In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we take a moment to reflect on the years gone by, the advancements made, and the historical journey that has led us to the present.
Many of the solutions used during the wars have since been developed, such as medicine, technology and everyday products; but for companies like us, containment solutions have come and developed a long way.
During World War II, containment cabinets were utilised mainly for the secure storage of sensitive materials and equipment. Constructed typically from metal, these cabinets were engineered to safeguard valuable and potentially hazardous items from damage or theft. The phrase ‘containment cabinet’ is a general term that covers a wide range of cabinet types; during the war, specific models were designed for particular functions, such as the secure storage of weapons or the organisation of maps. These cabinets played a crucial role in maintaining order and safety in military operations, ensuring that essential items were kept secure but easily accessible when needed.
During the war years, the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter was also created by the organisation that later evolved into the Atomic Energy Commission. This innovation significantly enhanced the performance of containment solutions, offering greatly improved protection for users. The HEPA filter is widely used today in containment solutions for the same purpose of user or product protection.
The design and function of containment cabinets have evolved over time, and while they were prominently used during WWII, similar types of storage units are still used today for various purposes, like within pharmaceutical laboratories for the handling of potent powders and chemicals.
As VE Day celebrations begin across Portsmouth, CTS reflects on the journey of its new headquarters built in 2024, which sits at the top of Portadown Hill, built on top of some of the tunnels used during the war and looking over the Portsmouth City; where many celebrations will take place in the coming weeks as they did many years ago and each year since.
Since its founding, CTS has made substantial advancements in its product offerings, broadened its range, and refined its expertise and specifications. Initially, CTS provided fundamental containment solutions for powder handling, but over the years, we have evolved to create more sophisticated solutions that not only enhance user and sample protection, but are also tailored to meet specific requirements and adaptable to various environments, thereby enhancing research capabilities.