For over ten years Dublin-based Procon Modular has enjoyed considerable success, with its emphasis on quality and service enabling it to make the most of the growing demand for modern methods of construction across Ireland in a variety of sectors.
Having started out with just a handful of staff following its creation by Managing Director, Eoin Daly, the business now has over 50 employees, including administration staff and skilled factory and onsite operatives. By focusing on maintaining high standards, Procon Modular has made significant inroads within the marketplace, in the process being named on a leading education framework.
“We’re the preferred bidder under the framework with the Department of Education and Skills for supply of modular offsite classroom accommodation, which has led to a strong pipeline of regular work,” explains Commercial Director, Bart Friesen. “This has proven to be the catalyst for significant growth and with each successfully completed project, we’ve been able to enhance our reputation further.”
Getting on such a prestigious framework certainly doesn’t come about by accident, as Liam Daly, Marketing Manager outlines: “Our attention to detail has been absolutely crucial in meeting the criteria. This has allowed us to continually raise standards, not just internally, but across the industry with the help of two or three other like-minded companies. It’s always good to have healthy competition to keep you driving forward. This approach is reflected in the quality of the work we produce and our high levels of consistency.
“Having quality assurance systems in place is all well and good, but we also have to deliver the end product to the required standard as well. As a result, we believe that we deliver the most state-of-the-art modular solutions in the country.”
Procon Modular’s growth has come hand-in-hand with the changing attitude towards modern methods of construction within the wider marketplace. Rather than being seen as a temporary option, modular is increasingly being viewed as a permanent solution for the long term. With the efficiency, safety and cost benefits that modular also provides, the company has been well positioned to make the most of the opportunities that have presented themselves.
“A key factor has been the increased lifespan of modular solutions and the products we offer can now last upwards of 60 or 70 years,” says Martin Murray, Business Development Manager. “With the pressures on public funding, modular is increasingly seen as a viable economic option for the likes of education and healthcare.”
In terms of contracts where its approach has come to the fore, one particularly significant project Procon Modular is currently developing is at the Goatstown Educate Together National School in Dublin. At over 4,000 sq m, this is its biggest project to date, consisting of a range of classrooms, including facilities for pupils with special learning needs, as well as assisted toilets.
“We’ve completed several similar school projects on a smaller scale, and each time we engaged directly with the Department of Education in the early design stages to ensure we’re producing a solution that meets every requirement. Ultimately the aim is to deliver top class state-of-the art schools. We’re really pleased with how these projects have been going, particularly as there’s often a strict deadline to work to because of the term time restrictions. We find this type of work hugely rewarding.”
As befits a company that has such a strong commitment to standards and delivering high quality solutions for the client, Procon Modular places staff development at the heart of its approach. “We’ve worked extremely hard to build our team and have drawn people from all over the world,” adds Liam. “We also have a high proportion of female management and administration staff, as we’re strong advocates of encouraging more women into the construction industry.
“Having made such a concerted effort to bring high calibre individuals into the business, we make sure they reach their potential with us by offering continual training. This ensures they have all the skills required to deliver the high levels of quality that we adhere to. We also endeavor to stay on top of the latest accreditations. We hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001; highlighting our environmental and health and safety credentials. These are becoming increasingly important in the current climate, especially with the drive towards NZEB (Near Zero Energy Building).”
In addition to its staff and certifications, another major factor behind Procon Modular’s upward trajectory is the ongoing investment in its facilities. “As we’ve grown, we’ve been careful to ensure that we increase our capacity so that we can keep up with demand, while at the same time making sure our standards are never compromised,” says Bart. “Consequently, we now have a sizeable site down in County Laois that gives us the potential to grow the business considerably. What’s more, the factory is a completely self-contained environment, so we can keep tight control over every single aspect; from the materials arriving onsite, right the way through to the finished product being loaded onto the truck. This approach is continued onsite, meaning we can provide a full turnkey solution.”
By ticking the boxes regarding safety, efficiency, and sustainability; modular construction has many advantages over traditional building methods, which is allowing Procon Modular to make inroads into various industry sectors, such as pharma, living accommodation and commercial.
“Lead times can be reduced by quite a margin and we’re less prone to adverse weather conditions that can be the bane of traditional building and result in serious delays,” says Liam. “It’s a very adaptable way of working and there’s no reduction in quality either, with the choice in finishes and colour schemes being extremely high. A key factor behind this has been the development of our supply chain, which has not only allowed us to offer the finishes we want, but also helped us overcome some of the challenges associated with the shortages caused by the pandemic.
“Having had an impact within the education sector, we’re keen to push on in other areas too. This is becoming easier as modular building gains ever greater respect. With this in mind, our R&D department are taking a longer-term view to come up with technical solutions that will meet our clients’ requirements moving forward. As we are already mainly producing 3D volumetric, we are now looking at what other sectors could benefit from the technology.”
With the demand for its solutions greater than ever before, and by continually developing its workforce, its systems and its facilities; the stars are increasingly coming into alignment for Procon Modular, which will allow it to continue growing strongly in the months. and years ahead.