Oakleaf Contracts launches modular manufacturing division - Business Plus
Irish construction companyOakleaf Contractshas announced plans to significantly expands its operations with the launch of a dedicated modular manufacturing division. The new division will operate from a 65,000. . .
Irish construction companyOakleaf Contractshas announced plans to significantly expands its operations with the launch of a dedicated modular manufacturing division. The new division will operate from a 65,000 sq ft facility in the Lancaster area and specialise in the offsite production of fully fitted, custom-built bathroom pods for the residential, study accommodation, hotel and healthcare sectors. The pods are built in a controlled factory environment before being transported to aconstructionproject ready for installation, complete with fixtures, fittings, plumbing, electrical components and finishes. The move marks a major milestone for the Derry-based company, which also has offices in Dublin and Sheffield, strengthening its position in the expanding offsite construction market. Oakleaf, a leading specialist dry wall partition and ceiling contractor, recently secured a major multi-million pound contract to supply 3,300 modular bathroom pods for a large-scale student accommodation development at a leading English university. "The launch of our modular division represents an exciting new chapter for Oakleaf and enables us to combine our award-winning construction expertise with advanced and highly specialised offsite manufacturing capabilities," saidPhilip McCoubrey, director of Oakleaf Contracts. "Offsite construction is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the demands of modern building projects and is an area that we’ve been looking to develop for some time. “Our modular bathroom pods offer significant advantages in terms of reduced onsite labour, improved quality control, minimising risk and supporting sustainability objectives through reduced waste and more efficient manufacturing processes. “The fact that we’ve been able to secure a contract for 3,300 pods so soon after our launch demonstrates both the strength of the opportunity and the confidence clients have in our approach. We look forward to building on this early success and developing long-term partnerships with clients across multiple sectors,” he added. Headed up on the ground by Oakleaf commercial managerNigel McCarthy, the new modular division will provide immediate employment for 50 staff in the Lancaster region. Oakleaf Commercial Manager Nigel McCarthy from Hillsborough is pictured onsite at the company’s new 65,000 sq. ft facility in the Lancaster area. (Pic: Ian Cooper/Ian Cooper Photography. )"This investment underlines our commitment to long-term growth and innovation,” said McCarthy. “By introducing modular manufacturing, we are broadening our service offering and positioning Oakleaf at the forefront of modern construction – providing integrated solutions that combine traditional contracting expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to meet the evolving needs of the built environment. ”Photo: Oakleaf commercial manager Nigel McCarthy (centre) from Hillsborough is pictured onsite at the new factory with colleagues John Desbourough and Darcie Whitehead. Sign up to The Business Plus Panel to help shape the business decisions of tomorrow and win vouchers for your opinions!