Revolutionizing Home Construction
British Offsite, in a groundbreaking collaboration with Swedish robotic engineering firm Randek AB, has launched ‘Horizon’, a state-of-the-art offsite automated construction factory in Braintree. This £45 million facility, one of the most automated light gauge steel panel assembly lines in Europe, is set to revolutionize the construction industry by delivering up to 4,000 homes per year.
The 137,000 sq.ft. factory, located in the Horizon Business Park, will employ cutting-edge robotic automation to produce light gauge steel panel systems for superstructures and internal fit-outs in various housing developments, including multi-rise and high-rise projects. Each robot in the factory is named after a UK city, symbolizing the nationwide impact of this innovative venture.
The factory will primarily focus on producing British Offsite’s UniSystem range, a hybrid Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) technology. This innovative system includes light gauge panels, walls, roofs, and floors, all manufactured precisely to developers’ specifications. Each UniSystem panel, complete with windows, doors, insulation, vents, fire stopping, and external cladding, can be produced every 15 minutes, allowing for the creation of an entire apartment’s worth of panels every hour.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The Horizon factory is not only a beacon of efficiency but also a champion of sustainability. The lightweight steel frames used in the construction process contain 38% recycled steel, reducing environmental impact and complying with stringent fire regulations. The superior air tightness of the UniSystem, coupled with increased insulation, enhances energy efficiency and reduces household energy consumption.
The launch of the Horizon factory will create approximately 180 new jobs. Once fully operational, the factory will operate on a two-shift system, five days a week. The factory floor spans triple-height space, while the offices house 20,000 sq.ft. of facilities, including an R&D suite, marketing department, canteen, and health-screening clinic. The entire facility boasts a glass and Trimco-panels façade, complemented by solar panels on the roof to maximize energy efficiency.
The Horizon factory marks British Offsite’s second offsite construction factory, following the successful launch of ‘Skyline’ in 2019. With the addition of ‘Horizon’, British Offsite is quadrupling its production capacity, further solidifying its position as an industry leader.
Bob Weston, Chairman of British Offsite & Weston Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Offsite construction is the future of the housebuilding industry, and homes manufactured at ‘Horizon’ can be tailored to a development’s unique design vision.”
Shaun Weston, Managing Director of British Offsite, shared his pride in being part of the new wave of high-tech British manufacturing, bringing significant capabilities to the construction industry. He emphasized how the new robotic production line at ‘Horizon’ consolidates the work of multiple trades into a single panel, streamlining traditional residential construction.
The launch of the Horizon factory represents a major leap forward in home construction. By embracing advanced technologies and sustainable practices, British Offsite is revolutionizing the way homes are built, ensuring a brighter future for the construction industry and homeowners alike.
