Prefab housing company launches with prison partnership
TRAFFORD-based social housing procurement business Procure Plus has launched Osco Homes, a wholly-owned subsidiary which will make pre-fabricated housing units.
The organisation, which will use off-site manufacturing methods, has partnered with HM Hindley Prison to train prisoners who will then work in Osco’s factory.
Osco Homes has initially recruited eight prisoners in the final year of their sentence at Hindley Prison who will be trained to build the external walls, floor and ceiling cassettes of Osco’s panelised units.
As production increases that number is expected to increase to around 24, with all prisoners selected to work in the factory having undertaken construction training in plastering, joinery, and kitchen/bathroom fitting.
The factory and prisoners will be supervised, with further training in assembly production skills, installation of windows, doors and final finishing by prison service instructional staff.
Each prisoner will be paid a salary over and above what they would usually receive from the prison, which will be held in trust until after their release.
The first contract between Osco Homes and Hindley will deliver eight factory-built bungalows for a Together Housing Group site in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
Mike Brogan, chief executive of Procure Plus, said: “The UK is in the midst of a housing crisis, not only in terms of the volume of homes required, but also in having enough genuinely affordable homes to meet demand. Osco Homes uses the latest innovations in off-site construction to streamline the build process – meaning faster homes – but ensures they’re also sold at a price directly related to the build cost meaning they are much more affordable.
“As well as providing a way to help tackle the housing crisis, Osco Homes was also set up to ensure that when new houses are built, there’s a more tangible benefit to the wider community and economy. One of the ways we’ll do this is through partnering with local prisons like Hindley, and providing education to prisoners.
“One of the hardest things for former prisoners to do on release is find work. By training them with key construction and manufacturing skills, we’re helping prisoners to take an important step in the rehabilitation process. Through the programme, offenders will have a better chance of reintegrating with society and the opportunity to enter a career in a growing sector. By having a guaranteed, secure, sustainable job it significantly reduces their chances of reoffending.”
Kevin Ruth, deputy chief executive of Together Housing Group, added: “When we were approached with the prospect of developing homes built in-part by offenders, we saw the potential to do two things: provide high quality homes that our area desperately needs, but also give current prisoners a better chance to gaining new skills and a life following their sentence and release. For us, it was a no-brainer to make a positive difference to our community.”
