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Manufacture of Future Housing

Get in touch

For more information or to get in touch to find out how you can support the Manufacture of Future Housing Cluster please email planforgrowth@wmca.org.uk.

The Manufacture of Future Housing (MFH) cluster is at the forefront of the construction industry’s evolution, incorporating Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) intertwined with Advanced Manufacture in Construction (AMC).

Predicated on alternative methods to traditional house building, this sector encompasses a broad range of techniques, from offsite manufacture, adoption of digital technology and automation to the inclusion of high-performance materials.

Opportunity

With national Government housing targets set at 300,000 units annually - goal yet to be met - the integration of MMC offers a viable solution to scale up housing production efficiently and swiftly. The adoption of MMC not only aligns with current housing needs, but also introduces numerous advantages:

  • Cost reduction and enhanced site efficiency: Streamlining construction processes to reduce expenses.
  • Economic gains from faster construction: Accelerating the building process to achieve financial benefits.
  • Quicker achievement of weather-tight structures: Facilitating faster progress on construction sites.
  • Improved construction quality: Ensuring higher standards and fewer defects, whilst making homes happier, healthier and cheaper to manage for occupiers.
  • Better health and safety: Improving safety measures on construction sites.
  • Support for sustainability goals: Advancing towards net zero by minimising construction waste.
  • Addressing skills shortages: Adapting workforce requirements and integrating technology to future-proof the industry.

Regional Competitive Advantage

Leveraging its robust manufacturing legacy, the West Midlands is optimally placed to develop its MMC sector, and deliver strong regional inclusive growth. Not only does the West Midlands have a high value construction sector relative to comparator regions but the prevalence of existing companies and jobs within the advanced manufacturing sector, provides a favourable economic environment to build the cluster.

Additionally, as the sector increasingly leans towards technology, the region’s academic institutions are well-equipped to meet new challenges, equipping the workforce with necessary skills and innovations.

As the Plan for Growth progresses, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is committed to identifying and empowering a dedicated sector lead to drive the Manufacture of Future Housing cluster. In addition, the WMCA will bolster the cluster's expansion through initiatives such as the WMCA's Future Homes Standard, which sets the benchmark for delivering high-quality, zero-carbon housing solutions in the region.