Housebuilder to re-open huge modular production facility

Vistry, the housebuilder which recently bought rival Countryside Partnerships, has said it plans to re-open its huge Bardon production facility in the second half of the year, under its Vistry Works arm.

Last July, it was revealed that Countryside was set to exit its modular production unit in Leicestershire – just two years after moving into the 360,000 sq ft facility.

The move to leave the modern methods of construction (MMC) premises comes as part of a bid to cut the losses incurred by its manufacturing processes.

When it announced the move to Mountpark’s Bardon II scheme in June 2020, Countryside said it would create 100 jobs, with staff making its advanced modular panel system that would deliver around 3,250 new homes a year for the company’s three Midlands regions.

Now, Vistry says “good progress” is being made with recruitment, electric capacity enhancement and machine remobilisation, and a review of additional manufacturing options to utilise surplus floor space is being undertaken. In the medium term, the business is targeting the manufacture of around 5,000 units.

A statement from Vistry said: “Establishing good working relationships between the business units and Vistry Works is a priority, and a framework has been put in place to improve co-ordination between factories and the relevant business unit to help ensure capacity levels are as fully utilised as possible going forwards.”