24 JUNE 2026
A recent analysis by McKinsey & Company confirms the leading role of steel in modular construction. The study, entitled “Putting the pieces together: Unlocking success in modular construction”, surveyed more than 700 modular construction companies worldwide. According to the findings, around 42 per cent of companies use steel as their primary structural material, followed by timber at 38 per cent and concrete at 11 per cent.
The findings underscore steel’s technical suitability for industrial construction processes. High load-bearing capacity, large spans, precise manufacturing tolerances and a high degree of prefabrication enable efficient modular concepts with reproducible quality and short assembly times.
As the construction industry becomes increasingly industrialised, modular construction methods are continuing to gain in importance. The study’s findings show that, due to its structural properties and its suitability for standardised manufacturing processes, steel remains the preferred material for modular construction concepts worldwide.
Source: McKinsey & Company, “Putting the pieces together: Unlocking success in modular construction”