What started five years ago as our forward-thinking off-site manufacturing department is preparing to make its public debut. In April, we will externally launch Form Off-Site Solutions by JE Dunn, our newest sub-brand that is backed by the 100+ years of our company’s legacy plus the department’s vast knowledge and expertise.
The group formerly known as PreBuild or Off-Site Self-Perform assembled to fabricate essential components — primarily wood elements for formwork and rough carpentry — for JE Dunn projects. Upon seeing the opportunity to do more than just cut parts to size, the Form team shifted its focus to building complete assemblies. They brought together a team of registered architects, structural engineers, and Design for Manufacturing experts — who integrate manufacturing requirements and process knowledge into the product design phase — allowing them to automate the fabrication process and improve component designs for faster, safer, more efficient installation.
“Form was created to take the work that’s done every day on a construction site and produce it in a controlled environment, focusing on Design for Manufacturing,” said Nick Effenheim, Off-Site Manufacturing Director. “As our team continues to grow, we’re going to be pushing innovation not just with our projects, but also in the way we deliver them.”
Now, with JE Dunn’s continued commitment to Self-Perform and a market primed for off-site manufacturing needs, Form will be able to collaborate on JE Dunn projects as well as those with other general contractors, trade partners, or by supplying an owner directly.
“This industry of construction has been very slow to change. We want to break that mold. This is the time to take a leap forward on speed, cost, safety, quality, and that’s what we’re doing with Form,” said Tim Dunn, Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer.
Through early engagement with project teams, Form can solve problems, delivering solutions that create certainty, enhance value, and maximize safety. Systems can be coordinated as a single unit; adjacent pieces can be redefined or combined; and more elements can be integrated into an intelligent assembly.
“Our goal at Form is to not create a product or a part, but to craft a solution, spark an idea, build a relationship,” said Effenheim.
Form’s innovative, end-to-end approach of doing everything from designing and fabricating through delivering complete assemblies reduces both time and material handling waste.
As we prepare to introduce Form to a wider audience, anticipation is building. Opening the doors to non-JE Dunn clients is expected to expand the team’s reach and capabilities, while strengthening Form’s and JE Dunn’s long-term impact.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the launch of Form and what it’s going to do for clients across the country. It’s going to add tremendous value,” said Gordon Lansford, President and CEO.
