Manufacturers of modular buildings increased production due to the refugee crisis

Social housing in Hamburg (photo: KOMA MODULAR s.r.o.)

Prague - The influx of refugees to Europe, particularly Germany, has a positive impact on Czech manufacturers of modular buildings. Due to orders from German cities, they have sharply increased production, with some plants busy until mid-next year. As a result, in recent months, they have hired dozens of people and plan to continue increasing the number of jobs. This was stated today by representatives of the largest manufacturers in the Czech market.
    "We are experiencing an increase in production by one hundred to two hundred percent compared to the situation two years ago. In the second quarter of this year, we recorded an increase in demand for housing for refugees, which now accounts for 40 percent of production. According to orders, this share is expected to rise to 70 percent next year," said marketing director Jan Petr.
    The vast majority of modules are sent to Germany, with 90 percent of production currently directed there. More orders from Germany are coming in. Interest reportedly comes not only from large cities such as Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, but also from smaller towns where the German government distributes refugees. "With the confirmed contracts, we are busy until the middle of 2016, and we have to decline new interested parties from Germany. Moreover, we are registering further demands for refugee facilities from Sweden, Austria, and Hungary," added Petr.
    A significant production increase is also felt by another large manufacturer, Česko-slezská výrobní. "We are currently producing 40 containers a day, whereas a year ago at this time it was 25 to 28. We are currently producing the most in our history," said director Josef Žáček to ČTK.
    The increase in production brings with it an expansion of job opportunities. Česko-slezská výrobní alone employed 80 new people in the last quarter, and now a total of 400 employees work for it. The Touax plant in Supíkovice hired 40 people, half as many. "We would need about 40 more workers and skilled professionals. However, there is a significant shortage of electricians, floor layers, drywallers, and plumbers in the region," Petr pointed out.
    The competition has a similar experience. "We are continuously hiring, but we lack qualified people. It's a paradox—Jesenicko is among the regions with above-average unemployment, yet we can't find employees. And even though we offer above-average wages, people do not want to work," said Žáček. According to him, real unemployment does not exist. "Those who want to work, work," he noted.
    In the Czech Republic, about 25,000 modules are produced annually, translating to approximately 375,000 m² of area. The country is thus a European heavyweight in this regard. About ten larger manufacturers operate here, similarly to much larger Germany, alongside several smaller regional ones.