Aluminium Clearspan Marquees in the Agricultural Industry

30 Oct 25

In agriculture, timing and adaptability are everything. Tight harvest windows, livestock cycles and shifting markets don’t wait for long construction projects. Traditional sheds remain important, but they take months to build and tie up capital for years. Across the agricultural industry, from arable operations, storage depots, and processing facilities to research sites and event organisers,  businesses are seeking rapid, flexible space solutions.

At J & J Carter, we provide exactly that. Our aluminium frame and insulated clearspan structures are engineered to the same standards as permanent buildings but can be installed quickly, adapted easily, and relocated as operations evolve. They provide a cost-effective and sustainable way to expand capacity without long lead times or large capital outlay.

What Wide-Span Structures Actually Deliver

Unlike pole tents, these systems are built on strong aluminium frames with no internal supports. The result is an open interior that makes every square metre usable - whether it’s forklifts moving crops, pens set up for livestock, or racking for packhouses, or machinery workshops.. 

With no central poles, these aluminium marquees are easier to work in. That means:

  • Efficient storage: Racking runs continuously without wasted gaps.
  • Machinery access: Clear routes for forklifts and telehandlers, with safer turning space.
  • Livestock layouts: Pens and handling systems can be arranged flexibly.
  • Hygiene compliance: Smooth surfaces and open bays make washdowns and audits easier.

J & J Carter’s marquee structures range from compact service shelters to wide-span halls of 25 metres, with 3 or 5 metre bay modules and side heights up to 3 metres. Every building is engineered to British and European standards for wind and snow loading, so you can be confident it will stand up to your site conditions across all agricultural environments..

Rapid Installation and Ongoing Adaptability

When you’re up against a tight harvest window or a sudden surge in demand, speed matters. These modular buildings can be designed, manufactured and installed in a fraction of the time of a conventional shed. Once in place, they don’t lock you in. Bays can be added to extend capacity, walling can be upgraded for insulation or security, and the whole structure can even be moved elsewhere on the yard if priorities shift.

Farms face harsh conditions. That’s why these modular halls are built with corrosion-resistant aluminium frames and durable PVC or UPVC walling. Roofs can be specified with insulation to reduce condensation and stabilise internal temperatures, protecting stored crops and ensuring a more comfortable environment for livestock.

J & J Carter carry out site-specific calculations for wind and snow loadings, so whether your farm sits on an exposed ridge or in a sheltered valley, the building is engineered to withstand it. Not every farming job has the same requirements, so the building envelope can be tailored:

  • PVC covers for simple, cost-effective protection.
  • Insulated double or triple roofs for crop storage and animal housing, cutting heat loss and controlling condensation.
  • Clear PVC panels where daylight is needed.
  • UPVC “tough wall” systems for security and thermal stability.
  • Window and panoramic panels where a more customer-facing look is needed.

This approach ensures farmers only invest in what they need.

From Harvest to Livestock: Real-World Applications

Our aluminium frame marquees and modular halls are used across every part of the agricultural supply chain:

Application Area Typical Uses & Benefits
Harvest intake & crop storage Protect grain, hay, straw and produce from adverse weather while maintaining airflow and easy access for machinery.
Fertiliser and input storage Keep bulk materials dry, compliant and easily accessible, ensuring safe and efficient handling on-site.
Machinery and maintenance workshops Provide weatherproof, secure space for servicing, repair and parts management, with full machinery access.
Livestock housing Create flexible layouts for lambing, calving or overwintering, with adaptable ventilation and insulation options.
Horticulture & packhouses Offer clean, open interiors for washing, grading and packing lines, supporting efficient product flow.
Processing and logistics hubs
Processing and logistics hubs Deliver rapidly deployable storage or handling areas for agricultural processors, distributors and cooperatives.
Events & exhibitions Present premium environments for agricultural shows, trade events and demonstrations, with optional branding and glazing.
Farm Shop / Café Establish a clean, customer-facing retail or hospitality space quickly. Can be fitted with windows and panoramic panels for an attractive look and insulated for temperature stability.
Wedding venue Provide a large, clearspan interior with no central poles for flexible seating and dance floor layouts. Optional glazing and professional branding ensure a premium environment for private events.

Learn more about our agricultural animal pens and enclosures, which integrate seamlessly with our clearspan halls. Proven at Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association Pens and temporary stables by LH Woodhouse, these systems deliver welfare-focused and visually strong solutions for livestock and exhibition setups.

At Shows and Events: Visibility That Works

Agricultural shows demand both functionality and presence. Our marquees provide clean, professional environments while also giving you a platform to stand out.

Our clearspan marquees create clean, professional environments that can be branded to reflect your business. We can digitally print your branding directly onto the covers, so your structure doubles as advertising. From logos to seasonal promotions and QR codes, the building itself works as a signpost for your business. We also supply modular livestock pens and enclosures, proven at events like the Royal Cornwall Show, which combine animal welfare with strong presentation.

Explore our Printed Marquees for Agricultural Shows to see how these structures help exhibitors stand out at major events.

Sustainability That Supports Agricultural Goals

Our wide-span marquees are reusable, reconfigurable, and recyclable, reducing waste across their lifetime.

We also take responsibility for manufacturing: our UK facility runs partly on solar power, sources materials locally, and uses efficient laser cutting to minimise waste.

Agricultural businesses looking to align with 2026 sustainability goals can be confident that our approach reflects environmental responsibility across the supply chain.

Engineered to British and European Standards

Temporary doesn’t mean lightweight. Every aluminium structure J&J Carter supplies is engineered for compliance:

  • Frames certified to EN 1090 (UKCA/CE) up to Execution Class 2.
  • Temporary halls built to EN 13782 for safety.
  • Permanent or semi-permanent installs designed to the relevant Eurocodes.
  • Our in-house engineering team provide the drawings and calculations you need to secure approvals and satisfy insurers and regulators.

A strong structure still depends on a good setup. Anchoring systems vary from ground anchors to slabs and ring beams, chosen based on soil and exposure.

Access is equally critical. Door systems range from pedestrian sets to 4-metre-high sliding doors suitable for modern machinery. Inside, translucent roofs reduce lighting costs, while clear spans make it simple to suspend electrics, ducting and services exactly where they’re needed.

Why More Agricultural Businesses Are Making the Switch

Our aluminium marquees and modular halls give farms what they’ve been missing: buildings that are engineered, fast to install and flexible enough to evolve as the business does. From crops and machinery to livestock and retail, one structure can perform multiple roles over its lifetime.

This is not a short-term stopgap, but a practical investment that will earn its keep year after year. If you need extra capacity - whether for livestock housing, harvest intake, machinery or retail - don’t wait months for a permanent build.

Contact J&J Carter today to discuss your requirements. Our team will design a modular structure that fits your site, your workload and your future.

Q: Can aluminium clearspan marquees be used for winter livestock housing in the UK?

J & J Carter aluminium marquees can be fitted with insulated roofs, UPVC walls, and controlled ventilation, providing a safe, compliant, and comfortable environment for sheep, cattle, and other livestock throughout winter. These structures are ideal for temporary or seasonal housing in agricultural operations.

Q: Are J & J Carter modular agricultural buildings compliant with UK and European standards?

Absolutely. All our structures are engineered to meet EN 1090 (UKCA/CE) and EN 13782, and semi-permanent builds adhere to the relevant Eurocodes. This ensures safety, structural reliability, and regulatory compliance for farms, processing facilities, and agricultural events.

Q: Can aluminium marquees and modular halls be relocated or expanded on agricultural sites?

Yes. Our modular clearspan halls are designed to be fully extendable, relocatable, or reconfigurable. Businesses can add bays, upgrade walling, or move the structure to suit seasonal storage, livestock housing, machinery workshops, or event requirements — making them a flexible, long-term solution.

Q: Can aluminium marquees be used for agricultural events and livestock exhibitions?

Yes. Our clearspan marquees and modular pens are perfect for agricultural shows, trade events, and livestock exhibitions. They provide professional presentation, animal welfare compliance, and optional branding through printed covers, allowing businesses to maximise visibility while maintaining functionality.

Our Cookies

This site uses cookies to store information on your device. Some of these cookies are essential to make our site work and others help us to improve by giving us some insight into how the site is being used.

Read more about essential and non-essential cookies in our Privacy Policy