As PRWeb informs MHProNews, according to market research firm Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA), shipments of prefabricated homes are expected to reach 112,000 units by 2018 in the U.S. as the resurgence in housing and construction activity increases. The study covers manufactured, modular, panelized, and precut housing, but the manufactured housing segment comprises over half of the total shipments. Single-section growth of manufactured homes is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9 percent for the next five years. While the rising demand for prefab housing is coming from the baby boomers, it is also driven by environmental awareness from those desiring eco-friendly and energy efficient homes which are being incorporated into factory-built product. Growth in this market in the U.S. has been stymied by the lack of financial support and incentives from the federal government, as well as by the ‘trailer park’ mentality long associated with the industry as a whole.

(Photo credit: Chris Butler/Idaho Statesman–Delores Loredo nailing the roof on a manufactured home.)