A Sunshine Coast building company known for its factory-built modular homes is expanding its operations, with plans to delve more into social and affordable housing.
Celebrating 10 years in 2023, the award-winning builder recently opened a new production facility at Coolum Beach that will allow it to double its capacity.
Saltair Modular builds in-factory modulars, which are then transported on a truck to become homes, villas or commercial facilities.
Some of its recent projects include cabins at The Ridge at Maleny and accommodation at Shellys camp within the Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct at Currimundi.
The new 10,500sqm production facility on Quanda Road in Coolum’s industrial estate will add to Saltair’s existing and recently expanded facility, just around the corner at Dacmar Road.
The combined 21,000sqm will allow for eventual production capacity of more than 750 modulars each year.
This will mean Saltair can grow its capacity for new projects and engage in helping deliver housing solutions with government and key organisations.
Managing director Steve Bridger purchased Saltair Modular four years ago and said the expansion was an achievement to be proud of, especially in an industry that was facing continued delays.
“Rather than delay projects, we have continued to expand,” Mr Bridger said.
“There is still a shortage of supplies and trades, meaning prices are continuing to escalate, but we are somewhat protected against that because we are able to build so quickly.
“Our entire model is very innovative and forward thinking, not only in the product that we build but also in the way of its price, the positive relationship we have with our customers and the way that we deliver projects in short periods of times.”
Mr Bridger said the expansion was a significant step for the company, which currently offers turnkey packages up to 400 kilometres from its Coolum factory, plus factory complete solutions Australia-wide.
Saltair has delivered projects to northern New South Wales and Airlie Beach, plus Kangaroo Island, Noosa North Shore, and Russell Island.
He said headway into affordable housing projects were already taking shape, thanks to the new facility.
“It has enabled us to be a key supply partner for the Queensland Government under their MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) initiative,” he said.
“This will help fast-tracking government employee housing for regional areas, including additional housing for Queensland police at Tara.
“We are also being approached by a lot of tourism and recreation facilities and caravan park where they might want multiple cabins.”
Mr Bridger said building a modular home was usually an end-to-end process of less than six months, including 10 weeks of manufacturing.
He said there was more certainty out of a factory-built process, less exposure to weather and better factory supervision for site managers and trades.
Saltair Modular builds single and multi-dwelling projects from one to three storeys and has 44 standard designs, from one-bedroom granny flats to five-bedroom homes, plus custom designs.
The full turnkey service includes design, building approval, manufacture, installation, connection and certification, with new homes including a seven-star energy rating.
“We do a number of one-module homes, but we have also done eight-module homes,” Mr Bridger said.
“We probably average about three modules per home, which equates to a little over 250 homes per year.
“In this day and age, intergenerational living is a new key term and the beauty about modular is it lets you stage your house.
“You might start a design with three modules and then with minimal disruption and no need to move out, we can come and add further modules in time as the family grows or changes.”
He said modular homes also have a lighter footprint and less environmental waste, and as the modulars sit on stumps, it makes them relocatable.
The proud Sunshine Coast business also employees all local staff, subcontractors and suppliers.
Saltair Modular’s factory display is open at 41 Quanda Road, Coolum Beach, Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, or Fridays from 9am to 4pm. For more information visit saltairmodular.com.au.
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