Weather-Protected Fabric Manufacturing and Storage Facility
PROJECT
Darling Downs Tarpaulins Storage Expansion
location
Toowoomba, Queensland
purpose
Fabric storage & workshop solution for manufacturing operations
size & specifications
- 2 x 21m wide x 12m long Container Domes
- Container mounted dome shelter
- Rear full end walls (both structures)
- Full front end wall with freestanding accessible opening (one structure)
- Full Installation Service
THE SCOPE OF WORKS
Container Domes Australia (CDA) was engaged by Darling Downs Tarpaulins (DDT) to design and install a weather-protected fabric storage solution at their manufacturing facility in Charlton, Toowoomba. To support DDT’s expanding production operations, we delivered two custom-designed 21m x 12m container domes, providing durable, compliant shelter for raw materials and finished products while integrating seamlessly with the existing site layout.
Darling Downs Tarpaulins is a family-owned Australian manufacturer specialising in high-quality canvas, vinyl, PVC, and shadecloth products. They service clients across the agriculture, construction, and mining sectors nationwide. With a strong focus on Australian-made quality, Darling Downs Tarpaulins sources the majority of its materials locally and maintains high-volume production capabilities supported by in-house research and development. Their commitment to durable, fit-for-purpose fabric solutions underpins their continued growth and reputation within the Australian manufacturing industry.
THE CHALLENGES
The project presented several key challenges
Integrating new shelter structures with existing infrastructure
The container domes needed to be positioned within Darling Downs Tarpaulins’ established site layout, working around existing buildings, access ways, and operational zones. The solution had to maximise covered storage space without requiring significant changes to site infrastructure or impacting surrounding manufacturing areas.
Providing full weather protection while allowing easy access for material handling equipment
Stored fabric materials required complete protection from wind, rain, and UV exposure. At the same time, the shelters needed to support efficient forklift and personnel access, allowing materials to move in and out of the structures without compromising weather protection during daily operations.
Minimising disruption to ongoing manufacturing operations during installation
As an active manufacturing facility, DDT required installation works to be carefully planned and executed to avoid production downtime. The shelters needed to be installed efficiently while maintaining safe access and continuity of operations throughout the build process.
Ensuring full compliance with Toowoomba’s wind region and Australian Standards
The structures were required to meet local wind region requirements and relevant Australian Standards, delivering a compliant, engineered solution capable of long-term performance in regional Queensland conditions.
Custom access requirements for operational efficiency
One container dome required a freestanding accessible front opening to accommodate forklifts and material handling equipment. This custom end wall design allows easy access when required, while still enabling the structure to be fully closed during adverse weather conditions.
THE SOLUTION
To address these challenges, Container Domes Australia designed and delivered a tailored shelter solution comprising two 21m wide x 12m long container domes, purpose-built to support Darling Downs Tarpaulins’ fabric manufacturing and storage requirements.
Both structures were configured with outside mounting, allowing the shelters to cover the containers while extending protected storage space beyond the container footprint. Full rear end walls were incorporated on each dome to provide complete protection from prevailing weather conditions, ensuring raw materials and finished products remained shielded from wind, rain, and UV exposure.
To support efficient material handling, one container dome was fitted with a custom freestanding front end wall featuring an accessible opening. This design allows forklifts and personnel to move materials in and out of the shelter with ease, while still enabling the structure to be fully closed during adverse weather events. The configuration was carefully considered to align with DDT’s operational workflows and existing site layout.
All structures were engineered and certified to meet Australian Standards and local wind region requirements, delivering a compliant, durable solution suited to long-term use in regional Queensland conditions.
Installation was completed by CDA’s fully ticketed in-house Production and Installation Teams, with works carefully coordinated to minimise disruption to DDT’s ongoing manufacturing operations. The shelters were delivered and installed within the required timeframe, providing an efficient, practical storage solution that supports DDT’s continued growth and operational efficiency.
Paul Whitla, Container Domes Australia: “Darling Downs Tarpaulins know their stuff when it comes to anything tarps and covers. It was great to see our container domes adding value to their well-designed new facility.”
Michael, Darling Downs Tarpaulins: “Fantastic product and great people to work with.”
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We work with our customers every step of the way to ensure we find the perfect solution to your On-Site Shelter needs.
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Yandina, QLD 4561
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We have been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing premium-quality shelters, each meticulously engineered to meet the specific needs and objectives of our clients.
