Covid-19 ‘catalyst for shift to modular’, claims manufacturer

The covid-19 pandemic has been the catalyst for a shift to modular construction, according to the managing director of bathroom pod manufacturer Connex Offsite.

Brendan Doherty, who runs the Newry-based firm, said it
would be hiring staff for a variety of roles over the next two months,
including joiners, operations managers, designers, general labourers, and
tilers, off the back of increased orders.

The firm has also won a £3m contract to supply luxury
modular bathroom pods to London property developer Mount Anvil for its Royal
Eden Docks development in east London.

Doherty said: “We have seen huge growth in recent months and I believe the covid-19 crisis has been the catalyst for a shift to modular construction.

“Offsite manufacturing is being embraced by the industry because of the restrictions on the level of labour on site.

“Because our pods are completely finished in a controlled environment, shrink wrapped on the factory floor and shipped to the construction site, we are reducing the numbers of trades required on site.”