Perth offsite manufacturer OFFSITE grows with new facility

Perth-based offsite manufacturer OFFSITE is relocating to a new 11,000 sqm facility, increasing its production capacity. The move includes the installation of two recently acquired advanced timber processing HOMAG Weinmann lines, in addition to its existing HOMAG Weinmann line. This expansion is expected to allow OFFSITE to design, manufacture, and assemble up to 2,500 dwellings annually by 2025/2026 in the Perth metropolitan area. (main pic: Perth-based OFFSITE’s panelised timber construction process in action.)

OFFSITE specialises in prefabrication methods for residential and commercial buildings up to 12 storeys. Its approach enables homes to be manufactured in one day and erected on-site in one to two days, reducing construction time. The company has worked with clients including Development WA, WA Communities, ABN Group, Stockland, Cedar Woods, Abel Property, and Providence Lifestyle.

The company is led by Executive Chairman Norm Roberts, who took on the role in July 2024. Roberts has experience across investment, property, construction, finance, banking, manufacturing, and technology. With over 20 years on private and public boards, he has expertise in business strategy, governance, risk management, and capital raising. His leadership aligns with OFFSITE’s objective of increasing automation in low-carbon home construction while improving energy efficiency and ESG outcomes.

“At OFFSITE, we’re demonstrating that homes and multi-unit developments can be manufactured in a day and erected in just one or two days, reducing construction time, costs, and carbon impact,” Roberts said. “Our mission is to automate the construction of low-carbon homes in Australia while delivering high energy efficiency and ESG outcomes.”

OFFSITE has been involved in advancing offsite construction in Western Australia. The company participated in a recent prefabricated build for the Department of Communities (DOC), delivering a 10-unit apartment development in collaboration with Whitehaus Architects and WA-based builder Rapley. The project utilised a hybrid timber/masonry construction method, with prefabricated timber components reducing build time. The upper floors, comprising eight units, were installed in 18 days, using hsbCAD software to create a digital twin before production.

Watch as OFFSITE dismantles their HOMAG Weinmann equipment in preparation for installation at its new 11,000 sqm facility.

OFFSITE was also involved in the ‘My Home’ initiative, led by Perth architect Michelle Blakeley, which provided modular homes for homeless women. The company manufactured the prefabricated panels for 18 homes, which were completed within 22 days. The project highlighted the energy efficiency of modular construction, with the homes using 90% less energy than conventional buildings.

With the new facility and additional HOMAG Weinmann lines, OFFSITE is expanding its operations to meet growing housing demand in Western Australia. The company’s increased capacity supports the wider adoption of modern methods of construction, addressing industry challenges such as labour shortages, rising costs, and sustainability requirements.

See: OFFSITE (under construction)