities to recruit the type of quality people we need to support our continued growth.”

Satellite Shelters continues to earn a respectable reputation amongst its larger competition. “I think our exceptional performance has enhanced our growth and success among some of the largest U.S. contractors,” Mullaney says. “Our customers seem to agree that we provide a differentiated space solution.” Satellite Shelters Inc. remains competitive in a growing industry through diversified products, a commitment to safety and a laser-focus on hiring only the very best.