Wigan firm on board for modular builds framework

Huyton-based procurement service provider Fusion21 has announced the contractors successfully appointed to its national education modular buildings framework, which could be worth up to £225m over a four-year period. Wigan’s Cotaplan is among the successful firms.

A total of nine specialist firms from across the UK have secured a place on the framework, which offered four lots. For the largest two of these, covering modular construction projects valued between £750,000 and £3m, and for projects worth more than £3m, a single supply partner was sought, which has been secured by Welsh business Wernick Modular Buildings.

The other two lots cover modular construction projects worth up to £750,000 and the hire of modular buildings for temporary accommodation. The successful bidders have a wide geographic spread, with Cotaplan the only North West firm to make the list.

Nick Verburg, procurement and supply chain manager at Fusion21, said: “This framework offers a flexible procurement solution to all education providers and local authorities who require permanent or temporary safe learning spaces to cope with growing student numbers, and and seek quality modular buildings which are compliant with all building regulations and present lower carbon emissions than traditional builds.

“Accessing the single supply option will also generate enhanced value for money for Fusion21 members – providing opportunities for collaborative working and early supplier engagement which will drive down costs and time efficiencies at the design stage of a project.”

The framework will go live on 1 June 2017.

Fusion21 is a social enterprise providing procurement services and OJEU-compliant frameworks to the education, emergency services and social housing sectors, in addition to working alongside NHS trusts and local authorities.