FUSION THE LIGHT GAUGE STEEL FRAME BUILDING GIANT ACQUIRES UK FIRM
Irish based Fusion Building Systems has completed a major deal to acquire Framing Solutions Ltd. based in Derbyshire, UK.

As of the 4th of January 2008, Fusion Building Systems, the European Leader in pre-insulated Light Gauge Steel Frame buildings, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Framing Solutions Ltd.

Framing Solutions was formed in 2002 on the back of a joint venture agreement between Redrow and Corus UK. Since its formation Framing Solutions has designed, manufactured and installed light steel framed structures based on the Surebuild system for a number of customers in the UK.

For Fusion the acquisition of Framing Solutions is a means of accelerating the organic growth achieved by the company to date in the UK market. The acquisition provides access to additional skills and capacity to deliver the desired future growth. 

Fusion will seek to build on the current Framing Solutions’ client relationships and employee skills base. Over time, Fusion and Framing Solutions teams will be integrated to create a stronger project delivery organisation.

Fusion’s Irish operation will continue to focus on client relations and growthBUIL within its domestic market. Fusion remains committed to its existing client base and will be meeting with clients, over the coming weeks to discuss the acquisition in further detail.

Kieran White, Managing Director at Fusion said:
'Acquiring Framing Solutions is an exciting step for Fusion. It will immediately enhance our presence and capability in the UK market and generally position us to deliver larger projects for our clients.'

David Arnold, Group Finance Director of Redrow said:
‘In line with our stated intention, we are pleased to have completed the disposal of our interest in Framing Solutions and now look forward to working with Fusion as we ourselves focus upon our core development activities.’

Derek Randall, Commercial Director at Corus said:
‘We are pleased with the development and growth of light steel framing in the construction sector and in accordance with our strategy this is now an ideal time for a key player such as Fusion to develop this particular business further.’

For further information please contact Claire McGuinness or Kieran White on +353 (0) 21 4919500.

NEWS FUSION MAR 2007

Fusion Building Systems is proud to be part of a pioneering new housing development at March, Cambridgeshire.  This development, a partnership between Inspace (main contractor), SmartLIFE and BRE, is designed to display how modern methods of construction can be used to alleviate housing shortages in growth areas.

 The process of constructing the total 106 new homes at March and Chatteris (Cambridgeshire) will be a demonstration and training scheme involving some of the lead players in shaping affordable housing policy and creating sustainable communities. Fusion Building Systems is working in partnership with Inspace to complete 34 units at the March site.

 The unique aspect of this project is the extent to which every step of the construction process will go under the microscope to assess issues such as build speed, build quality, the sustainability of the construction process and the post-occupancy performance of the resulting houses, including energy efficiency.

CaliBRE will map the construction process, identify and code packages and tasks, monitor site construction processes and produce analysis, reports and feedback for the construction team. In addition, the data collected will be used to assess the project against benchmarks using the Constructing Excellence Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and sustainability KPIs. Cost, build-time, health and safety and environmental impact are amongst the KPIs, which will be used.

 SmartWaste, BRE's web-based 'Site Methodology to Audit, Reduce and Target Waste' will be used to evaluate the waste produced, enabling the contractor to identify how it was generated and the potential for reducing it.  Fusion Building Systems welcome these challenges and are confident in the successful performance of their innovative pre-insulated, steel frame building system.

 As work continues on site Fusion Building Systems are on programme to achieve their completion deadline, providing efficient, fast-track product delivery and erection, while also facilitating the progress of follow-on trades

NEWS FUSION

Fusion updates ‘Irish Agrément Board’

Due to continuous improvement processes and industry demand Fusion’s steel frame building system has recently been accredited by the ‘Irish Agrément Board’ to cover a greater scope of application. Fusion’s steel frame system, which was previously certified for up to four storeys, is now certified for use on a concrete podium slab for construction up to six storeys. Industry demand has also driven Fusion to achieve IAB accreditation for their StIF Panel Technology for structures up to 30 metres in height.

Fusion’s IAB Certificate (no. 06/0125) can be viewed on the Irish Agrément Board website www.irishagrementboard.com LINK >>> or through the ‘Technical Data’ link left.

“Fusion…the future of construction today”

Coming to the Construction Market in 2007

NEWS FUSION

Benefits of Modern Methods of Construction achieve NAO recognition

A recent report from the National Audit Office entitled "Using Modern Methods of Construction to Build Homes more Quickly and Effectively" has highlighted a variety of benefits of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). The main findings of this report emphasise the importance of the time and cost related benefits to pre-fabricated systems. The NAO report indicates that the time to create a weatherproof shell can be reduced by up to 50% with MMC. Costs of on-site materials and on-site labour can be reduced to 45% and 20%, respectively, when compared to traditional build. The report states that the build cost of MMC is, at present, is 10-20% higher than traditional build. This increased cost, as emphasised by the report, these apparently high costs are balanced by the savings in time, labour and quality control. As MMC continues it is evident that costs will decrease with innovation and economies of scale in manufacturing.

NEWS FUSION

Fusion enters a New Era

Fusion Building Systems is the leading producer of light gauge steel frame in Ireland. Expansion at Fusion is progressing well and the latest stage of their comprehensive growth plan includes the completion of the extended, technologically advanced Pod production facility. To meet the extra capacity of both steel frame and Pod production facility Fusion’s design staff has doubled in numbers in last twelve months. Fusion’s workforce has increased from 200 to 300 employees in the last twelve months, the expertise of Fusion’s team will inevitably meet the challenge of increased productivity in order to exceed client expectations. Enlargement at Fusion continues to be remarkable.

Excellence recognised at Fusion Building Systems.

Fusion Building Systems serves both the Irish and the UK market. A leading manufacturer of light gauge steel frame structures in Ireland, Fusion provide superior quality solutions in steel frame structures and also manufacture modular kitchen and bathroom Pods. Fusion’s excellence in manufacturing and their commitment to quality have been acknowledged many times within their industry through membership of S.C.I. (UK), the Construction Industry Federation and the Steel Homes Group. Guaranteed by Homebond, Fusion also boasts the accolades of certification from Irish Agrément Board, British Board of Agrément, BRE Certification.

Although the Fusion solution is renowned for its accuracy and reliability since the company began in 1998, the fact that Fusion continues to attain Certification for new products is a significant development.

Fusion wish to exceed industry standards with pertinent product developments to improve their supply chain at every stage to maximise efficiency and further increase capacity and quality of manufacturing output. Fusion have several new Accreditations in the pipeline for new products from both the IAB and BRE. As the saying goes: ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained’, certainly there is a lot to be gained from Fusion’s future ventures.