How British Offsite is leading the way for modern methods of construction

It’s not every day you get to visit a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility but, in July 2024, that’s exactly what I did.

I was invited to British Offsite’s Horizon factory in Braintree along with my colleagues from the Constructing Excellence Generation 4 Change (G4C) Task Force – the young professional voice of the UK-built environment.

The initiative provides an avenue for young professionals and those who are new to the industry to share ideas and grow their network. We can also use it as a platform for getting our voices heard in the industry.

Another benefit of being a G4C member is being given opportunities to go on trips such as this one, which provided a fascinating insight into how British Offsite is pushing the boundaries of construction.

The company is part of The Weston Group Plc, which has been building homes for over 35 years. In 2020, it took a bold step into the world of offsite construction by creating a light gauge steel frame system.

The culmination of years of hard work, innovation, and collaboration between their design, technical, and on-site teams led to the opening of the £40 million, 180,000 square-feet Horizon Factory in 2023.

Central to British Offsite’s success is the UNisystem - a product that’s as versatile as it is innovative. It comes in two main varieties:

Our tour was led by British Offsite business development manager Paul Cashman.

Throughout the day, he explained the process of manufacturing the UNisystem and the reasons behind the need for an additional factory.

What’s remarkable about these systems is their adaptability. They’re made using light gauge steel frames and standard materials, but they can be customised to meet specific structural, thermal, acoustic, and fire requirements.

The attention to detail is seriously impressive. From external wall insulation and cavity barriers to internal battens and damp-proof courses, all aspects are tailored to the needs of each project.

Working from both its Skyline and Horizon factories, British Offsite can produce a complete set of panels for an apartment in just 60 minutes.

Thanks to the implementation of Randek’s robotics system, production capacity has quadrupled, meaning the firm can now produce enough panels for 4,000 homes each year.

While the factory is a marvel of modern technology, British Offsite has made it clear that it’s not just relying on machines.

Humans still play a crucial role in the process, operating the robots and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s a balance that highlights the company’s commitment to both innovation and quality.

Behind every construction project, the speed of completing a building is important. The benefits of British Offsite’s approach are clear when you look at the numbers. For example:

The visit to British Offsite’s Horizon Factory was more than just a tour; it was a glimpse into the future of construction.

By combining cutting-edge technology with human expertise, British Offsite is not only improving efficiency but also setting a new standard for the industry. As it continues to innovate and expand, it’s clear that it’s a company to watch in the years to come.