Yorkon News Archives

02/06/2004 – Pizza Hut forms partnership with Yorkon in move to off-site construction

Pizza Hut, the UK's leading pizza brand, has formed a partnership with Portakabin subsidiary Yorkon, for the construction of a number of new restaurants which will be manufactured off-site.

The partnership follows the completion of Pizza Hut's first modular restaurant in the UK by off-site construction specialists, Yorkon. The 131-cover restaurant in Colchester was successfully completed in half the time of a typical traditionally-built restaurant.

Yorkon now has instructions for three new restaurants in Walsall, Loughborough and Peterborough, and further sites are planned.

The partnership with Pizza Hut is expected to be worth more than £1 million to Yorkon in its first year. The restaurants will be manufactured at its 60-acre production centre in York, in a move which will enable Pizza Hut to open new freestanding outlets more quickly.

Commenting on the decision to use off-site construction, John Graham, Design and Construction Manager at Pizza Hut, said, "Our aim is to significantly reduce the time taken on site for new building projects and allow us to open our restaurants more quickly to the benefit of our customers. Yorkon provided us with the best proposal in terms of cost effectiveness, quality, projected programme and professionalism."

He added, "Construction of the first restaurant went very well, halving the programme time despite difficult site conditions and with no compromise on quality."

Keith Blanshard, Director and General Manager of Yorkon said, "Our partnership with Pizza Hut is a major milestone for our business. We are seeing huge demand for modular in every sector – from airports and supermarkets to offices, schools, hospitals and apartments."

"Pizza Hut is joining other blue-chip organisations such as Tesco, Urban Splash and BAA, who have recognised the benefits to be gained from our modular building systems – faster programme times, guaranteed quality, design flexibility, predictable costs and faster return on investment."

The new restaurants for Pizza Hut will be among the first Yorkon buildings to 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.

With over 500 outlets and an expanding franchise operation, Pizza Hut UK employs over 20,000 people and is a division of Yum! Brands Inc – the world's largest restaurant group.

Editor's Notes

Yorkon's pioneering 5-year product warranty covers the external fabric of the building and the 20-year structural warranty relates to the load-bearing elements. Both warranties are in addition to independent certification from the British Board of Agrément (BBA).
Modular building involves the manufacture of steel-framed modules in a factory environment, using production line technology, whilst the foundation works are completed on site. The restaurant modules for Pizza Hut will be delivered to site by road where they will be craned into position in just one day ready for fitting out and handover.