US modular construction firm mulls UK expansion

Philadelphia-headquartered modular building specialist Volumetric Building Companies has revealed its UK expansion plans. The move follows the company’s entry into the Europe earlier this year through a merger with Polish modular manufacturer Polcom. VBC is now on the hunt for a UK partner, with a view to accessing the country’s build-to-rent, affordable housing, student accommodation and hotel sectors, and establishing manufacturing facilities in Britain. Andy Smith, UK director at VBC, 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 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.”   To send feedback, e-mail evelina.grecenko@eg.co.uk or tweet @Gre_Eve or @EGPropertyNews