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Adelaide-based modular builder resident at Mitsubishi’s former Tonsley assembly plant
It’s recognised the skill set and lean manufacturing methodology of car assembly and modular building are broadly interchangeable, and an Adelaide-based modular builder, Specialised Solutions, have taken over where Mitsubishi ended. (main pic: Specialised Solutions Sedi solar powered modular street furniture.)
They’re now one of the diversified group of companies that employs over 2,000 people in industries such as cleantech and renewable energy, medical devices, mining and energy services and automation and simulation that have taken residence at the former car assembly site.
Since the Covid-19 lockdowns, Specialised Solutions have experienced significant increase in demand for their modular-built range of off-grid park benches, shelters and modular buildings. It’s being driven by council demand for renewable energy projects and skilled labour and material shortages in the construction industry.
For the last three years they’ve been manufacturing a line of smart modular street furniture called Sedi, and more recently have expanded an aligned product range to include bins, bike racks and heaters. A key feature of these stand-alone facilities is that they’re solar powered.
According to company sources, the furniture is made from steel and sustainable-sourced timber and, using a solar array/battery, supply Wi-FI, lighting and charging ports to its users.
The company now has distributors in the United States and New Zealand and significant interest from European and Middle Eastern markets for their modular street furniture.
Their modular building solutions also extend to off-grid accommodation, custom builds, bridges and outdoor amenities. Demand for accommodation in regional areas struggling with housing issues has also witnessed significant growth.
In May this year, the company installed three modular buildings, including a foreshore cafe, visitor’s information and a library in the South Australian town of Whyalla for the local council.
