When an organisation the size of the Brussels-based Etex Group, which has a presence in no fewer than 45 countries, decides to consolidate its already considerable offsite construction activities with the launch of a new dedicated brand, it has to be time for the industry to accept that offsite construction is no mere trend. Clearly, it’s a way of working that’s here to stay. The new brand – Remagin – brings together current Etext offsite constructors Sigmat in Yorkshire, EOS in Durham and Horizon in Ireland in a move that promises to more than double their UK and Ireland turnover and create ‘significant’ new employment opportunities.
The new entity’s core product will be lightweight, factory-assembled panels made from sustainable, light gauge steel framing (LGSF). The products’ high strength-to-weight ratio, together with the fact that they combine many elements of a building in a single unit, means they dramatically reduce the number of trips to and from the construction site, with obvious environmental benefits. Furthermore, pre-assembly means there’s virtually zero waste. At a time when traditional construction workers are in short supply and there’s increasingly urgent need for sustainable yet cost-effective new-build projects, the new brand looks set to serve markets ranging from housing to retirement living and care homes, hotels, student accommodation and education and health facilities.
As Remagin’s UK and Ireland Country Manager Scott Bibby commented in Construction News:
This is an exciting time in the development of not just our own business but the wider offsite construction sector. Remagin is building on the solid foundations established by Sigmat, EOS and Horizon and is backed by Etex Group with its significant R&D and testing capacity and materials expertise. We’re in a strong position to add significant life-cycle value and sustainability benefits to our customers.’