Epstein Visits Skender’s Modular Project Plant

Over the past few years, Epstein has embraced modular design as a means of delivering high-performance facilities that allow our clients to expedite their speed to market and operations. As part of that push, our architects have visited modular production plants throughout the world to gain further insight into how units are produced; knowledge that better informs our designs.

One such visit occurred last week, when our design team paid a visit to Skenders Modular Production Plant in Chicago, where a mixed-use development utilizing modular construction is in design.

Our David Scott, AIA, Director of Hospitality, shared the following take-away notes he gathered from the beneficial tour:

"The first thing I noticed when touring the Skender Modular Factory was the cleanliness of the facility. This lead to a discussion about one of the primary differentiators of the Skender process; almost nothing is cut on-site. Skender is ordering nearly 100 percent of their materials to exact fabrication dimensions directly from their 3-dimensional assembly models. This means little to no waste and no construction debris in the modular factory or the material manufactures factory, hence a very clean, very green process!

"The other thing I would say that I am learning as we engage with various modular manufacturers is that each builder adjusts their process for fabrication in the volumetric modular space specific to their needs. They are continually refining their process, searching for opportunities to reduce cost and increase efficiencies consistent with a manufacturing mindset."

Thanks again to Skender for being such gracious hosts and allowing us to tour your facility!