Volumetric Building Companies, said to be one of the world’s biggest modular building manufacturers with global sales nearing $1billion, has announced plans to expand into the UK, targeting the build-to-rent, affordable housing, student accommodation, and hotel sectors.
The move follows VBC’s merger with Polish manufacturer Polcom earlier this year to extend its reach into Europe.
The Philadelphia-based company now has a dedicated management team in place in the UK and has plans to secure offsite manufacturing capabilities here, in addition to its existing modular production resources in mainland Europe, according to UK director Andy Smith.
He said: “Residential – both build-to-rent and affordable housing – is one of the fastest growing segments of the offsite sector, driven by the high cost of private rental, the lack of affordable housing, and changing demographics. There is a critical need to increase the housing stock in high density urban areas and to radically improve the productivity of UK construction.
“Our aim in the next three years is to secure a strong order pipeline in our target sectors in the UK – student accommodation, build-to-rent, affordable housing, defence, custodial, and hotels – and to raise the profile of VBC here, ahead of our expansion into Western Europe. We are already in advanced discussions with a number of hotel groups, private developers, major contractors, and social housing providers.”
