In Pod we trust!

Lismullen firm producing modular buildings in big demand as home offices, gyms, granny flats and even two or three bedroom homes

The sharp rise in people working from home during the pandemic has proved a major bonus to one Meath business.

The Pod Factory, which is based at Lismullen and Dunshaughlin has seen an increase in business of about 20 to 25 per cent as customers look to set up home offices.

Run by Skryne resident, Richard Thorpe, The Pod Factory produces modular buildings which are in demand as home offices, home gyms, garden rooms, granny flats and even two or three bedroom homes. They have also manufactured modular school facilities.

It was very much a case of being in the right business at the right time for the company this year.

"We have seen a huge increase in people looking to set up home offices. We are one of the leading manufacturer of home offices in Ireland," Richard explains.

"Working from home is proving to be a revolution in our new way of life coping with Covid-19. We also make pods which are wheelchair friendly, which is not done by anyone in the country."

The Pod Factory has grown out of Lismullen company, Metal Frame Construction, which builds houses and apartment blocks.

"We had the experience of using light gauge steel, so we took this method and started manufacturing 3D modular pods with a turnkey finish."

Richard explains that when you buy one of their home offices'/ pods it comes in walk-in condition and is installed on your property by crane.

"They are built using MFC structural grade light gauge steel frames wrapped in air-tightness membranes, EPS and earth-wool insulation which minimises running costs keeping you warm and cosy all year round.

"Our pod comes with fire protection inside and out and rodent-proof floor and walls

"Being respectful of the earth’s resources is a priority for us, we have selected MFC light gauge steel frames as they are made from 80 per cent recycled metals.

"We now have two factories, one producing our light gauge steel and other where we turn our light gauge steel panels into 3D modules for our pods—an inspirational, practical and economical type of build for the 21st century," he said.