Oakleaf Contracts launches modular manufacturing division
Oakleaf Contracts has expanded into the offsite construction market with the launch of a dedicated modular manufacturing division specialising in the production of fully fitted bathroom pods.
The Northern Ireland-headquartered contractor has established the new operation at a 65,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Lancaster, where it will produce modular bathroom pods for residential, student accommodation, hotel and healthcare developments.
The pods are manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being delivered to site complete with plumbing, electrical systems, fixtures, fittings and finishes, reducing the amount of installation work required during construction.
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The move marks a significant expansion for Oakleaf Contracts, which has offices in Magherafelt, Dublin and Sheffield and is known for its specialist drylining, partitioning and ceiling contracting services.
Oakleaf secures 3,300-pod student accommodation contract
The launch of the modular manufacturing division follows the award of a multi-million-pound contract to supply 3,300 bathroom pods for a large-scale student accommodation development at an English university.
The company said the new division would strengthen its presence in the growing offsite construction sector while supporting projects across the UK and Ireland.
Philip McCoubrey, director at Oakleaf Contracts, said: “The launch of our modular division represents an exciting new chapter for Oakleaf and enables us to combine our award-winning construction expertise with advanced and highly specialised offsite manufacturing capabilities.
“Offsite construction is playing an increasingly important role in meeting the demands of modern building projects and is an area that we’ve been looking to develop for some time.
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“Our modular bathroom pods offer significant advantages in terms of reduced onsite labour, improved quality control, minimising risk and supporting sustainability objectives through reduced waste and more efficient manufacturing processes.
“The fact that we’ve been able to secure a contract for 3,300 pods so soon after our launch demonstrates both the strength of the opportunity and the confidence clients have in our approach. We look forward to building on this early success and developing long-term partnerships with clients across multiple sectors.”
Factory investment creates manufacturing jobs
The Lancaster facility will initially employ 50 people and will be led by commercial manager Nigel McCarthy.
McCarthy said: “This investment underlines our commitment to long-term growth and innovation.
“By introducing modular manufacturing, we are broadening our service offering and positioning Oakleaf at the forefront of modern construction – providing integrated solutions that combine traditional contracting expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to meet the evolving needs of the built environment.”
Expansion strengthens MMC capability
Founded in 2000, Oakleaf Contracts delivers specialist contracting, interior fit-out and modern methods of construction (MMC) services across the UK and Ireland.
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The business employs around 90 full-time staff, supported by up to 200 subcontractors, and works across healthcare, hospitality, commercial, residential and technology projects. Its services include drywall partitions, suspended ceilings, raised access floors, steel framing systems and specialist interior fit-out solutions.
The launch of the modular manufacturing division represents the company’s latest investment in offsite construction as demand for factory-built building components continues to grow across the residential and accommodation sectors.
