Manufacturers, Developers & Stakeholders Convene in Atlanta for the Offsite Construction Summit

Following an opening reception and initial opportunity to meet with exhibitors, the Offsite Construction Summit in Atlanta began in earnest with a presentation from Jim Gabriel, president and CEO at Pennsylvania-based manufacturer MODLOGIQ. Jim's presentation, "Prototype for Success: How Retailers Are Leveraging Offsite Construction," showed how retailers and quick-serve restaurant chains can use modular and offsite construction methods assure cost- and schedule-certainty.

The next speakers, Wanona Satcher and Kevin Hamak of Atlanta-based Mākhers Studio, discussed how their company is utilizing shipping containers to create affordable housing and other container-based buildings in neighborhoods across Atlanta. "As both the affordable housing crisis and construction costs rise, offsite construction is critical. It allows for more efficiency in the mobilization of materials and infrastructure, while meeting demand," said Satcher.

Speaking as Mākhers Studio's founder and CEO, Satcher leveraged her experience as a former urban designer, landscape architectural designer, city planner, and community engagement strategist while presenting the advantages of using offsite, container-based construction for social impact projects.

"This was our second Summit," added Satcher. "We always have a good experience and glad we're part of the modular family. Attendees are welcoming and genuinely care about our work."

After another opportunity for networking, New Gen Architects CEO Dyci Sfregola, a specialist in supply chain architecture, took the stage to show attendees how to create a technology implementation schedule and checklist as well as demonstrate technologies for data, procurement automation, sales and operations planning, intelligent scheduling, inventory management, agility, and resiliency.

Next to the stage were Buddy Johns and Ben Crooks of ModCorr. Their presentation, "Security Grade Modular – Another Tier of (Attainable) Complexity," explored the obstacles and opportunities to consider when delivering offsite and modular construction solutions to meet the evolving needs of the correctional industry.

Two additional presentations took place in the afternoon after a long networking lunch. The first, a panel discussion featuring Peter Vereecke of Z Modular, Kent Anderson of Wesco Distribution, and James Hass of Nichiha USA, focused on a modular multifamily project located outside Phoenix, AZ. The panel shared how their respective companies worked together to successfully deal with long lead times and supply chain issues in order to keep the project moving forward.

The final presentation from Antony Kountouris of BMarko Structures and Darion Dunn of Atlantica Properties featured one of the offsite industry's first COVID-19 success stories. “The Liberty Boxes Story” walked attendees through how Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security used modular and offsite construction to building two temporary hospitals—including 48 infectious-disease patient rooms, medical gas delivery, nurse call stations, HEPA-filtered dedicated outdoor air systems, and more—in just four weeks.

Besides the speakers, the Offsite Construction Network’s Atlanta Summit featured a wide array of offsite construction industry exhibitors, including Affinty a VANTEM Company, CombiLift, FourA Constructs, FullStack Modular, Johns Manville, Landstar, Lindapter, Metwood Building Solutions, Miller Industries, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, ModCribs, PM Security, ProSet Modular, Soukup, Synergy Modular, WinTech, and the Modular Building Institute.

With its outstanding line-up of speakers and plenty of time for exhibitors to connect with attendees, the Offsite Construction Network’s inaugural event in Atlanta offered something for everyone.

“We've had a great show here in Atlanta,” said executive director Tom Hardiman. “Between all the speakers and exhibitors, we've pretty much got every corner of the industry represented here, and I've seen tons of great conversations taking place. I'm excited to come back next year and grow this event further."