Designing Modular for the Real World: Logistics, Set, and Scale with Mandeville Modular

Published Mar 31 by Audree Grubesic. The article features Heith Bibby, CEO of Mandeville Modular, and focuses on logistics, set, sequencing, and large-scale modular delivery.

Core idea

Building modular units is only half the battle. The real test happens after fabrication, during transport, set, and final onsite integration.

Logistics starts at design

Mandeville Modular designs steel-framed modular units in California with logistics in mind from day one.

Sequencing is essential

Sequencing can make or break a modular project. Mandeville creates installation guidelines, described as a “cheat sheet,” that specify how the job should proceed.

The goal is a seamless final building where the mated lines between modules are not noticeable.

Onsite support during set

Mandeville sends a representative onsite during set, even when the company is not contracted to install the modules.

Scale examples

The article cites two large-scale projects supported by this approach.

Project Size Location
High-end hotel 39 stories Hawaii
Navigation center 43,000 square feet San Bernardino

Transportation as a strategic choice

Mandeville evaluates logistics partners by more than weight and length capacity. A key requirement is the ability to keep modules level and flat during transport.

Transport is treated as a strategic partnership, not a commodity service.

Collaboration drives growth

The article argues that modular growth depends on collaboration across engineers, manufacturers, logistics partners, and installers. It emphasizes early alignment at the “cocktail napkin stage” and shared learning across the industry.

FAQ points from the article