Northern Ireland construction firm Oakleaf Contracts has launched a dedicated modular manufacturing division specialising in the offsite production of fully fitted, custom-built bathroom pods, securing a major multi-million pound contract to supply 3,300 units for a large-scale student accommodation development at a leading English university.

Business First Online reports that the new division operates from a 65,000 sq ft facility in the Lancaster area, producing self-contained modular bathroom pods complete with fixtures, fittings, plumbing, electrical components and finishes, ready for installation upon delivery to site. The Magherafelt-headquartered company, which also has offices in Dublin and Sheffield, said the launch marks a significant expansion of its operations into the rapidly growing offsite construction market.

"The launch of our modular division represents an exciting new chapter for Oakleaf and enables us to combine our award-winning construction expertise with advanced and highly specialised offsite manufacturing capabilities," said Philip McCoubrey, Director at Oakleaf Contracts. "Our modular bathroom pods offer significant advantages in terms of reduced onsite labour, improved quality control, minimising risk and supporting sustainability objectives through reduced waste and more efficient manufacturing processes."

The pods are manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being transported to construction sites ready for immediate installation, reducing the volume and complexity of wet trades work required on site. The model offers particular advantages for high-volume residential, student accommodation, hotel and healthcare developments where programme certainty and consistency of finish are critical commercial requirements.

Nigel McCarthy, Oakleaf Commercial Manager and head of the new division, said the investment signals the company's long-term growth ambitions. "By introducing modular manufacturing, we are broadening our service offering and positioning Oakleaf at the forefront of modern construction, providing integrated solutions that combine traditional contracting expertise with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to meet the evolving needs of the built environment."

The modular division will provide immediate employment for 50 staff in the Lancaster region. Founded in 2000, Oakleaf employs 90 full-time staff and up to 200 sub-contracted workers across its portfolio of interior fit-out, drywall partitions, suspended ceilings, raised access floors and specialist construction services.