Modular developer opens in Ellesmere Port

Modular homes developer Project Etopia has opened a factory in Ellesmere Port capable of producing 2,000 houses a year.

The 50,000 sq ft factory is a collaboration with partner company 4wall, producer of a panelised construction system, and is set up to produce five three-bedroom homes per day.

There are already plans to scale up the facility in the future with the addition of two more machines, which would grow capacity to 6,000 units per year.

Project Etopia is currently in the process of building 47 modular eco homes in Corby, Northamptonshire, and will use 4wall units from Ellesmere Port in the project. The Corby development has already been chosen to be one of five Building for 2050 research projects funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Joseph Daniels, chief executive  of Project Etopia, said: “This is an exciting and important milestone for us that will help us achieve our ambition to produce 21,500 eco-modular homes by 2025.

“This is a critical time for housebuilding in the UK with homes still not being built quickly enough, locking millions of people out of the property market. Our modular homes can be built incredibly quickly, and still be given a luxury finish, smart technology and sustainability features as standard.

“By providing environmentally-friendly, affordable houses which can be built in a matter of days, we want to make it possible for everyone to own their own home but without killing the planet. Living in a modular home is no longer a compromise.”

The opening of the factory will create 120 new full-time jobs in 12 months, and 250 within two years, the partners said.