Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and treasurer Cameron Dick officially opened modular pod manufacturer, ModnPods’ new state-of-the-art factory in Arundel.
The uplift in manufacturing capacity was made possible by an investment in ModnPods from the Queensland Government through the $100 million Business Investment Fund, managed by Queensland Investment Corporation.
In just one year, ModnPods have quadrupled their space, tripled their workforce, are increasing production tenfold and reducing build times by 70 per cent.
Up to 200 pods will roll off the ModnPods production line in the year ahead, including some purpose-built government employee housing.
The ModnPods homes will complement the work by Queensland’s QBuild Rapid Accommodation and Apprentice Centre in Eagle Farm, as part of the Methods of Modern Construction program.
“Challenges in traditional construction supply chains and workforce are being felt across the country, but where people see challenges, Queenslanders see solutions,” Palaszczuk said.
“ModnPods are changing the game in delivering modular housing solutions, with their new facility scaling production from 20 to 200 pod homes every year.
“Through the investment, ModnPods are producing homes faster, which is what we need to see in order to meet current demands.
“It’s also terrific to see local manufacturing back on the Gold Coast and the 36 jobs already created through our investment, with a further 50 jobs expected by next year.”
ModnPods managing director Stuart Giles said, “We’re delighted that ModnPods is contributing to the provision of solutions in the housing affordability space whilst supporting growth in local employment opportunities across the manufacturing and tourism sectors.
“The opportunity to showcase the talents and skills of our Queensland workforce to deliver innovations that are driving this spectacular growth story, is something we feel privileged to have and we’re proud of our achievements to date.”
“We are excited to see what the future will bring as further innovations and initiatives see us move to full capacity in this new factory and begin exploring where our next great Queensland production facility might be located as part of our ongoing commitment to be part of the provision of housing affordability solutions.”
Treasurer and minister for trade and investment Cameron Dick said, “Queensland Investment Corporation’s $100 million Business Investment Fund was established to help Queensland businesses like ModnPods grow, take advantage of exciting commercial opportunities and create more local jobs.
“The investment in ModnPods allowed it to expand, triple its workforce and increase its production of pods from 20 to 200 a year.
“Since being introduced, the Business Investment Fund has invested more than $60 million into 11 companies, creating more than 230 jobs.”
Minister for public works and procurement Mick de Brenni said, “By using prefabrication facilities, Queenslanders get the triple benefit of mitigating issues with traditional builds like weather, scheduling, and workforce availability.
“Through this initiative, we can deliver homes more quickly with better value for money, while tapping into existing hubs of highly skilled tradespeople and training the next generation of construction workers.”
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