As we approach the end of winter and jump head first into spring, I’m pleased that we can look back into 2004 and report that the modular housing industry continued its phenomenal growth rate, resulting in a record high 42,700 modular homes built and shipped across the country. Manufacturers and builders should celebrate the increased demand for our homes. The high-quality resulting from the factory-built process and our commitment to build homes that are well designed and affordable, enable thousands of Americans to purchase the home of their dreams every year.

However, we must also take the time to recognize that the industry has arrived at the proverbial crossroad. Where will 2005 take us? Will the industry continue to set new records of production as more and more capital flows into our market from investors and large companies? Or will the industry level off and remain where it is? What’s at stake for 2006 and beyond?

This is a decision that is not only up to the industry as a whole, but also one that falls to each of us as individuals. As we deal with the day-to-day activities of managing our companies and jobs, it is easy to lose sight of the broader industry picture. But most of us would agree that the industry is poised for tremendous growth as long as the industry continues to produce and deliver to the consumer quality homes with a high level of performance. In other words in order to grow and strengthen our industry, we must protect and nurture the fundamental building blocks that got us where we are today.

The NMHC realizes that education is a key element in accomplishing this. First, we continue to develop first rate educational sessions for all aspects of the modular housing community. I encourage everyone manufacturing or developing with modular homes to attend these sessions at the 2005 Congress and Expo for Manufactured and Modular Housing. Second, the NMHC has recently developed a brochure on the modular process that should be read and distributed by manufacturers, builders, developers, and retailers. This publication emphasizes the unique characteristics of the modular industry and is an essential educational and marketing piece. Finally, the NMHC will hold another Modular Housing Factory Tour in the fall where manufacturers open their doors to others in the industry. This information sharing opportunity could be one of the most important and valuable forums organized by the industry each year.

Looking ahead, I challenge you as industry members to take a moment to ensure what you are doing is not only in the best interest of your businesses, but also in the best interest of the industry. We should all want to do better for both ourselves and our customers. If we all strive for this goal, then the outlook for the modular industry is very good indeed.

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