Barratt Developments workers installing the SIG I-House system
Housebuilder Barratt has committed to using modern methods of construction (MMC) in 20% of its homes by 2020.
The company is already employing a variety of MMC technologies including timber systems through supplier Stewart Milne, roof cassettes, offsite-manufactured ground floor systems, light-gauge steel frames. Last year, it also completed seven units that featured garages that had been manufactured offsite.
Speaking as part of a trading update to investors today, chief executive David Thomas said: “Our new housetype ranges are suitable for MMC. We continue to develop, trial and implement MMC and aim to use it in the construction of 20% of our homes by 2020.”
The company revealed that forward sales rose 2.4% to £3.4bn as at 5 May 2019, as compared to a year ago. Build cost inflation is expected to be 3-4% for the 2019 financial year.
Thomas said: “Trading since the beginning of the year has been strong, the outlook for the year is modestly ahead of our previous expectations and we are encouraged by our continued progress in driving operating efficiencies through the business.
"While we continue to monitor the market closely, we are confident of delivering a good financial and operational performance in FY19."
