Redrow ups offsite work to meet housebuilding targets

Redrow will increase its use of offsite manufacturing to cope with raised housebuilding targets.
Group managing director Neil Fitzsimmons told CJ: "We feel that if you take into account the expectations of the government in increasing housing supply, the industry will not be able to deliver that through brick and block construction."
He added that offsite manufacturing can reduce maintenance costs. "Traditional methods let more water in the house through timber, bricks and blocks drying out, which can cause problems like shrinkage."
The company formed Framing Solutions, a joint venture with Corus two years ago, and has started using lightweight cold pressed steel frames.
Fitzsimmons said Redrow has changed some existing house plans to incorporate offsite elements, and is waiting for new planning permission before starting construction.
Fitzsimmons said Redrow saves 30% on building times using offsite manufacturing.