The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has set out three key enablers to deliver its ‘Innovation Journey’ – Digital, Whole-life performance and Manufacturing.
As part of this plan, there is an increasing focus on growing the proportion of off-site manufacturing to help improve productivity, quality and safety across the industry. This is mirrored within the Construction Innovation Hub as one its four key themes – Value, Manufacturing, Assurance and Digital.
Off-site manufacturing encompasses Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which are defined by the NHBC Foundation as “embracing a range of off-site manufacturing and onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional house building, MMC ranges from whole homes being constructed from factory-built volumetric modules, through to the use of innovative techniques for laying concrete blockwork onsite”.
MMC provide opportunities for both manufacturers and merchants if approached in the right way. Here, we’ve summarised the main types of MMC and how merchants and suppliers can maximise MMC within their businesses based on our experiences with our own clients.
Offsite Volumetric Modules
Often called ‘Modular Construction’, these are building systems composed of three-dimensional units called volumetric modules, which are produced in a factory and fully fitted out before being transported to site. These modules are typically stacked onto prepared foundations to form the final building.
Pods are constructed in a similar way using volumetric methods, but are typically ready assembled bathrooms and kitchens designed to fit into existing structures.
As these units are made typically of timber or steel and transported to site with all internal fixtures and fittings intact, they provide significant opportunities for both manufacturers and merchants. For manufacturers, the opportunity exists for their products to be specified in addition to the potential of longer, more cost-effective production runs. For merchants, the opportunity exists to provide a complete basket of products direct to the production line, often just-in-time to allow an efficient, often single delivery solution.
Offsite Panelised Systems
Often referred to as ‘Panelised Construction’, these are two-dimensional units, typically manufactured offsite but, unlike volumetric modules, the panelised systems are assembled onsite.
They typically include timber frame, CLT (cross laminated timber), structural insulated panels and steel frame and have the option to have doors and windows pre-fitted in the factory or installed onsite.
Offsite Hybrid Systems
As the name suggests, this form of construction combines both offsite volumetric modules with offsite panelised systems.
In addition to the opportunities already provided to manufacturers and merchants of the two systems above, hybrid construction will often involve a closer relationship between the customer, merchant, and manufacturer, providing all parts of the supply chain with a stronger, more value-added customer relationship.
Onsite MMC methods
These construction processes are carried out on the construction site, but will typically be different processes, technologies, and systems from those used in more traditional construction. These will often include larger format or thin-jointed blockwork, in situ concrete, insulated formwork or even temporary factories located on or near the construction site (reducing transportation costs).
Additional benefits from Onsite MMC for both manufacturers and merchants are provided by the need to replicate a temporary factory or production facility either on or near the site. There are also opportunities for newer technologies to be used and delivered direct to site, together with the need for a broader range of consumables than would typically be required.
Creating common, low-carbon components
As MMC techniques develop, a focus on more common components will allow both contractors and facilities managers to reduce build time, provide inter-operability and ultimately reduce the whole-life cost of the building.
For manufacturers and merchants, this allows a narrower range of products to be specified and stocked, with the associated production cost and stock investment benefits. As part of the Construct ZERO initiative, the proportion of low-carbon components and technologies being used within MMC systems will only increase, allowing manufacturers and merchants to expand their offer in new product and customer segments.
By supporting their customers with the required new product and sector knowledge, they have the opportunity to bring real added value to their customers and the MMC process.
If you would like to talk to us, informally and in confidence, to understand how we can help you and develop your business, please contact info@moorgatemanagement.com or call Chris Maityard on 07767 291379.