Modular buildings: Responding to change

TEMPORARY MODULAR buildings provide manufacturers with several key benefits. Firstly, they offer flexibility, allowing manufacturing and industrial businesses to quickly scale up or down their workforce requirements based on demand. This is particularly important for those who experience seasonal fluctuations in their workforce. By utilising temporary modular buildings for hire, manufacturers can easily accommodate the additional staff during peak seasons without the need for long-term commitments or the costs associated with permanent expansions.

Many manufacturers also find that temporary modular buildings are more cost-effective, especially because hiring temporary buildings doesn’t require a large capital outlay, as with a permanent build. The resulting cost savings can be significant, especially for manufacturers that need to allocate their budget strategically.

What really stands out, though, is that temporary modular buildings are extremely quick to install. Unlike traditional construction methods that can take years, modular buildings can be set up in a matter of weeks, whilst turnkey solutions mean they are ready for workers from day one. This rapid installation allows manufacturers to respond swiftly to changing business needs without causing significant disruption to their operations or cashflow.

Climate control features deliver outstanding energy savings and comfort, meaning that modular buildings often perform as well, or even better than, a permanent build, and are beneficial for the environment. The Algeco Loops within Loops sustainability model  recognises that hiring buildings has in-built circularity, because the buildings get refurbished and re-used at the end of each hire contract, ready for the next customers.

Responding to business demands

Manufacturers often experience fluctuations in their workforce, particularly during busy seasons. Hiring seasonal workers can help meet this increased demand, but it can present a challenge when it comes to providing suitable accommodation. This is why many manufacturers are opting for temporary modular buildings.

These buildings can be customised to provide everything that is needed to make comfortable office and welfare spaces. By providing temporary accommodation on-site, manufacturers can ensure that their seasonal workers have a convenient and comfortable place to stay, ensuring their wellbeing and enhancing their productivity. Done correctly, it can help you to attract and retain a more skilled workforce.

Refurbishing existing premises

Office refurbishments are an obvious solution for manufacturers striving to create modern and functional workspaces. However, renovating existing offices can be time-consuming and disruptive to daily operations, whereas temporary modular buildings offer a convenient alternative during the refurbishment process.

They allow manufacturers to set up temporary decant modular buildings on-site to serve as office spaces while the renovations take place. These buildings can be fully equipped with workstations, meeting rooms, and other necessary amenities, allowing employees to continue their work without major interruptions during the refurbishment period.

Temporary modular buildings also provide manufacturers with the flexibility to customise the layout and design of the office space. This allows businesses to create tailored work environments that meet their specific needs and enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. 

They also have the advantage of scalability; as business needs change, manufacturers can easily add or remove modular units to match their evolving requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to adapt to market demands and optimise their operations efficiently.

Choosing a temporary modular building provider

Once you’ve identified the need for a modular building, start by outlining your requirements. What will it be used for? How many people do you need to accommodate? Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines recommend 11 cubic metres per person. What types of rooms and how many of each are required? Again, HSE guidelines state that two toilets and two handbasins are needed for every 25 people. 

The type of welfare facilities required will vary depending on the size and nature of the space. However, as a minimum, we recommend you include the following: 

• Toilets: Should be connected to the mains plumbing if possible, but inbuilt water supplies are acceptable. Toilets should be well-maintained, ventilated, and well-lit.
• Drinking water: Workers should have access to clean drinking water at all times. This can be provided through bottled water, coolers, or taps that are connected to the mains supply.
• Washing facilities: Employees should have access to washing facilities, including sinks with running water, soap, and towels. Showers may be needed, depending on the nature of the work being carried out.
• Rest rooms: Workers should have a place to rest and relax during breaks. This could be a dedicated rest room or simply a shaded area with seating.
• Changing rooms: Workers who need to change into protective clothing should have access to clean, well-ventilated changing rooms.

However, when setting out your requirements, it’s important to think beyond the basics and consider your employees’ social, religious and personal needs too. We’re seeing increased demand for facilities such as prayer rooms, smoking shelters, segregated bathrooms and quiet breakout spaces. 

Fire regulations will also inform the design and fit-out of the building. A full fire safety risk assessment must be carried out, and as part of your fire safety strategy, you need to make sure that you have the correct type and quantity of fire safety equipment to meet the requirements of your risk assessment. We recommend obtaining professional fire safety advice from your modular building provider.

When your designs are finalised, you’ll need to apply for planning permission. Unless they’re on-site for less than 28 days, all modular buildings need planning permission (except for construction site accommodation), and the process usually takes 4-8 weeks.

A plug ‘n’ play solution

Modular buildings for hire are a sustainable and cost-effective way to provide flexible workspaces and facilities for staff. That makes them highly suited to addressing the challenges around seasonal workers, office refurbishments, and business growth, amongst others. 

Ultimately, by helping you to meet your business needs it allows you to optimise operations and create a conducive work environment for employees. As such, temporary modular buildings are an effective way forward for manufacturers looking to adapt quickly and efficiently to change.

Chris Coxon is head of marketing at Algeco UK

For more information: 

www.algeco.co.uk/temporary

Tel: 0808 108 2222