From boats to building blocks

Modulize Customer Story with Norsk Modul

Even if unintentionally, as he sips his coffee, the cup flaunting the Norsk Modul's logo is prominently displayed to me through the screen. Initially, I had planned a trip to Stathelle, but like many meetings in the post-COVID era, this one transitioned to a virtual Teams session. Sebastian Nilsen has been an estimator at Norsk Modul since 2021. Since its inception in 2017, the company has been crafting wooden wall elements and delivering precut building systems.

Boat Building Meets Module Manufacturing

Before joining Norsk Modul, Sebastian was a boat builder in Arendal. He draws fascinating parallels between the two industries:

"There's a unique symmetry between boat building and modular production. Challenges can emerge at any stage, and our core focus is always on the production process. Moreover, in module manufacturing, the real task is designing the home's final look and ensuring seamless transitions."

After the boatyard in Arendal was sold, Sebastian, passionate about production, relocated a few miles north to Stathelle to join Norsk Modul. Since then, he's donned multiple hats and recently shifted his attention solely to estimation.

Norsk Modul operates out of an industrial zone in Stathelle in Vestfold and Telemark. The enterprise is a proud subsidiary of Pancom and is involved in numerous construction and property businesses nearby. L?venskiold Handel is a critical player in the building materials trade, with Maxbo at its forefront.

Expansion on the Horizon

Stathelle's production facility boasts two assembly lines, with three tables on each side operated by two workers per table. The factory operates a day shift and has witnessed commendable growth since its initiation in 2017, almost touching a turnover of 50 million kroner by 2021.

Sebastian shares some exciting news, "We're contemplating expanding with a new factory in Moss, considering line production. It's a beacon of optimism in these unpredictable times."

Collaborating Closely with Clients

A majority of Norsk Modul's projects emanate from its proprietors and their vast network. One recurring challenge in estimation, as Sebastian points out, is securing accurate foundational details from clients that serve as the cornerstone for volume calculation, estimation, and project pricing.

"It's only sometimes that our clients have a set blueprint in mind, especially regarding construction and architectural nuances. We often need to make informed judgments, keeping open communication channels to ensure the project's success. For some, modular production is a novel concept, which means our interactions sometimes involve enlightening them about our deliverables and the delivery process."

The market in recent years has been robust, and at times, Norsk Modul has been swamped with price inquiries. Their reputation stands solid, and they take pride in their prompt and accurate responses.

Sebastian reminisces, "In the past, we'd rely on pen and paper for project estimations. With Modulize, extracting accurate quantities to calculate a bid has become a breeze. The digital and traceable nature of the tool makes it effortless for constructors to follow my thought process in estimation and for clients to track any changes influencing the bid."

Benefits for the Environment and Time-Efficiency

Sebastian is keen to spotlight the dual benefits of time and the environment. He explains, "Clients who adopt our wall modules and precuts often report time savings of up to three months on-site."

"The sustainability edge of modular production cannot be stressed enough, resulting in reduced waste on construction sites. Our production process conserves a significant amount of materials compared to on-site construction. Moreover, our factory is equipped with a far superior waste management system than a typical on-site carpenter could achieve," Sebastian adds.

A Fruitful Partnership

Norsk Modul has been utilising Modulize for estimations for over a year, and Sebastian's experience has been overwhelmingly positive.

"In the business world, many suppliers invest heavily in the initial sales pitch and then vanish post-deal. With Modulize, the experience has been refreshingly opposite! We're treated as valued partners, and there's a genuine collaborative spirit to enhance the product. Other companies could take a leaf out of their book by seeking customer feedback to refine their offerings."

Sebastian concludes the chat with a mischievous grin, already gearing up for the next project, awaiting his expert estimation.