Building momentum
Dr Alan Hore at Skillnet MMC Accelerate chats about how modern methods of construction are playing an increasing role in addressing Ireland’s housing and infrastructure deficit
A collaboration between Skillnet Ireland and CitA, the Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform supports skills and talent development for MMC in Ireland through an online platform and regional events. It has been designed to help construction companies – especially SMEs – upskill their workforce, showcase expertise and connect with stakeholders. Whether it’s training, industry insights, case studies, research, development or industry news, the platform has it all, with the aim of helping small businesses implement MMC and stay ahead.
For small construction firms operating on ever-tightening margins, how feasible is it for them to implement MMC in a meaningful way? “There is a perception that only large contractors or manufacturers can embrace MMC, but that’s very much a misconception. In reality, MMC is highly accessible to both small and medium businesses. MMC encompasses a broad spectrum of innovations – everything from modular 3D structural systems to productivity improvements at site level. With smaller resources, SMEs can start by using prefabricated components, timber frame, BIM or digital surveying, anything that improves their efficiency,” says Dr Alan Hore, Programme Lead of Skillnet MMC Accelerate.
Small construction firms are eager to engage with MMC. “That’s evident from the numbers attending our business support events. You’ll have the likes of small builders, architectural firms and advisory support firms in attendance who are there for practical information on how to improve their productivity and address the problem of labour shortages while remaining competitive.” Cost is obviously a huge issue for small firms, but adopting MMC doesn’t necessarily require a huge outlay. “I think it’s important to distinguish between upfront investment and the whole life value to the business. Simple things like investing in training can be so beneficial. There are a number of training courses in MMC available, such as digital tools and Lean. Enterprise Ireland has a Lean Start Programme which we’re seeing a lot of companies take advantage of. The costs associated with these courses are relatively modest compared to the potential gains that they would get. I think the real cost comes when firms don’t adopt the likes of Lean.”
Upskilling staff, introducing digital workflows and understanding that standardised components make a lot of sense are simple ways to adopt MMC. “Construction businesses that continue to use traditional methods face increasing challenges around productivity, labour availability and quality. They fall down when it comes to sustainability and client expectations, because we’re increasingly hearing that clients and in particular, local authorities, are requesting MMC. By adopting these methods, construction firms are increasing their chance of securing work but they’re also realising they can quickly reduce waste, improve productivity and speed up delivery.”
When you’re building off-site or purchasing off-site solutions, you’re working in a much more controlled environment. Greater standardisation leads to reduced delays and greater efficiencies. “It’s also a higher quality build – when you’re manufacturing and assembling in a factory, you’ve got tighter controls. I think the biggest challenge for small to medium construction firms is getting labour. Through better use of the labour that’s available and by introducing an industrialised approach to construction, it’s possible for firms to deliver more with less.” For younger people considering a career in the industry, MMC may also be a more appealing method of construction. “It might also be more attractive to women and so could help address the ongoing lack of gender diversity in the industry.”
MMC is going to play an increasingly important role in addressing Ireland’s housing crisis. “It’s certainly not the only solution but it’s going to deliver a great volume if it can get over the impasse of planning, which remains a major issue. Bodies like the Land Development Agency are really starting to embrace MMC and view it as a viable alternative to traditional methods. MMC can deliver projects at scale so it’s also ideal for health, education and infrastructure in general. It’s not a silver bullet by any means but if it’s supported by planning reform – planners must become more open to non-traditional building methods – there’s no reason why we can’t close the housing gap.”
MMC has long been proposed as part of the solution to Ireland’s housing and infrastructure deficit. Now, says Alan, the conversation has moved beyond whether MMC should be used to how quickly and effectively it can be scaled across the industry. “We’re seeing that scale-up in construction firms around the country. That’s something that surprised us when we visited factories over the past couple of years. A good example is Kirby Group, a company with a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies. Essentially, they are manufacturing parts of M&E services and delivering them to sites for plug and play. Companies like Kirby or Mercury Engineering or Jones Engineering are providing MMC services because that’s what their clients expect.”
The work undertaken by the MMC Skills Oversight Group, managed by Sarah-Jane Pisciotti at John Sisk & Son, has advanced the adoption of MMC. “I think there’s real momentum now when it comes to utilising MMC to build better, faster and more efficiently. People are questioning why we can’t build things that are aesthetically pleasing and meet regulations at a cost that people can afford. That’s where MMC come in. If we can reduce the red tape and sort out planning, MMC can very quickly address our housing crisis and really contribute positively to our infrastructure deficit.”
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Michael McDonnell Managing Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine & Plan Magazine
