Leaner Construction Through Off-Site Manufacturing

This paper describes the improvements realised through the application of lean production methods in the off-site manufacturing of integrated mechanical services modules and proposes off-site manufacturing as a step forward in the integration of lean theory into construction. Using the manufacturing case study as a model the techniques implemented and the lessons learned are described and the significant components of process improvement identified. The paper highlights some of the principal failures in current construction practice and argues these form major constraints in the drive for lean project delivery. The final portion of the paper links lean enterprise with lean construction and argues that the definition and realisation of benefit is the only driver for change.