Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X V I J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 18 R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G F O C U S M odular and panelized con- struction is trending up for residential and commercial builds. We talked with three compa- nies seeing increased demand for their products and services. Factory prefab can provide greater certainty around construction time- lines and replicable design details and efficiencies. It can make it easier to train employees and to retain older workers. For employees who no longer have to commute long distances to build on- site, there's something to be said for a better work-life balance. But there are also new skills to learn when it comes to assembling the components once they reach the construction site. Factory builds "We can build in our factory just about anything you can build in the field," says atcher Butcher, presi- dent of KBS Builders. KBS designs and manufactures modular structures for residential, commercial, and mixed-use build- ings, working with developers, general contractors, architects, and builders to customize and produce the exact type of modular structure they're seeking. e company's factory, in South Paris, spans 100,000 square feet and employs nearly 130 people. "Our goal is to bring industrialized construction technologies to builders and developers traditionally stuck in the site-build world," Butcher says. P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Thatcher Butcher of South Paris modular home manufacturer KBS Builders says the method is needed to produce more housing and more jobs. BUILDING MODULAR Factory prefab can provide efficiencies and make it easier to train and retain employees B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r

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