Who said that modular housing was a new idea?
In 1853 these houses were ordered and sent to the Bishop of Melbourne, shipped flatpack.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Car vs. Home Manufacturing in Australia?
Car manufacturing in Australia has now clearly been dealt the final death blow with General Motors Holden announcing last week that they were joining Ford in closing their Australian manufacturing plants in 2017. The debate is now about how to salvage the skilled workforce and facilities and provide new manufacturing opportunities.
It is surprising that the answer has been quietly going about its business under the noses of politicians for years; offsite prefab construction.
Australia has always held a world-class advantage in design and innovation. I believe that factory manufacturing of modular and prefabricated building units; be they housing, workforce accommodation, commercial offices, schools, hospitals or apartments; is one answer to the dilemma facing all levels of Government.
Over the past several years we have heard about the death of Australia's manufacturing industry, the crisis in the construction industry and the lack of affordable housing around the country.
I know if the offsite industry was given one billion dollars a year for the next seven years (as the car industry was promised), it could solve all of these issues at once; building affordable housing and building products offsite in world-class manufacturing facilities. I am sure that a large proportion of the existing car manufacturing equipment and techniques (including welding robots, wiring loom systems, plasma steel cutting, rapid prototyping and a skilled workforce) would be able to be used directly for building construction.
Remember, Australian's built approximately 200,000 cars and 160,000 houses this year. Which industry deserves more Government support and investment in technology and manufacturing assistance?
Something to ponder.
It is surprising that the answer has been quietly going about its business under the noses of politicians for years; offsite prefab construction.
Australia has always held a world-class advantage in design and innovation. I believe that factory manufacturing of modular and prefabricated building units; be they housing, workforce accommodation, commercial offices, schools, hospitals or apartments; is one answer to the dilemma facing all levels of Government.
Over the past several years we have heard about the death of Australia's manufacturing industry, the crisis in the construction industry and the lack of affordable housing around the country.
I know if the offsite industry was given one billion dollars a year for the next seven years (as the car industry was promised), it could solve all of these issues at once; building affordable housing and building products offsite in world-class manufacturing facilities. I am sure that a large proportion of the existing car manufacturing equipment and techniques (including welding robots, wiring loom systems, plasma steel cutting, rapid prototyping and a skilled workforce) would be able to be used directly for building construction.
Remember, Australian's built approximately 200,000 cars and 160,000 houses this year. Which industry deserves more Government support and investment in technology and manufacturing assistance?
Something to ponder.
Friday, 13 December 2013
Workforce planning for Queensland's Gas Industry
Are you looking for information and statistics on future workforce planning for the Queensland CSG and LNG industries? The prediction is for the workforce to peak at 17,000 workers in 2024. See a new report from Energy Skills Queensland.
Non-Confoirming Products in your supply chain?
Hands up if you have ever experienced non-conforming products in your supply chain? A new Australian Industry Group research project has identified 92% of companies surveyed reported non-conforming products. See the full article and download the report.
World's tallest Modular Building in production in New York City
Great story on new modular hi-rise in New York City, 32 floors built in Brooklyn for the new Atlantic Yards project.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)