ARDEX Calls for Greater Local Compliance Testing as Australia Accelerates Modular Housing

Global prefab construction

leader says Australian standards, local certification and factory-ready systems will be critical to the success of NSW's modular housing

SYDNEY, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ARDEX Australia has welcomed the NSW Government's announcement of a new Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Innovation Facility, describing it as a step towards addressing housing supply challenges through faster, smarter and more scalable building methods. See: https://ardexaustralia.com/products_category/prefab-modular-offsite/

As governments turn to modular and prefabricated construction to boost housing delivery, ARDEX believes the priority is ensuring modular components and bathroom pods, whether manufactured locally or offshore, can be integrated into Australian projects with confidence through compliant systems, testing and certification.

According to Tobias Schäfer, ARDEX Global Head of Prefab, local investment in modular manufacturing presents opportunities for the Australian construction industry.

"There is strong government support for modular builders to expand factory capacity in Australia, and we can support that growth with proven systems and global expertise developed specifically for modular construction environments," said Schäfer.

Schäfer noted that modular construction is increasingly global, with bathroom pods, wall systems and volumetric modules often manufactured in one country and installed in another.

"The globalisation of modular construction creates enormous opportunities to accelerate housing delivery, but it also highlights the need to ensure products and systems meet Australian performance requirements and building standards.

Manufacturers need confidence that the products specified within those modules have been tested, validated and supported for the Australian market before they arrive on site. That is where ARDEX has been working extensively across Asia, particularly China and Vietnam, to help deliver certainty of compliance."

ARDEX's global prefab program supports modular manufacturers across Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania, providing system solutions designed for factory-based production. By combining local technical expertise with international knowledge and experience, ARDEX helps manufacturers improve productivity, consistency and compliance outcomes.

About ARDEX

ARDEX is a global leader in construction solutions, with 67 subsidiaries, more than 50 production facilities, 4,000 employees and operations in over 100 countries. Since entering Australia in 2001, ARDEX has expanded through acquisitions including ABA, Vibro, Dunlop, DTA, Nexus, WEDI, Loba, Wakol, Cemix and Drymix, delivering world-class system solutions for projects worldwide.