Construction delays spur demand for transportable buildings

Demand for mobile buildings is soaring in Western Australia as delays hinder the construction of bricks and mortar facilities.

Lansdale-based Instant Products Group is producing more than 40 portable buildings a month for use this year

Scott Rawson, managing director of Instant Products Group, said backlogs in the traditional construction industry were driving demand.

“We know there are still significant wait times in the construction industry and some businesses simply don’t have time to wait,” he said.

“Demand comes from a wide range of sectors, not just mining, with customers looking for standard site offices, factory rooms and cafeterias as well as custom-designed facilities.

“This tells us it’s a fundamental force in the Western Australian economy.”

Mr Rawson said portable buildings save costs and time and make it easier for businesses to expand or move.

Battery recycling company Enecell was also among the businesses that benefited from the service this year.

The company ordered a negative pressure chamber from IPG for processing lead-acid batteries on its site.

Enecell founder Paul Owens said the building was delivered in four months, saving $400,000 in costs.

“The modular building not only met our business requirements, but also compliance requirements from the Environmental Protection Authority, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and WorkSafe, all delivered faster and at less cost than if we had built a permanent structure,” he said.

“We want to invest in the actual work of equipment, technology and our operations. Mobile building has freed up capital to allow us to do exactly that.”

Enecell has since ordered two more modular buildings for office and lunch space.