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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S 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 Founded in the early 2000s, KBS is a subsidiary of Old Greenwich, Conn.-based Star Equity Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: STRR; STRRP), with a build- ing solutions division. Butcher's career spans the construc- tion industry supply chain. He came to KBS four years ago to grow and mod- ernize the business. In the second half of the 20th cen- tury, Maine was a hub of off-site modu- lar and manufactured housing compa- nies, he says. Shorter timelines "We're working to revitalize the indus- try," Butcher says. "It's needed from the jobs perspective, but, more importantly, because of the need for more housing." Contracts in Maine over the past year include scores of affordable housing units across developments in Newcastle, Madison and Boothbay; a condo- minium development for Rumford's Black Mountain ski resort; stand-alone homes in omaston; 40 modules for townhouse condominiums in Lincoln County; 32 modules for mixed-income housing units in Portland; and 28 mod- ules for townhouses in Bowdoinham. KBS builds additional modules for developments beyond Maine. e company takes one or two big projects per quarter and infills that with smaller residential modules. Once the units are built in the fac- tory, they're shipped to the site, assem- bled and connected to utilities. Although the process doesn't save on upfront costs — labor and materials are just as pricey off-site as on-site — it can save on carrying costs. An apartment building can be ready in months, versus years, lowering development costs and generating rents sooner. "e upfront costs might be a little less, but it's not as compelling," says Butcher. "What's compelling is being able to inhabit that building in a fraction of the time." Greater efficiency e process addresses workforce shortages in a couple of ways. Factory construction brings in work aids such as cranes, jigs, and worktables, with construction performed at ground level — better for safety and less physically taxing, allowing employees to work later in life. "You're not hand-carrying stuff like shingles up to the roof with a ladder," says Butcher. "We routinely have people continuing to work right up until they retire, versus having to find less physi- cally taxing work by their late 40s." Another benefit? A higher produc- tion rate. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Business Property and Liability Insurance Products Cyber and Data Breach Liability Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI & Equipment and Mechanical Breakdown INSURING MAINE BUSINESS — INSURING MAINE PEOPLE We've been in business more than 145 years, and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS CHALLENGES. (207) 839-2744 / info@greatfallsinc.com 20 Mechanic Street, Gorham See what we've been working on at greatfallsinc.com CONSTRUCTING WITH A PURPOSE SINCE 1988 P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY A worker at KBS Builders works on assembling a hinge roof at the South Paris facility. It's needed from the jobs perspective, but, more importantly, because of the need for more housing. — Thatcher Butcher KBS Builders

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