News

Positive future ahead for modular building industry

Jun 30, 2010
Posted In: General

This is not your father's modular manufacturing and building industry. With the U.S. economy now poised for growth, today's modular industry leaders are looking beyond the traditional residential work to a future that includes commercial construction and outfitting.

One Maine company has even constructed its own new office building as a testament to this expected industry turn-around. Keiser Industries, a division of R.J. Finlay & Co., recently built a two-story modular office building in Oxford, Maine.

At nearly 5,000 square feet, the structure houses Keiser’s sales staff on one floor, its engineering staff on another, and includes expanded conference and meeting rooms. It will also contain products that the company has researched and determined to be of best use in a modular commercial building – including lighting, flooring, and heating systems.

Robert Finlay, chairman and CEO of R.J. Finlay & Co., said Keiser's new office building showcases the enormous strengths and possibilities in the modular commercial industry.

“We wanted to show our customers how multi-faceted the modular industry is, and thought, 'What better way to do that than to be an example ourselves?'” Finlay said. “There is a huge opportunity for the modular industry to expand in the commercial sector as the markets rebound. This is our chance to show developers, architects and potential customers what we can do, and why it's advantageous to build modular.”

Scott Stone, president of the Modular Home Builders Association of Maine, noted that the commercial side of the modular industry is growing substantially, led by companies like Keiser making investments today.

“The modular industry is certainly seeing an increase in business from the commercial side, which is exciting,” Stone said. “Examples such as Keiser's new office building demonstrate the high quality, detail in design and value of a modular structure.”

Since 1987, Keiser Industries has set modular construction standards in craftsmanship, customer service, and innovation. For more information, visit keisermaine.com. R.J. Finlay & Co. is a holding company of diverse businesses and investments with a central focus on real estate. For more information, visit rjfinlayco.com.

The Modular Home Builders Association of Maine is proactive with issues affecting members, consumers, and public policy. The Association establishes and promotes practices and standards for excellence in homebuilding. For more information, visit modularhomebuilders.org.