Oregon is making strides in addressing its housing challenges, and thanks to some fresh state investments, modular homes might just be a significant part of the solution. Andrea Bell, Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), took a closer look last week at how state funds are sparking innovation in the realm of housing, specifically in the arena of modular homes, with a tour of Blazer Industries' production facility located in Aumsville.
During a visit that eye-witnesses an industry potentially transformative, Bell noted the state’s ambition to adopt modular construction for its trifecta of advantages – affordability, speed, and quality. In an interview released by Oregon Housing and Community Services, Executive Director Bell said, “Oregon is a national leader in housing innovation. OHCS is investing in modular construction for its potential to reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and expand access to affordable housing – all without compromising safety or quality.”
The conversation at Blazer Industries, graced by industry leaders alongside Bell, revolved around subjects such as fortifying the modular construction workforce, employing technology for better building efficiency, and increasing affordable housing options statewide. “The MHDF grant has enabled Blazer to assemble a team of experts in design, construction, systems development and technology to focus on increasing capacity to produce housing,” Kendra Cox, Blazer Industries’ owner and business development manager, told OHCS. The mentioned grant of $5 million is being put to use upgrading Blazer's tech and systems, simplifying production operations, and formulating instant-access house designs.
With a boost from the MHDF delivered by the OHCS, modular home production at Blazer looks set to grow. They're projecting an output increase of 100 to 200 homes annually. Disaster recovery units are at the top of the production list, a decision made perhaps by those who know the raw fury of nature too well; this is followed by a continued focus on construction for lower- and middle-income homes. The approach remains practical yet hopeful—Blazer Industries plans to prioritize helping communities rebuild after emergencies, and extend affordable housing reach as part of the OHCS-supported initiative.
Modular construction isn't just a fad; it's a practical response to the pressing need for housing that’s both quickly arranged and cost-efficient. The practice of creating homes in factory settings and then assembling them on-site lends well to economies of scale and potential for swift deployment in crises. Rural communities in Oregon, often facing the sharpest edge of the housing shortage, could find a breathable space with these modular developments. As stated by OHCS, the support aims at broadening housing options where they’re needed most, bringing a piece of innovation to the heart of these communities.
