Yorkon News Archives

23/07/2004 – First Modular Manufacturer to Achieve Independent Fire Test Approval

Portakabin subsidiary Yorkon is the first modular building manufacturer to achieve approval from the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) for fire testing in line with the recommendations of the Association of British Insurers and Lloyds.

Assessed at the BRE Laboratories at Cardington near Bedford, Yorkon's steel-framed modular building systems for both general buildings and living accommodation have been subjected to stringent testing to LPS 1181 Part 3 for fire damage and spread of flame, which involved full scale fire tests to assess reaction to fire.

Keith Blanshard, Director and General Manager of Yorkon, said, "Not only were our systems the first modular buildings to be independently approved to these standards, but they both performed extremely well. This means that in the event of a fire, damage will be minimised through slower spread and better containment."

He added, "The LPCB certification gives insurers, mortgage lenders and developers a high degree of reassurance that our modular building systems are a high quality, viable alternative to traditional site-based building."

Having been assessed for compliance with BS 476 Part 22 in line with Building Regulations for fire resistance, the new LPCB certification means that Yorkon's modular systems now have a Grade A rating.

Yorkon's award-winning off-site building systems have been used widely for offices, hospitals, schools, supermarkets, airports and public and private housing. This method of construction involves the manufacture of steel-framed structural modules in a controlled factory environment, whilst the foundations are completed on site. The modules are delivered by road where they are craned into position in just a few days.

Benefits of off-site construction include reductions in build time of up to 50 per cent, less disruption, guaranteed quality, better cost control, less wastage of materials and reduced future maintenance.

Yorkon's buildings also now benefit from the Portakabin Group's pioneering warranty package that has recently been launched. A modular industry first, the 20-year structural warranty and 5-year product warranty are part of a new and unique Customer Charter introduced to set out the Group's commitment to delivering every project to the highest quality standards.