MMC
I’m sharing this piece of work as I think it is a fantastic resource for anyone wishing to learn more about Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
MMC refers to non-traditional building methods that involve creating structural elements offsite and assembling them onsite. The goal is to reduce construction time, improve resource efficiency, and enhance quality, safety, and sustainability.
MMC encompasses various innovative practices, such as creating panelled units in factories, using volumetric construction for 3D units, pre-cast concrete foundations, pre-formed wiring looms, and pre-fabricated floor and roof panels.
Despite its potential, the widespread adoption of MMC has been slower than expected. This could be due to factors like a shortage of skilled labour, regulatory changes, and insufficient certification.
Gardiner & Theobald, with their experience in the sector, and support from Bisnow, organised panel discussions with experts from the supply chain to address barriers to MMC uptake. The sessions covered quite a range of topics, culminating in an MMC Whitepaper which summarises these discussions and outlines key findings.
An audience poll found that 56% think that the prime opportunity of MMC is efficiency in programme, with the second highest score being carbon reduction at 16%
Early engagement with the supply chain and project team was found to be crucial for successful MMC developments, ensuring alignment in design and delivery and maximising program efficiencies. The procurement route will be key to unlocking early engagement.
Mindset & Perception
MMC is viewed as a mindset where high-level project outcomes like speed, sustainability, and financial improvement are prioritised. The focus should be on achieving specific goals, such as productivity, performance, and sustainability, rather than just the product itself. To promote widespread adoption, the industry must emphasise the benefits of MMC to stakeholders and demonstrate it’s effective utilisation, leading to a broader acceptance of the 'MMC mindset.'
The industry's perception of MMC is mixed, with concerns about limited supply chain and cost competitiveness, as well as inflexibility on-site due to the manufacturing process. However, the paper highlights successful schemes that have utilised MMC, demonstrating strong long-term asset performance. MMC isn’t just about offsite construction, it is the introduction of improved products and processes for better outcomes.
Key Challenges
An audience poll revealed that 36% of the audience perceived supply chain resilience as a significant challenge, noting the sector's supply chain is still developing which can impact its ability to meet the industry's ambitious goals. Another concern, noted by 28% of the voters, was change management and flexibility including the challenge of a front-loaded cost curve. 19% of the audience were concerned with estimating and cashflow, as MMC is still evolving making cost data less robust.
The classic ‘interface’ inevitably came up as a challenge (when doesn’t it?!), although here it is specifically focused on MMC/traditional interfaces.
Late involvement of the supply chain can lead to issues - onsite program savings are an advantage of MMC, but there is little room for error, necessitating a continuous improvement loop and feedback mechanism to the design team and supply chain.
It is suggested that a much earlier design freeze is necessary to enable making decisions early in the process. The importance of planning for supply chain disruptions and building strong relationships with suppliers is highlighted.
Regarding supply chain competition, different types of MMC manufacturers are recognised with the need for a thorough risk assessment to address supply chain risks. Rest assured, more companies are entering the market, providing a broader range of options and improving competition.
The whitepaper includes sections on the following topics:
Designing for Manufacture
Early Engagement
Procurement
Insurance
The Manufacturing Process
Health & Safety
Logistics & Transport
Incentives, Investment & the Role of Government
Lessons Leant
Watch the three panel Q&A sessions which explore these topics, and then the final summary discussion using the four links below.