As usual, the recent meeting of the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC) this month proved to be very productive. We discussed and made decisions that moved the industry forward on initiatives ranging from transportation to building codes. These are significant issues that greatly affect how the industry does business, and direct industry advocacy will always remain a large part of what we do at the NMHC. But time also was spent on forward, proactive thinking, and this also is an area of great import to the industry as it grows and expands.

The NMHC will continue to be hands-on in directing the modular industry forward.

Earlier this year the NMHC revised the modular shipment forecast upward for a 2004 year-end total to 43,000. The modular industry is strengthening in its usual market areas but now is also expanding beyond them, and the NMHC is already looking to track shipments in these new growth areas. As is often the case, new growth is often accompanied by growing pains, for instance in the area of sales and use tax assessment and collection. Therefore the NMHC has already begun to equip itself to aid the industry in those areas where modular housing is relatively new and unfamiliar to state departments of revenue to ensure fair treatment.

I’m pleased to say that the NMHC submitted a proposed changed of its own to the International Code Council (ICC). By soliciting manufacturers and members on code issues the NMHC will be able to better press the ICC on building codes relating directly to the modular industry, and be able to propose code changes rather than reacting to them.

Finally, the NMHC is hoping to work closely with the Manufactured Housing Research Alliance and the Modular Housing Training Institute. This will ensure members have the most up-to-date information on best practices for building homes, the best training for their factory workers, and retailers and builder/developers will have the resources to transition into modular housing should they so choose.

The NMHC has a vital mission in maintaining the current integrity and performance of the modular industry, but just as important it must continue to be forward thinking to ensure the future viability of the industry, and to protect the greatest investment of our consumers, their home.

I am looking forward to serving as Chairman of the National Modular Housing Council, and I welcome your thoughts and comments. I can be reached at dennisj@r-anell.com

Dennis Jones
Chair, National Modular Housing Council
President, R-Anell Housing Group, LLC