Trafalgar Cases Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of bespoke wooden packaging. The company designs and builds custom timber cases, crates, containers, and pallets to protect valuable, complex, and non-standard items during transport, shipping, and storage. With over 60 years of British manufacturing experience, Trafalgar Cases operates from its production facilities in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, and serves businesses across the UK and Europe.

Trafalgar Cases is based in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, England. All manufacturing is carried out at their UK facility, giving the company direct control over quality, lead times, and consistency.

Trafalgar Cases has over 60 years of experience in British manufacturing. The company has built a long track record of working with demanding sectors and high-value items.

Trafalgar Cases supports a wide range of sectors, including automotive and motorsport, engineering and heavy machinery, aerospace and defence, medical and scientific equipment, museums and heritage organisations, AV, broadcast, and exhibition providers, metal wholesalers, and removal and storage companies where we offer both long term storage containers and export packaging. This breadth of experience means the company is comfortable dealing with unusual challenges and high expectations.

No. Trafalgar Cases works on everything from single specialist units to repeat industrial projects. Whether you need a one-off bespoke packing case or an ongoing supply of containers, the team takes the same practical, consultative approach.

Trafalgar Cases manufactures a full range of bespoke timber packaging, including wooden shipping and warehouse containers, export liftvans, custom wooden crates, export crates, art and museum crates, timber packing cases, plywood and softwood cases (including metal-edged), export packing cases, relocation and transport cases, reusable exhibition cases, bespoke wooden pallets, engine pallets and heavy machinery bases, shock pallets and vibration-protected bases, and pallets for export. All products are ISPM15 compliant as standard at no extra cost. Every product is built to order and designed around the specific item it needs to protect.

In Trafalgar Cases product range, containers are typically larger, reusable storage and shipping units designed for warehouse environments, archiving, or overseas removals (such as warehouse containers and export liftvans). Crates are protective packaging solutions designed primarily to safeguard individual items or loads during transit, shipping, or handling — often built bespoke around a specific item.

Trafalgar Cases warehouse containers are designed for secure storage in professional warehouse environments. They are used for long-term storage of personal effects, archiving and self-storage. The range includes heavy duty warehouse containers for robust repeat use, archive warehouse containers designed around standard archive box sizes, self-storage containers and half height warehouse containers for efficient use of vertical space. Our containers can be stored 5 high for added capacity.

Anti-Luce fasteners are quick-release, vibration-resistant steel fixings used on many of Trafalgar Cases warehouse containers. They allow containers to be easily accessible without the need for removable fittings, while remaining secure during handling and stacking. This system balances convenience with reliability in busy warehouse environments.

Export liftvans are robust wooden containers designed specifically for international removals and overseas shipping. They provide a secure, space-efficient way to consolidate personal effects and household goods for sea freight. Standard export liftvans have external dimensions of approximately 2220 × 1160 × 2220mm, with a capacity of around 5.25 cubic metres. They feature a four-way entry pallet base for forklift handling and can be stacked up to three high for short-term storage.

Export liftvans are primarily used by professional international removals and relocation companies. They are used to consolidate personal effects for overseas shipment, protect goods during long-distance sea freight, improve space utilisation within ISO shipping containers, and provide secure short-term storage before departure or on arrival.

Custom wooden crates from Trafalgar Cases are fully bespoke packaging solutions designed around non-standard, high-risk, or high-value items. Unlike off-the-shelf options, every aspect of the crate; its structure, internal layout, and handling features, is designed to suit the specific item being protected. They are commonly used for heavy machinery, sensitive instruments, oversized or irregular components, and high-value commercial goods.

Yes. Bespoke solutions for items with unusual shapes, uneven weight distribution, oversized dimensions, or other non-standard characteristics are a core part of what Trafalgar Cases does. The team designs crates and cases around the item itself, considering how it needs to be supported, handled, moved, and stored.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases designs and manufactures bespoke art shipping crates for organisations responsible for protecting artwork and artefacts of significant financial, cultural, or historical value. These crates are purpose-built around the individual characteristics of each piece, accounting for fragility, unusual dimensions, delicate protrusions, and zero tolerance for damage. They are used by museums, galleries, heritage organisations, and commercial handlers of fine art and specialist artefacts. Like all Trafalgar Cases products, art and museum crates are ISPM15 compliant as standard, making them ready for touring exhibitions and international projects without any additional compliance steps.

Art and museum crates are commonly used for paintings, sculptures, installations, framed pieces, historic objects, and other culturally significant items. Because these items are often one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable, every crate is designed to minimise risk and provide stability, restraint, and reassurance throughout handling and transit.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases manufactures export crates for UK businesses shipping valuable, specialist, or non-standard items overseas. Like all Trafalgar Cases products, export crates are ISPM15 compliant as standard, manufactured using heat-treated timber with correct markings applied, at no extra cost. The crates are designed for real-world shipping conditions, including suitability for sea or air freight, robust construction for multi-stage handling, and protection during loading, unloading, and storage.

Wooden shipping crates are a widely used solution for international transport, offering strength, adaptability, and protection for a broad range of commercial goods. Trafalgar Cases manufactures wooden crates for shipping overseas in a range of sizes — from small crates for precision components and specialist instruments through to large wooden crates for oversized or heavy items. Each crate is built with real-world shipping conditions in mind, supporting safe movement through handling, storage, and onward transport.

Yes. Large wooden crates are designed for oversized or heavy items where structural strength, load distribution, and handling stability are critical. Small wooden crates are used for compact but high-value or sensitive items — such as precision components or specialist instruments — that still require robust, professional-grade protection rather than lightweight consumer packaging.

Reusable and exhibition cases are wooden cases designed for repeat use in exhibition, AV, and event environments. They are built to withstand frequent packing, transport, and unpacking cycles, and are commonly used for trade shows, touring equipment, displays, and demonstration units where durability and reliability across multiple events are critical.

Yes. Trafalgar designs and manufactures a range of bespoke pallet-based solutions for businesses that need more than a generic pallet. The range includes bespoke wooden pallets for non-standard loads, engine pallets and heavy machinery bases for concentrated or high-weight loads, shock pallets and vibration-protected bases for sensitive equipment, and ISPM15-compliant pallets for export. All pallets are ISPM15 compliant as standard at no extra cost. Pallets are often used as part of a wider protective packaging system alongside cases or crates.

Yes. Nothing at Trafalgar Cases is off the shelf. Every solution is designed around the specific item it needs to protect — whether that is heavy machinery, sensitive equipment, artwork, exhibition assets, or specialist components with unusual dimensions.

Every custom project starts with a clear understanding of what needs to be protected. The team considers the size, shape, and weight of the item, how it needs to be supported internally, how it will be handled, moved, or stored, and the level of protection required during transit. This practical, consultative approach ensures the packaging fits the real-world requirements rather than relying on a generic solution.

Trafalgar Cases takes a consultative approach. If you know exactly what you need, they will build it. If you don’t, they will help you decide. The team asks the right questions early and advises honestly on the most effective solution, including recommending a simpler approach if that is sufficient.

Yes. Beyond the timber structure itself, Trafalgar Cases offers a range of additional protection and security features that can be incorporated into any case, crate, or container. These include foam linings and inserts, barrier foil bags, anti-static protection, plywood dividers, shock and tilt indicators, and custom stencilling. Each feature is selected based on the specific item being protected and the conditions it will face during handling, transit, or storage.

Trafalgar Cases offers several foam options depending on the application. Standard foam linings are available in 12mm, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm thicknesses. Foam inserts can be CNC-cut to the exact shape and size of the product, creating a precise, snug fit that prevents movement. For specialist applications, options include White Polylam (recommended for highly valuable and fragile goods at high risk of vibration or movement damage), LD45 Plastazote foam (a 100% chemically inert foam ideal for delicate artwork, aerospace parts, and MOD equipment), and anti-static foam for items containing electronic components where static build-up needs to be minimised.

Foil bags are recommended for protecting goods from oxygen ingress, moisture, aggressive gases, odour transfer, and extremes in temperature. They are custom-made to suit the size of any product and can be vacuum-sealed with silica gel for maximum environmental protection. Foil bags are commonly used for items that need to arrive in a controlled, sealed environment, such as precision instruments, medical equipment, or components vulnerable to corrosion.

Yes. Anti-static foam inserts and linings are available for items containing electronic components. Anti-static foam reduces static build-up during transit, offering an extra layer of protection for sensitive electronics, circuit boards, and other static-sensitive equipment.

LD45 Plastazote is a 100% chemically inert closed-cell foam, meaning there is very low risk of chemicals contaminating the goods it protects. It is ideal for delicate artwork, aerospace parts, and MOD equipment where chemical neutrality and consistent cushioning are critical. Trafalgar Cases uses LD45 Plastazote where the nature of the item demands the highest standard of internal protection.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases can fit Shock-Watch impact indicators and tilt indicators to packaging. A Shock-Watch indicator is a highly visible device that activates when an impact exceeds a predetermined level. Tilt indicators show whether a case has been tilted beyond acceptable limits during transit. Both devices visually alert everyone in the handling chain that additional care is required, and they give the recipient clear evidence of how the shipment has been treated in transit.

Felt-lined battens are a cost-effective way of securing products in place inside a case, eliminating the risk of movement during transit. They are particularly recommended for machinery or equipment that is light, top-heavy, or on castor wheels, where the item needs to be held firmly without risk of surface damage.

Yes. Plywood dividers or shelves can be fixed inside a case to separate and secure different items. This is particularly useful when machine parts and fixings need to be kept separate from the main equipment, or when several different item types are being shipped in a single case.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases has an in-house computerised stencil cutter that allows fast, accurate, and consistent stencilling. Options include personalised logo stencils for brand visibility (available in black, blue, or red ink) and health and safety stencilling, which is available as standard and helps reduce the risk of consignments being mishandled during transit.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases regularly combines multiple protection and security features within a single case, crate, or container. For example, a case might include CNC-cut foam inserts, a vacuum-sealed foil bag, shock indicators, and custom stencilling, all designed together as part of one integrated packaging solution. The features selected depend entirely on the item being protected and how it will be handled, stored, and transported

Yes. Trafalgar Cases holds ISO 9001 certification, which reflects a structured, controlled approach to manufacturing. This means clearly defined manufacturing processes, consistent build standards across every order, documented quality control procedures, and continuous improvement across production and service.

ISPM15 is the international phytosanitary standard that governs the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade. It requires timber to be heat-treated and stamped to prevent the spread of pests across borders. All Trafalgar Cases products are ISPM15 compliant as standard — every container, crate, case, and pallet is manufactured using heat-treated timber and correctly marked, at no extra cost. This means any product in the range is ready for export without the need for a separate request or upgrade.

Without ISPM15-compliant timber packaging, shipments can be delayed, rejected, or held at customs. Compliance protects your shipment, your timeline, and your reputation. If you are shipping goods overseas using wooden packaging, ISPM15 treatment is typically non-negotiable.

Yes. Every product manufactured by Trafalgar Cases is ISPM15 compliant as standard, across the entire range. This includes all containers, crates, cases, and pallets — not just those specifically designed for export. All timber is heat-treated and correctly marked as part of the standard manufacturing process, at no additional cost and without needing to be requested. This means that any Trafalgar product can be used for international shipping straight away, giving customers complete flexibility without having to plan for compliance separately.

Yes. All Trafalgar Cases products — including containers, crates, cases, and pallets — are ISPM15 compliant as standard. Every product is manufactured using heat-treated timber and correctly marked for international shipment, so there is no need to request export compliance separately. (Some countries have slightly different identification standards for ISPM15 so please check with us.) This applies across the entire range, not just products specifically designed for export use.

All Trafalgar Cases products are manufactured at the company’s UK facility in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire. There is no outsourcing overseas, which provides greater quality control, clear communication, reliable lead times, and accountability from start to finish.

Timber is a renewable material, and many Trafalgar Cases products are designed with sustainability in mind. The company aims to manufacture products that are sustainably and responsibly sourced, reusable where appropriate, and recyclable at end of life. Many products — particularly warehouse containers, relocation cases, and exhibition cases — are designed for repeated use, reducing waste over time.

Many of Trafalgar Cases products are specifically designed for reuse. Warehouse containers, exhibition cases, and relocation cases in particular are built for repeated handling and long-term durability. In environments where equipment moves repeatedly between sites, this approach reduces waste and lowers cost over time.

Yes. Trafalgar Cases has extensive experience supporting international shipping and export projects. The team can advise on suitable packaging types and the right level of protection for overseas transit. Because all Trafalgar products are ISPM15 compliant as standard, every item in the range is already export-ready — there is no additional cost or separate request needed for compliance.

Export liftvans are proportioned to stack and align efficiently within ISO shipping containers, reducing wasted space and improving load stability during sea freight. This helps removals companies work more efficiently while maintaining a high standard of protection. They are suitable for full container loads, groupage shipments, and international relocation projects.

Yes. While export liftvans are commonly supplied in standard sizes, Trafalgar Cases can manufacture bespoke liftvans with alternative dimensions or adaptations to suit specific shipment profiles, handling, or storage needs.

Export packing cases are wooden cases designed specifically for UK businesses shipping goods overseas. They provide a higher level of enclosure, rigidity, and durability than general-purpose cases, built to withstand the longer transit times, multiple handling stages, port inspections, and strict import regulations involved in international shipping. Like all Trafalgar Cases products, export packing cases are ISPM15 compliant as standard, manufactured using heat-treated timber and correctly marked at no extra cost.

Non-compliant wooden packaging can be refused, destroyed, or returned at the border, leading to customs delays, additional costs, and disruption to your shipment timeline. ISPM15 compliance ensures your timber packaging meets international phytosanitary standards and will pass through customs without issue.

Yes. All Trafalgar Cases pallets are ISPM15 compliant as standard — manufactured using heat-treated timber and correctly marked for international shipment at no additional cost. This applies to every pallet in the range, whether it is a bespoke wooden pallet, an engine pallet, a shock pallet, or any other pallet solution. There is no need to request export compliance separately.

Both heat treatment and fumigation are approved methods under ISPM15 for treating solid wood packaging used in international trade. Heat treatment is now the most common and widely accepted method. Trafalgar Cases can advise on which approach is appropriate for your shipment and destination.

Trafalgar Cases manufactures a range of bespoke wooden cases, including reusable and exhibition cases, timber packing cases, plywood and softwood cases (including metal-edged options), export packing cases, and relocation and transport cases. Each case type is designed for different applications, from exhibition logistics and professional relocations through to heavy industrial transport and overseas shipping.

Timber packing cases are versatile, fully enclosed wooden cases used across a wide range of industries for protecting, organising, and moving goods safely. They are commonly specified by exporters, manufacturers, logistics providers, and warehousing operators. Trafalgar Cases timber packing cases are built to order and can be supplied flatpack or fully assembled.

Yes. One of the key advantages of Trafalgar Cases timber packing cases is the option to supply them in flatpack form. This is especially valuable for warehouses with limited storage space, exporters packing goods on site, relocation firms managing variable volumes, and operations teams planning complex moves. Flatpacked cases are quick to assemble when needed and can be dismantled again for storage.

Plywood and softwood cases are higher-specification wooden cases designed for applications where greater structural strength and protection is required. They are commonly specified for heavy, high-risk, or technically sensitive loads across sectors including automotive, engineering, aerospace, telecommunications, and medical environments. Plywood construction offers excellent rigidity and load-bearing capability while remaining relatively lightweight.

Metal-edged plywood cases are a premium option where enhanced edge protection and long-term durability are required. Metal edging protects vulnerable corners and edges, extending the working life of the case. They are commonly used where cases are handled frequently, subject to repeated loading and unloading, or required to withstand harsher handling environments — making them suitable for multi-trip use in demanding commercial and industrial settings.

Relocation and transport cases are bespoke wooden cases designed for professional removals and specialist transport environments. They are used by commercial relocation firms, specialist movers, and logistics providers to protect high-value or sensitive items such as artwork, mirrors, furniture, sculptures, pianos, and fragile equipment. Each case is designed around the specific item, with options including foam lining, internal supports, and reinforced construction.

Yes. While some relocation cases are built for one-off moves such as office relocations or building clearances, others are designed for repeated use by professional relocation companies as part of their ongoing transport and storage equipment. Trafalgar Cases designs cases to suit both scenarios, balancing durability, protection, and practicality based on how often the case will be used.

Relocation cases are primarily designed for safe transport during moves, whereas reusable exhibition cases are built for frequent packing and unpacking of equipment for shows, events, or touring use. If your requirement involves regular event cycles rather than one-off or periodic moves, Trafalgar Cases reusable and exhibition cases may be a better fit.

Trafalgar Cases manufactures a range of bespoke pallet-based solutions, including bespoke wooden pallets for non-standard loads, engine pallets and heavy machinery bases, shock pallets and vibration-protected bases, and pallets for export. All pallets are ISPM15 compliant as standard, so every pallet is export-ready at no additional cost. Each pallet is designed around the specific load, handling process, and environment it will be used in.

A bespoke wooden pallet is typically required when loads are uneven, offset, or irregular in shape, when weight distribution needs to be carefully controlled, when products are handled repeatedly rather than shipped once, when stability is critical during lifting or movement, or when the pallet must integrate into an existing warehouse or production system. In these situations, a custom pallet provides far greater protection, efficiency, and confidence than a generic alternative.

Engine pallets are purpose-built wooden pallets designed to provide secure, stable support for engines and power units during transport and storage. Every engine pallet is engineered around the specific engine’s dimensions, weight, and centre of gravity, with fixing and anchorage points to prevent movement and forklift entry points for safe handling. They are used for shipping single engines, transporting multiple engines on a single pallet system, and preparing engines for onward crating or casing.

Heavy machinery bases are heavy-duty bespoke pallet platforms designed for large mechanical assemblies, heavy parts with uneven load distribution, industrial equipment requiring rigid support, and components that must remain fixed during handling. Like engine pallets, they are engineered around the specific load to provide strength, stability, and confidence during movement and storage.

Shock pallets are bespoke pallet solutions designed to reduce the effects of impact, vibration, and handling stresses during transport and storage. They work by isolating the load from the pallet base using carefully selected shock-absorbing materials and engineered support structures. Shock pallets are typically used for fragile electrical equipment, technical assemblies, specialist machinery, and other sensitive items where even minor shock can result in costly damage or failure.

Shock pallets isolate the load from the pallet base using specialist foam materials acting as shock absorbers, engineered support systems to control movement, controlled load transfer points, and anchorage points to secure equipment safely. Each pallet is designed around the specific sensitivity of the equipment and the expected handling and transport conditions, providing meaningful protection rather than generic cushioning.

Yes. Where required, shock pallets can be designed with features such as ramps to allow equipment to be moved on or off the pallet without the need for forklifts. This is useful for equipment that must arrive ready for installation.

Yes. In many applications, a pallet forms the foundation of a broader protective packaging system. Trafalgar Cases designs pallets to integrate seamlessly with cases or crates, aligning fixing points and load paths correctly so that stability and protection are maintained throughout handling, transport, and storage.

Slave pallets are bespoke multi-use pallets designed for warehouse and logistics environments where consistency, durability, and repeat handling are essential. Trafalgar Cases slave pallets can be engineered for high-bay and racked warehouse systems, repeat forklift or automated handling, consistent dimensions across pallet fleets, and integrated barcode label locations for tracking and control.

Yes. For reels, drums, and other cylindrical items, Trafalgar can design bespoke pallets with shaped supports — such as U- or V-shaped cradles — along with purpose-built end stops or restraints to prevent rolling or shifting during handling and storage.

You can contact Trafalgar Cases directly by calling 01462 705390 or emailing info@trafalgarcases.co.uk. The team will discuss your requirements and advise on the most appropriate solution before providing a quote.

It helps to know what you are packing (item type, dimensions, weight), how the packaging will be used (shipping, storage, repeated handling), whether export or international shipping is involved, and any specific handling requirements (forklift access, lifting points, stacking). However, if you are unsure about any of these details, the team will guide you through the process.

Lead times vary depending on the complexity and scale of the project. Because all manufacturing is carried out at the company’s UK facility, Trafalgar Cases maintains tight control over production schedules. Contact the team directly to discuss your timeline requirements.

You can reach Trafalgar Cases by phone on 01462 705390 or by email at info@trafalgarcases.co.uk.