Gichner Systems buys local container company

Grace Beahm
AP

Charleston Marine Containers Inc. in North Charleston has been purchased by Gichner Systems Inc. of Dallastown, Pa. The company will continue operating here.

A North Charleston-based company that makes steel shipping containers for the military has changed hands.

Gichner Systems Group Inc. of Dallastown, Pa., said Monday that it acquired Charleston Marine Containers Inc. from Sea Containers Ltd. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Gichner said the newly acquired operations will remain on the former Navy base and operate as Charleston Marine Containers.

"The acquisition of CMCI is a key element of Gichner's growth plan," said Thomas E. Mills IV, Gichner's president and chief executive officer. "The employees and operations in Charleston are impressive."

Mills traveled to the Lowcountry on Monday to meet with workers and management. "We just wanted to be there on the day it was announced so we can put people's concerns to rest," he said, noting that the company had been on the market "for quite a while."

"That can take a toll on a company when it's up for sale for that long," he said.

Cody Baker, a CMCI veteran, was tapped by Gichner to be its top local executive. Herb Ellis, who had been president of the container manufacturer, has retired. "We really like the management group. We really like the product," Mills said.

Gichner, like CMCI, supplies metal goods to the armed forced. Its primary product is a lightweight aluminum shelter that can be installed on military vehicles.

Mills said he will be looking at ways to get the two companies to collaborate and help each other grow. He's also planning to look for new lines of business to make better use of the 240,000 square feet of manufacturing space that Gichner has picked up on the Navy base as part of the sale.

The sale of Charleston Marine Containers was part of the bankruptcy reorganization of its former Bermuda-based owner.

Sea Containers said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission last week that it was marketing the subsidiary to several prospective buyers. It noted that the 142-worker business "continues to operate profitably."

Formed in 1996, CMCI was the first business to sign a long-term lease on the former Navy base after the Pentagon mothballed the installation.

Contact John McDermott at 937-5572 or jmcdermott@postandcourier.com.