Mature commercial markets in the volumetric modular industry are thriving due to increased demand for MMC in the healthcare and education sectors
Scanning the industry headlines, you could not fail to notice that some relatively new entrants to the volumetric modular arena are facing challenging times.
But as Richard Hipkiss, development director of the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA), explains, the outlook in mature commercial markets is more positive, driven by increased demand for MMC in the healthcare and education sectors.
Many consider Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to be relatively new – never mind the growing demand for MMC – but this transformative technology has evolved over many decades. It is hard to believe that the Wernick Group has been around since 1934.
Not long after, other major players in today’s industry joined the ranks, with the foundation of Portakabin in 1961, followed by Elliott Group (Algeco) in 1963, Pickerings in 1969 and Thurston Group in 1970.
So how have these companies stood the test of time? There is not one simple answer. But in the main, it is down to developing technical solutions to overcome inherent industry issues while also having a keen eye on the future and anticipating what is coming down the track.
A simple but effective tactic
It is universally agreed that a robust and regular pipeline of work is essential to ensure that the overheads incurred in running the high-tech manufacturing facilities associated with MMC are covered. Planning ahead for the peaks and troughs is essential.
This can be managed in various ways, but experienced operators have a simple and effective tactic. By using a series of interconnecting factories, manufacturing facilities can be expanded at times of high demand and closed off if a project, for example, suffers planning delays.
Evidencing value
Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) is another driving force in the specification of volumetric technology in the commercial sector. PMV is a core metric for measuring the level of MMC in a project and is central to the UK government’s procurement programmes.
To secure a contract, suppliers are required to show that pre-manufacturing will account for 70% of their construction cost, which plays to the strengths of a volumetric modular approach.
Acquisition and investment
Portakabin has recently confirmed the acquisition of healthcare modular buildings specialist Darwin Group. The companies say the move will offer significant benefits to healthcare providers across the UK.
The acquisition was driven by a shared belief that every patient should have access to world-leading healthcare facilities that empower clinicians and the broader healthcare system to deliver exceptional care.
And while Legal & General (L&G) has made the decision to close its modular housebuilding factory, citing the impact of the pandemic and planning delays, Aviva Capital Partners (ACP) is investing £20m into TopHat. This equity funding will support TopHat’s major new factory in Corby and the creation of 1,000 new jobs.
The factory, anticipated to operate from summer 2024, has been designed to be capable of manufacturing 4,000 ultra-low carbon homes a year and will be Europe’s largest modular housing factory.
The answer to the UK housing crisis
Fast-build modular homes are certainly one of the answers to the UK housing crisis. The quality, energy efficiency, speed and sustainable manufacturing processes achieved in a factory environment are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate using a traditional site-based construction approach.
Taking a long-term view, ACP state that this investment was driven by the sustainability credentials of TopHat’s low-carbon homes.
In 2025, compliance with the UK government’s Future Homes Standard will become mandatory. Its aim is to ensure that new homes built from 2025 will produce 75%-80% less carbon emissions than homes built under the current Building Regulations.
The UK housing stock’s operational emissions are also vital for the country to meet its legally binding net zero targets and modular homes can provide a fast and effective solution.
MMC is a transformative technology meeting growing demand
The MMC sector for category one (volumetric) and category two (panelised systems) is an interesting place to be. The levels of investment and innovation are astounding and as with any transformative technology, there will be hurdles to overcome.
Our industry, unlike others, has nothing to fear from the legislation surrounding the predicted standards and the road to achieving net zero targets in commercial buildings is a well-mapped route.
The MPBA and our members firmly believe that the benefits of manufactured buildings begin in the factory, continue on to the construction site and last through the lifetime of the building.
Richard Hipkiss
Development director
Modular & Portable Building Association
Tel: +44 (0)2475 90 1938
