Mining forHomes

The world’s growing hunger for raw materials has created a global commodities boom in which foreign investors and mining interests have landed on Canada’s doorstep in quest of a secure supply of base metals. This impressive increase in activity has brought with a strong demand for quality worker accommodations.

Human capital is the key to any successful project. In this industry, salaries and benefits are no longer sufficient in attracting and keeping skilled workers. Quality accommodations have become the distinguishing factor in a successful H.R. program. When living in a remote location, quality of life is directly proportional to the quality of the worker housing. It is the essence of keeping a work force happy and productive.

Providing workers with comfortable amenities at a reasonable price is no easy task, especially where the local labour force is limited and building materials are scarce. Building is frequently time consuming and always very expensive.

PlugIn Construction Solutions (PICS), a Montreal based company has found the solution to this problem.

PICS, by manufacturing prefabricated building modules to the standard ISO shipping size, has industrialized the building process, which ensures both quality and speed. These modules are built 95% complete, meaning that they are shipped complete with everything pre-installed including such items as electrical connections, plumbing fixtures, lighting, as well as FF&E items like beds and LCD TV.

This industrialized system is 50% faster than conventional construction systems and substantially less expensive.

PICS has just completed a 114 room worker housing facility at the most northern point in Quebec which was designed, manufactured, delivered and installed within five months of the order.

“Plugin Construction was the least expensive option available to Canadian Royalties and above all they were the only ones that could deliver in time. In fact twice as fast as anyone else. We were also impressed by the solidity of the steel structure and it’s high level of insulation”

The PICS team employs designers and engineers who are ready to support their clients for any projects demands. PICS provides drafting, site surveys, design, engineering support, logistics, installation and any other necessary services.

“By providing a 3 story solution to our urgent housing needs, PICS was able to substantially reduce our infrastructure costs by eliminating the need to enlarge our gravel “pad”.”

The primary structural material in a PICS module is COR-TEN steel, which was developed to eliminate corrosion and to form a stable oxidized coating on the exposed metal, thereby protecting the structure against further corrosion.  This makes PICS modules super durable, non-combustible and resistant to most natural disasters. Furthermore, they are highly energy efficient, using sustainable materials and state-of-the-art technology such as LED lighting and low-flow plumbing appliances, limiting the total environmental footprint.

By prefabricating all of the complex and detailed components, the PICS solution significantly reduces the need for on-site labour, which may be unavailable in remote areas. This modular system is also a great solution in locations where the construction season is restricted by harsh weather.

“I was impressed with the PICS application.  A system that is so complete upon delivery is an excellent solution in places like Fort McMurray and Fort Nelson.”

PICS industrialized modular building system is designed to use the world’s existing inter-modal shipping infrastructure and is truly the ideal solution for worker accommodations wherever that need may be.