Prefabrication enhances all major elements of a project: cost, schedule, safety, and quality.

Prefabrication is the assembly of building units or components at a workshop or factory separate from the jobsite. During preconstruction, Messer’s experts will analyze the project scope and the supplier/subcontractor marketplace to determine if prefabrication opportunities exist for your project.

Prefabricated Units & Components

Prefabrication can come in many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) system assemblies, such as ceiling racks
  • Bathroom pods
  • Health care headwall assemblies
  • Interior and exterior wall panels

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were assembled in an offsite warehouse.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were assembled in an offsite warehouse.
The prefabricated racks were then delivered to the jobsite and loaded into the building.
The prefabricated racks were then delivered to the jobsite and loaded into the building.
The units were then installed in the ceiling at Mount Carmel - St. Ann's hospital.
The units were then installed in the ceiling at Mount Carmel - St. Ann's hospital.

Benefits of Prefabrication

  • Cost Savings: Waste is minimized at the jobsite reducing costs for General Conditions (dumpsters, clean-up)
  • Schedule Savings: Prefabricated components can be built in the process – e.g. above-ceiling mechanical racks can be built before floors are complete
  • Enhanced Safety: Reduced amount of material deliveries minimizes traffic and improves safety for occupants as well as construction workers
  • Enhanced Quality: All items are constructed in a controlled environment. Materials are typically tested in the warehouse (off site) and then re-tested once they are installed, ensuring every piece and part fits perfectly
  • Enhanced Maintenance & Operations: Maintenance staff can attend preconstruction meetings to help ensure the design and construction of prefabricated elements are done with maintenance considerations in mind
  • Sustainability: Waste is significantly reduced at both the shop and project locations because materials are ordered in specific length
  • Minimized Rework: Virtual construction tools allow building components to be built off-site, delivered, and installed without rework among craftworkers
  • Craft Resource Leveling: The use of manufacturing processes allow for early fabrication while the structure is built, resulting in smaller crew allocation