So many of the challenges we face in our industry are caused by inefficiencies - cost and time being the two that probably most jump to mind. If only there was some way to shore up all of those inefficiencies and streamline the path to faster fit-outs, a higher quality end product, less downtime, lower waste, better safety standards, and more effective cost control. It wouldn’t just make for more satisfied clients, it would transform our industry, introducing more certainty around timelines and reducing cost overruns.
This isn’t wishful thinking. The reality is the answer has been around for some time now in the form of offsite manufacturing (OSM).
The ABC of Offsite Manufacturing
With OSM, many of the components and modules of a building are designed, fabricated and assembled in an offsite factory environment. They are then transported to the site for fitting and installation. Offsite Manufacturing has applications for all kinds of buildings. It is being used in numerous sectors including housing, healthcare, offices, retail, and leisure.
Why Offsite Manufacturing is a great fit for fit-out
More cost-effective: With less waste, faster production, and fewer mistakes due to the factory setting, OSM is likely to end up being less expensive than traditional onsite construction. With the prefabricated pieces designed to fit together easily without needing any special expertise, it requires less time, less labour and less specialised skills onsite.
Increased speed: With the modules of the fit-out complete when delivered to site, build and installation time on-site is fast. The time-saving aspect of Offsite Manufacturing and modular construction can keep a project on schedule and speeds up the build process time while remaining efficient. OSM is up to 60% quicker than traditional construction. This presents real advantages in city centre sites, where it will reduce on-site time and minimise construction disruption.
Reduced environmental impact, less waste: Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of Offsite Manufacturing is that it is better for the environment and helps reduce our carbon footprint. Less onsite construction activity equals reduced carbon emissions and noise pollution. And because materials can be calculated and ordered more accurately in a factory environment, it results in less waste, with reductions of up to 80% in Offsite Manufacturing reported by the Financial Times, with a 95% recycling rate.
Improved safety: Most of the construction work taking place in a controlled factory setting, as opposed to a site, means safer conditions for workers. There are none of the risks associated with poor weather and visibility, and less likelihood of slips or falls.
Higher quality product: With fabrication taking place in a tightly controlled factory setting, it is easier to meet precise design specifications than on site. This means your design does not have to allow the same margin for error needed with onsite construction.
