Project Details – Key Facts:
• Project Name: Military Base
• Location: Milldenhall, UK
• Client: APEX projects
• Project Type: Military Base
• Product: Bespoke COM 3 Mailboxes, with open back and Digilocks
• Product Type: In front / Out Back
• Installation: Through Wall
• Colour: RAL 5013 – Cobalt Blue Matt
• Additional: Custom engraving

The Project:
In partnership with APEX, we were commissioned to develop a tailored solution for a secure mailroom on a military base, designed to support mail delivery for over 4,600 military personnel. Working closely with APEX and the military base’s post masters, The Safety Letterbox Company was tasked with removing the existing mailroom setup, which consisted of outdated manual-locking post boxes.

The objective was to modernise the facility with a secure, digital mailbox system that offered improved efficiency, greater control, and long-term reliability. A key requirement was to provide open access for post workers on one side of the mail system, while enabling military personnel to retrieve their mail via secure, keyless access from the opposite side – effectively future-proofing the system for years to come. The solution had to prioritise both functionality and high-level security within a high-traffic setting.

The Challenge:
The existing mailroom setup was no longer fit for purpose. Manual-locking post boxes created inefficiencies for postmasters and offered limited security for military personnel, while the sheer scale of managing mail for over 4,600 individuals demanded a more streamlined, modern solution.

Additional complexities included:
• Dual Access Requirement: Designing a system that allowed postmasters to load mail quickly from the rear, while ensuring secure retrieval for personnel from the front.
• High-Security Environment: Meeting the rigorous standards of a military base where both security and operational efficiency are paramount.
• Durability: Creating a solution robust enough to withstand daily high-traffic use, while maintaining ease of operation over the long term.
• Future-Proofing: Ensuring the system could adapt to personnel rotation, deployment, and long-term operational needs.

The Solution:
To address the unique challenges of the military base, The Safety Letterbox Company developed a fully bespoke solution built around our proven COM 3 mailbox range. The project required not just the supply of secure mailboxes, but the complete re-engineering of the mailroom workflow to deliver a system that could manage extremely high volumes while remaining secure, reliable, and easy to use.

Dual-Access Design
At the core of the solution was the development of a dual-access system. Each mailbox was designed with an open back to give postmasters unrestricted access for fast and efficient mail loading, while the front was fitted with advanced Digilock technology. This enabled military personnel to retrieve their mail via secure, fob-operated, keyless entry — eliminating the inefficiencies of key management and ensuring complete traceability and control.

Custom Functionality
Recognising the rotational nature of military life, we introduced bespoke mailbox restrictors. These allowed individual units to be locked off when personnel were on leave or deployment, ensuring that inactive mailboxes could not be misused while also reducing workload for postmasters. This flexibility was critical in future-proofing the system to adapt seamlessly to the changing personnel base.

Through-Wall Installation
The system was installed directly through the wall, creating a physical separation between the secure mailroom and the user-facing area. This not only improved operational flow but also enhanced overall security by limiting unauthorised access. To ensure long-term strength, we engineered hidden structural steel supports, carefully integrated to bear the weight of the system while maintaining a clean, streamlined aesthetic.

Material Quality and Finish
Durability was a key requirement, and our COM 3 mailboxes provided the robust foundation needed for such a high-demand environment. Manufactured from high-grade Aluminium, the units were finished in RAL 5013 Cobalt Blue Matt, selected to align with official military colours and to deliver a visually cohesive, professional appearance. The finish also offered excellent resistance to wear, ensuring the system will withstand heavy daily use without compromising performance or appearance.

Integrated Design and Delivery
From the early consultation stages, our team worked closely with APEX and the military base’s postmasters to refine every detail of the system. We handled the entire process — design, engineering, manufacture, delivery, and installation — ensuring full accountability and a seamless experience. This end-to-end approach meant we could adapt in real time to site-specific requirements and deliver a solution tailored precisely to the operational needs of the base.

In combining robust engineering, advanced digital security, and custom design, we created a solution that not only met but exceeded the project brief — setting a new benchmark for military mailroom efficiency and security.

The Benefits:
For Military Personnel:
• Fob Access: Convenient, secure, and keyless entry using individual fobs – no need to carry or manage physical keys.
• Digital Control: A fully digital system offering reliable, modern access to personal mail, anytime.

For Postmasters:
• Time-Saving: Open-back design allows for quick, seamless mail loading without the need to manage keys or unlock individual boxes.
• Improved Organisation: Restrictors and structured layout help postmasters manage active and inactive mailboxes more effectively.

This project demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and attention to detail can transform a critical facility within a high-security environment. By replacing outdated manual systems with a bespoke, digitally controlled mailbox solution, The Safety Letterbox Company has enabled APEX and the military base to achieve significant improvements in efficiency, security, and usability.
The result is a robust, future-ready system that not only meets the immediate operational needs of over 4,600 personnel but also provides a scalable, long-term solution designed to evolve with the base’s requirements.