British Offsite, the MMC specialist business owned by house builder Weston Group, has launched its £45m automated factory to produce light gauge steel panel systems for the industry.
The firm has invested in the new 137,000 sq ft Horizon factory in Braintree banking on the flexibility its system offers building designers over box-like volumetric designs.
Bob Weston, Chairman of British Offsite & Weston Group, said: "The launch of the 'Horizon' factory has created one of the most automated light guage steel panel assembly lines in Europe and the largest single production line in the UK."
It has been fitted out with eight robots to create automated production lines capable of assisting with the delivery of up to 4,000 new homes per year.
Once the factory is fully operational, it would run a two-shift system five days a week, employing around 180 people.
The factory has been designed to be ultra flexible opening the scope of buildings it can supply from traditional housing to high-rise homes through to schools.
Initially, it will supply the group's Weston Homes house building business, but it also has local and regional house builders in its sights as customers.
Shaun Weston, managing director of British Offsite and son of Bob Weston, said: "The new robotic production line at 'Horizon' allows for the consolidation of the work of up to five trades into one panel.
"Our MMC products are designed to be easily integrated into existing projects, helping to streamline traditional residential construction."
The UniSystem is a specially developed hybrid MMC that is highly flexible and allows rapid integration into traditional building design.
The range that can be produced includes light gauge panels, walls, roofs and floors, with the panels having windows, doors, insulation, vents, fire stopping and external cladding in place.
In addition, British Offsite also manufactures internal fitout modules, under their BOS Fitout brand, which includes bathroom components, kitchen and bedroom products, designed to be easily integrated into existing projects, with full quality control testing before elements reach site.
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