Jun 22 2007
Interbuild 2007 is bringing some of the biggest challenges facing Offsite to the fore at this year’s event, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Mtech – the leading specialist consultancy for offsite construction.
As the emerging trend for hybrid or collaborative technologies takes off, organisers anticipate this will be a major talking point in the show’s Offsite Solutions Zone throughout the five day exhibition (28 October – 1 November at Birmingham’s NEC).
“Historically specifiers have tended to opt for one, single offsite solution,” says Mtech Managing Director, Darren Richards. “The increasing use of mixed methods poses an important industry challenge as to the approach from both a manufacturing and procurement perspective.”
Proposals put forward by Mtech include the suggestion that like-minded companies should co-operate and pool resources to progress research and development into making collaborative manufacturing work in practice.
“Off-site ‘super factories’ where solutions share combined facilities, has to be the way forward for the industry if we are to really drive economies of scale,” says Darren.
Interbuild 2007 is the perfect opportunity for the industry to grasp what this could mean for the future of offsite. With senior decision makers coming together in one place at one time, it’s the ultimate networking event for key players from both the UK and overseas. The eclectic mix of showcased products also makes it easier for specifiers and buyers to source appropriate applications.
5,970 offsite construction visitors attended last year’s show. On that basis, over 30 companies promoting offsite solutions have already committed to exhibiting in the Offsite Solutions Zone at Interbuild 2007. The impressive line-up of companies so far includes H + H Celcon, Elements, Cadolto, Bath Systems, JJ Smith, Wolf Systems and Ensuite Solutions.
“We’ve all seen the headlines and the current challenges facing UK offsite construction are well publicised,” says Interbuild Event Director, Gordon Thomas. “Alongside collaborative manufacturing, other key issues facing offsite right now are related to ever growing demand, sustainability, quality and capacity.”
In a bid to bring these industry issues up the agenda and build a better future for Offsite, Mtech are currently assembling a series of technical guided tours and seminars to be staged during the show; further details of which will be released nearer the time.
“Interbuild always reflects the hottest topics in construction and as offsite is possibly the most discussed subject, it is only right that we should have a major commitment to that zone,” says Gordon.
“Over the past few events, we have seen increases in the number of exhibitors and visitors concerned with modern building methodologies and are committed to providing a platform where companies can meet and do real business.”