Modern methods of construction, or more commonly MMC, is self-explanatory on the surface - new and innovative ways to build and construct. Introduced in 2005 as part of a solution to the housing crisis, the goal was to improve efficacy, quality and logistical coordination, as well as taking into account environmental and sustainable priorities. Whilst the spread of MMC could have been faster, it's growing from strength to strength in a post-pandemic world.
Why is MMC in a position of growth?
The global environment has impacted everyone is so many ways, including the construction industry. The pandemic halted, postponed and cancelled a significant quantity of projects, and as a result, there's a phenomenal deficit to be made up in the wake of restrictions lifting.
MMC offers multiple benefits and is the ideal solution to make up the deficit by improving on traditional methods, and as such, is in a position to grow exponentially, through the current increase in usage, but also in future projects following an increase in appreciation for the quick and innovative techniques.
The significant improvement MMC can offer can be simplified into four reasons:
Speed - Now, more than ever, speed is important, and using MMC can save between 10 and 50%.
Sustainability - As the world becomes more aware of the environmental crisis, using sustainable techniques is vital and very necessary.
Logistics - The offsite manufacturing enables a smaller construction time onsite and the impact on the other aspects of the project is minimal.
Safety - Again, offsite manufacture limits the risk in height and process, and can allow for social distancing in manufacture and in some cases, assembly.
What barriers have been removed over the years?
UK Based Manufacturing
When it was introduced, MMC was mostly based abroad because the UK didn't have the experience or facilities to meet the needs of manufacturing and was widely unwilling to outsource the revenue. Now, the UK is equipped to meet these needs, saving money, making logistics easier, being more environmental.
Accelerated Delivery
The logistics of importing from overseas was a significant factor in the slow uptake of MMC. Eliminating the overseas import logistics as a result of UK production has enabled a significant barrier to be removed.
Reduced Costs
Initially, the import costs of the outsourced production made what was supposed to be contextually relatively inexpensive much more costly. Now that UK production is so successful, this is a huge saving.
Better Quality
When it was introduced, MMC didn't have the reputation or capacity to meet the standards of traditional construction methods. The increase in quality has enabled MMC to stand up to the traditional methods in quality, and then best it on other features, leading to another removed boundary.
Labour and Skills Shortage
At its advent, by nature of it being an innovation, the lack of knowledge and skills meant it was not widely accessible in the industry. Now, multiple businesses and consultancies exist to provide effective service and thrive as a result.
What does the future look like for MMC?
Naturally, it's impossible to predict the future, but without a doubt, the future for MMC construction is exciting. Firstly, with the barriers eased, growth is more possible than ever, and offers the opportunity for existing methods to be expanded into new territory as well as for developments in process and efficacy to the existing processes.
Secondly, as a result of the new global circumstances, what MMC offers in this instance is the opportunity for the construction industry to make up lost revenue and effectively and successfully complete many very necessary projects using these fast, practical and environmental solutions. As such, this is a benefit to the industry as well as the country and the population and in light of this, MMC is more impactful than ever in the UK and in the construction industry.
