MKB CONSTRUCTION - PREFAB
Reimagining the way buildings are designed, built, and delivered.
ABOUT MKB PREFABRICATION
With more than 40 years of construction experience, MKB’s approach to Preconstruction Services is to work closely with the General Contractor, Owner and Architect to ensure an understanding of the expectations as early in the process as possible. Just a few of the most beneficial services MKB provides at this stage include: budgetary pricing, value engineering to improve function and/or reduce costs, schedule analysis for manpower, conflict resolution and the most efficient project delivery.
MKB also can provide the team with valuable input regarding green building material selection, structural engineering calculations, and design assistance, as well as BIM design assistance, having in-house CAD available. We believe that by providing this construction expertise and historical cost data, we can provide a more comprehensive plan during design and construction. These services result in better construction pricing, fewer change orders and meeting the schedule.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
At MKB Prefab, design and technology share a symbiotic relationship with a transparent, upfront approach that eliminates guesswork. Our virtual construction engineers hail from the most recognized architectural, engineering and construction programs in the country. These professionals use the latest software to create models and drawings for prefabrication that offer a level of precision that eliminates human error and projects “what if” scenarios that can save millions of dollars.
The advancement in parametric modeling tools allows us to strategically break any building down into components that can be designed and built at a more intimate level.
PREFAB PRODUCTION
Preassembly allows us to shift our mentality from traditional construction to a manufacturing mindset, using Lean principles. Outside the technology lab where project engineers work on sophisticated plans, work on the main floor is all done at ergonomic heights. The framing table is set up with jigs that move along as work is complete. The location of the work has inherent safety benefits: normally this work would be done on ladders, lifts, or scaffolding.
With prefabrication, this work is done at ground level. The work environment is safer, and production is faster. Anyone can stop the line, at any time. Quality inspections are done in the shop, at ground level. All assemblies are barcoded and scanned, from start to installation. Material is pulled when needed and sophisticated BIM processes ensure that materials are ordered to length to avoid cutting in the shop. An Andon system allows the team to avoid hidden defects by addressing problems on the line immediately.
PREFAB INSTALLATION
Prefabrication assures just-in-time deliveries and reduces the number of workers required on a project site. Work that was previously handled by carefully scheduled skilled trades is already complete, with fewer workers required for installation.
This benefits in ways that customers value: a reduction in the number of workers on-site, parking, and interacting with the public; less noise and vibration since the work is completed away from the public and/or building occupants; and less impact on existing facility operations.
WHY CHOOSE MKB PREFAB?
MKB Construction Prefab offers a new way of building: a simplified, innovative, and streamlined design and production process with greater precision in a more productive and safer environment. MKB Prefab changes the way major building companies approach and execute their large-scale commercial projects
FOSTER SAFETY
Prefabrication inherently minimizes risk on job sites. All work is done at ergonomic height. MPE racks are built on the ground, not on lifts/ladders. The use of lifts and ladders is reduced by as much as 70% on the job. Interior walls are built on horizontal tables, not on lifts or scaffolding. With exterior walls, we can reduce (by 50% or more) and in some case eliminate the use of scaffolding. Less time on scaffolds equates to less risk to workers and those around it.
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
It takes more working hours today to do the same job as it did 50 years ago. This results in a double whammy: higher cost and the need for more workers in a shrinking labor pool. Multi-trade preassembly removes the chaotic nature of the job site and puts work in a controlled environment with a manufacturing mindset. Using MKB Prefab, projects are realizing a 15 to 30% increase in productivity. Simply put, there are fewer obstacles on the job site and less time looking for materials/tools. This results in more time on important value-added work.
BUILD FASTER
Time equals money. Through multi-trade preassembly, project schedules are shortened. Schedule benefits come through two fronts: increased productivity and changing the building cycle. Off-site prefabrication allows for a change in the sequencing logic. There is no need to wait for the structure to be built in order to frame an interior wall, start the MPE overhead work or even apply finishes to exterior walls. This work can be done in the shop while the structure is going vertical.
ENSURE QUALITY
The level of detail on the preassembly component drawings is much higher than traditional drawings. Every outlet, stud and pipe is fully detailed to ensure installation is correct and there is uniformity. “Blind” welds/solder joints that occur in the field are eliminated. Work that is normally done above ceiling or deep in wall cavities is now done in the open, which means less chance for errors. Water systems are double-tested with prefabrication — all piping is pressure-tested prior to leaving the factory. It is then tested again on-site when individual components are connected.
ADDRESS MANPOWER SHORTAGES
The level of detail on the preassembly component drawings is much higher than traditional drawings. Every outlet, stud and pipe is fully detailed to ensure installation is correct and there is uniformity. “Blind” welds/solder joints that occur in the field are eliminated. Work that is normally done above ceiling or deep in wall cavities is now done in the open, which means less chance for errors. Water systems are double-tested with prefabrication — all piping is pressure-tested prior to leaving the factory. It is then tested again on-site when individual components are connected.
SUSTAINABILITY
MKB Prefabrication presents sustainability benefits compared to conventional construction techniques, stemming from various critical factors such as optimized material usage and streamlined production processes. Through minimizing waste, energy usage, and environmental impact during the construction process, prefabrication construction embodies a more sustainable approach, further supported by its efficient transportation logistics and incorporation of energy-efficient design principles.
