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Builders in Deer Creek Converting From Modular Building to Modular Production

The brothers, who are members of the Building Systems Councils, converted their business seven years ago from stick-building to modular in an effort to gain a competitive edge. Since that time, they have been able to increase their residential construction by a whopping 1,000%.

Becoming a modular producer, “allows us to control our own destiny,” said general manager Brian Schieler. “We will be able to ensure our homes’ quality and cost from start to finish. We think this is a natural evolution of our business and it reflects the popularity of the modular housing industry.”

Homeway Homes began building modular homes as a way to reduce turnaround time and building costs. The company completed 10 modular homes in 1997, its first year in the new business. A year later, it finished 20 homes and last year it built 100 within a 70 mile radius of its headquarters in Deer Creek, IL.

Last month, with a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Homeway Homes broke ground on a 60,000-square-foot modular production facility. When complete next April, the plant will employ 50 people and construct ranch homes, Cape Cods and several types of two-story homes with numerous customization options.

By the plant’s fifth year, Schieler estimates it will employ 150 people and produce 400 homes annually. Using the company’s own construction force and a network of builders, Homeway Homes will service Illinois and the surrounding states.

While there is no set roadmap for converting from builder to producer, Schieler and Homeway Homes took advantage of council membership by attending the Building Systems Councils’ annual plant tour in May. This networking and education event tours modular and panelized production facilities in different parts of the country.

During the plant tour and on several private tours, Schieler said that he was able to observe and learn the intricacies of modular production and apply that knowledge toward his own company’s business plan.

For more information about building systems, e-mail Eric Fulton at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8577.

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