For over 80 years, the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA) has been at the forefront of driving volumetric modular growth within the commercial construction landscape. Richard Hipkiss, development director for the MPBA, underscores the urgency of modern methods of construction (MMC) in addressing the chronic issue of low productivity that has plagued the industry for decades. The statistics are sobering: since 1997, construction productivity has lagged approximately 21% behind the broader economy, pushing up costs and squeezing profit margins.
Volumetric modular buildings offer a more dynamic approach to construction, leveraging industrialization to enhance efficiency. By standardizing, streamlining, and automating key construction tasks, MPBA members are not just keeping pace; they are setting the bar higher. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has pointed out that modular technology can deliver projects up to 50% faster than traditional onsite methods, such as brick and block. This is not just a matter of speed; it’s about harnessing cutting-edge digital design and manufacturing technologies, allowing for simultaneous groundworks and construction. The efficiency gains from this advanced offsite construction method are impossible to ignore.
However, the sector is not without its challenges. The recent collapse of firms like Ilke Homes and Caledonian Modular raises serious questions about the resilience of the modular construction market. The MPBA acknowledges the pressing need for strategic coordination and decisive government intervention to avert further failures. The complexities surrounding the housing shortage extend beyond merely finding faster building solutions; they involve significant political and economic factors. Setting up manufacturing facilities demands hefty investments of time and capital, which can be hard to recoup in the stop-start nature of residential construction.
Yet, there are bright spots on the horizon. The UK’s commercial sectors, particularly healthcare and education, have long embraced modular technology with great success. Leading manufacturers within the MPBA are keen to forge long-term strategic relationships in these fields, focusing on developing specialized skills and expertise. By industrializing key construction tasks, they are not just building structures; they are building a more robust industry.
The Skills England report released in September 2024 highlights a crucial opportunity for MMC to tackle the pressing labor shortages and productivity hurdles the sector faces. The report estimates a need for an additional 252,000 construction workers by 2028, a figure that predates Labour’s ambitious housebuilding plans. This demand will extend beyond housing to encompass transport, education, health, and energy infrastructure, demanding a concerted effort to bolster workforce capacity.
In response to these challenges, the MPBA launched a Learning Hub in 2020, designed to equip both young and mature students with vital industry skills. Located in Coventry, this facility provides a focused environment for knowledge-sharing, free from workplace pressures. Unlike traditional training providers, the MPBA’s course content is tailored specifically for its members, ensuring relevance and practical application. The hub supports employees at various experience levels, helping them gain recognition for their skills and apply for construction skills cards (CSCS).
Spearheading volumetric modular growth, the MPBA plays a pivotal role in shaping best practices across the industry. It actively participates in committees to advocate for its members, ensuring that government policies are informed by the realities of the construction landscape. With its blend of controlled deliverables and customizable outputs, modular construction offers significant cost and time efficiencies while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
In a landscape beset by challenges, the MPBA stands as a beacon for innovation and resilience in the construction sector. Joining this association opens doors to collaboration and resources that can drive your business forward. The MPBA is not just a voice in the industry; it’s a partner committed to navigating the complexities of modern construction. For those looking to be part of this transformative journey, the MPBA offers a wealth of opportunities and support.
