Connex Offsite is a leading provider of modular bathroom pods within the UK and Ireland. Over the last six years, the company has continued to grow exponentially, tackling new tasks and triumphs in sustainability and innovation. Sales Director Chris Marsden revealed the latest developments, during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
This year is expected to be another winner for Northern Ireland-based Connex Offsite. With end-of-year turnover predictions sitting at £14 million, the company is setting the perfect example of what can be achieved with a lot of hard work and dedication.
“Connex was established in 2017, with the vision of revolutionising the construction industry through modular solutions,” explained Sales Director Chris Marsden. “Over the past six years, we have grown from a small start-up to a leading provider of modular bathroom pods in the UK and Ireland.”
To-date, the company has successfully delivered more than 7,000 pods to various projects in the residential, hospitality and healthcare sectors. All of which have been produced at the company’s 50,000 square
foot production facility in Bessbrook, which is planned for renovation in the coming years.
With the company’s demand on an upward tick, more production capacity is needed. Having already purchased the land next door to its current facility, Connex plans to double its current capabilities by constructing an additional 50,000 square foot building. With this expansion, the company predicts a gradual turnover increase towards the £20 million mark.
Implementing change
Of course, growth is not the only thing on the minds of those leading Connex. With sustainability an ever-increasing concern industry-wide, Connex has made several adjustments and improvements to its production processes.
“Over the last two years, we have successfully achieved a 30 per cent reduction in construction time and a 50 per cent increase in production efficiency, ” revealed Chris. “Our extensive experience has allowed us to refine our processes, build strong industry relationships and develop a deeper understanding of our clients’ needs.
“This longevity has also provided us with a wealth of data and insights, enabling us to continuously improve our products and services.”
These impressive improvements were a direct result of Connex’s work with Lean Manufacturing Consultants UK. The company introduced multiple lean processing days, bringing in independent consultants to analyse Connex’s business structure and
decipher where it could improve. Although the last meeting took place in April, Chris assured that this would not be the last and there was still plenty more to come from Connex’s collaboration with Lean Manufacturing.
Connex also relies on advanced manufacturing techniques and lean production methods to further streamline its processes At the same time, the company operates using effective supply chain management to ensure shorter lead times and reduced transportation emissions.
“Our suppliers are crucial to our success,” added Chris. “Not only do they provide us with high-quality materials and components that are critical to our builds, but they are also really supportive when it comes to improving our environmental impact.”
Other environmentally driven investments include adopting more energy-efficient
machinery, implementing a comprehensive recycling programme and investing in renewable energy sources to power Connex’s facilities.
“We also operate with a commitment to continuous improvement, which means we’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance efficiency and further mitigate waste,” said Chris. “Prefabricating our bathroom pods in a controlled factory environment, is just one of the ways we can closely monitor quality and minimise waste.”
Green compliance
A sustainable approach is also taken during the initial design phase of all Connex bathroom pods. The company prioritises the use of eco-friendly, high-quality materials having established long-term partnerships with suppliers that align with Connex’s
commitments to quality, performance and sustainability.
“The modular nature of our pods reduces on-site construction activities, leading to lower carbon emissions,” commented Chris. “And all our pods are designed to be energy efficient, incorporating features such as low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption and LED lighting to save on energy.”
Each pod takes around two working weeks to construct at Connex’s factory and is built with an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.
“Our extensive experience in robust manufacturing processes ensures we deliver superior products consistently,” explained Chris. “While competition is indeed increasing, our focus on continuous improvement, sustainability and strong client relationships helps us maintain a competitive edge in the market.”
Connex’s ability to deliver consistently superior products was recently put to the test on one of its largest projects. The company was initially contracted in 2020 for a large-scale residential development at Excel in London, involving 800 pods. The project took around two and half years to complete with unavoidable breaks due to the pandemic.
“We won the contract pre-Covid, but it got delayed ten months due to the first lockdown,” said Chris. “Most would see this as a negative, but the extra time gave our designers the space to perfect the designs. This project provided a great opportunity to exemplify our ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver a high
Chris Marsden Sales Director
volume of pods without compromising on quality.
“This was also a key milestone for the business as it showed that we could complete high-end residential projects and could be trusted by a high tier one central London contractor. It actually opened a lot of doors for us in the local area.”
Building a better future
The future looks bright for Connex Offsite, and with its plans for capacity expansion well underway, the company is looking forward to a busy year ahead.
“Our main objectives for the future include expanding our capabilities, further enhancing our sustainability practices and continuing to innovate our product offerings,” said Chris, in conclusion. “We’re als o looking to enter new markets in Europe, the
Middle East and USA, forming strategic partnerships that drive growth.
“Every day brings with it new challenges and opportunities to innovate and improve. Knowing that we are contributing to more efficient, sustainable construction practices and delivering products that enhance people’s lives is incredibly rewarding. The dynamic nature of the industry and the chance to work with a talents and dedicated team keeps me motivated and eager to come to work each day.
“I know that with their support, we can achieve our goal to remain at the forefront of the modular construction industry, delivering unparalleled value to our clients.”
“At Connex, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. We actively participate in local initiatives, support charitable organisations and strive to make a positive impact beyond our business operations. We’re also proud of our efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognising that our success is driven by the collective talents and perspectives of our team.”Chris Marsden , Sales Director. n
“At Connex, we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. We actively participate in local initiatives, support charitable organisations and strive to make a positive impact beyond our business operations. We’re also proud of our efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognising that our success is driven by the collective talents and perspectives of our team.”Chris Marsden, Sales Director.
