MSC Project - Manufacturing Sustainable Communities


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MSC Project

Introduction to MSC Project

Overview of project

The Manufacturing Sustainable Communities (MSC) project is a pioneering collaborative project aimed at creating a viable locally-based, innovative and sustainable manufacturing supply base for the Off Site Manufacturing (OSM) market whilst simultaneously contributing to the economic regeneration of London's most needy areas.

The OSM market has been identified as a huge opportunity in the Thames Gateway with the proposed massive regeneration programme in the area being targeted as an exemplar for sustainable development in London and the UK. Whether it be housing and community development or construction in preparation for the 2012 Olympics, introducing more environmentally sound products, materials and practices, speeding up delivery and maintaining quality will all contribute to the growth of the OSM market. Extrapolating into the future, it is envisaged that the OSM supply base will play a significant role in the resulting mammoth construction development programme.

The project follows on from a feasibility study into the creation of a holistically sustainable off-site manufacturing enterprise to manufacture and deliver dwellings and mixed use development in the Thames Gateway. One conclusion from this study was the benefits of developing a vibrant local supplier base. In the MSC project, we want to bring this closer to fruition by helping potential suppliers to be more competitive and contribute more effectively to the local economy with a higher added value.

The project is being run by an innovative partnership across public, private and not for profit sectors. It has received funding and support from the European Union and the London Development Agency as well as the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other Project Partners. The partners range from Government bodies, through to architects, consultants and support organisations, bringing together a wide range of disciplines to deliver this ambitious vision.

Project Content

The project will cover the following: All of these activities will be pursued under the combined themes of modern methods of construction and improved sustainability.

Understanding Market Needs

A major housing developer and a leading housing association feature amongst the Project Partners, bringing market and understanding and the voice of the customer into the heart of the project. Through these partners, market needs and experiences are continually updated and product concepts can be evaluated more robustly. To augment this ever-present customer perception with a broader understanding of market need, other developers and housing associations are being contacted through the Housing Forum of Constructing Excellence, another of the Product Partners.

If you are a developer, housing association or other customer of OSM, please contact us to tell us what you think is missing from OSM products.

Supporting Local Manufacturing and Innovation

Small and medium sizes companies play a critical role in the local economy of any area, but some find it difficult to refocus on new markets and develop new skills without intervention and thus are not able to access the opportunities offered. If local companies are not assisted to become viable suppliers to the modern methods market then, not only will they suffer lack of growth and perhaps falling revenues, but the local economy and the ambitious development programme will also suffer.

Conversely, through this project we can provide local businesses with information, support, market visibility and a business community to support their entry and development into this new sector, improving their own chances of success, their collective benefit to the local economy and contributing to the fulfilment of the development targets for regeneration.

Enabling Supply Chain Interoperability

This aspect of the project is yet to begin. We will post information here as it becomes available.

Facilitating Routes to Market

We are already working with the Housing Forum, Constructing Excellence and other Project Partners to identify opportunities to showcase the Project's new products and processes to the market. If you would like to be informed of where and when these events will take place, please contact us.