Prefabricated Assemblies are Big-Time Problem-Solvers

Simplify the installation process, save manual labor, remove guesswork, get a few steps ahead.

Prefabricated solutions are taking the construction world by storm, especially amid labor shortages and tight schedules. Although it seems like a fairly new offering, the concept of prefabricated construction has been around for decades.

In our world, prefabrication can involve something as simple as assembling two pieces before being shipped to a jobsite—or as complex as a complete turnkey system. It allows for complete customization based on what your project needs and what your team has time for.

Prefabricated solutions simplify the installation process, save valuable manual labor, remove guesswork, and put you a few steps ahead when you head to the jobsite.

For instance, you may have a project coming up that involves wiring up 2,000 single-gang outlets. To save time, you want the bracket, box, mud ring, and grounding tail all together in one assembly so it’s ready to rough in. That’s a great example of a simple prefabricated solution that an electrical contractor can request for a faster, more streamlined installation.

The solution can be built out from there, including additional assembly steps to further reduce onsite requirements or to accommodate needs in specific spaces: restrooms, emergency rooms, conference rooms, etc.

We’ve seen these types of solutions be especially valuable in projects that involve lots of repetitiveness in component assembly: a building with 75+ private offices, a hospital with 50 patient rooms, a hotel with 240 guestrooms, or a school with 35 classrooms.

Eaton PRE-formance capability brochure (PDF)

Prefabricated solutions also reduce ordering time. When you order pre-assembled components, you’re placing and tracking an order for only one part number instead of several. They can also help your business grow, freeing up time so you can take on more work. These time savings can also help resolve scheduling issues and reduce unanticipated rises in labor costs since they make planning and installation easier.

Many contractors have also told us about the actual hard cost savings they receive with prefabricated solutions as opposed to buying each component individually and assembling them once they arrive.

Keeping Current: What you need to know about EATON's PRE-formance Engineered Solutions

If you’ve never tried prefabricated solutions, now’s the time to give them a chance. We think you’ll be surprised at what they offer. Once a contractor tries it, they’re hooked—their only regret is waiting so long!

To provide prefabricated solutions, Van Meter has built a long-standing relationship with Eaton, a power management company. Eaton offers three prefabricated wiring options:

1. Basic (drawn and welded boxes with ground screw and pigtail lead already installed)
2. Custom made-to-order (ordered with devices, cable leads and fittings, or connectors and/or plaster rings or wiring device protect plates)
3. Complete engineered solutions (start with architectural and engineering drawings and create assemblies manufactured and shipped based on your needs)

According to Eaton, industry experts estimate that prefabrication can boost worker productivity by 20% to 30% through reduced material handling and rough-in time.

You’ll sit down with us long before your project begins to walk through options and see the Eaton assemblies that we’ve created to meet your exact specifications. You’ll have the chance to share feedback about what you like and what needs to change.

We share updates as the job progresses, components are assembled, and assemblies are released from the factory. Van Meter also offers material staging and release services if you don’t want to worry about storing or securing it on a jobsite or in a warehouse.

Want to learn more about prefabricated solutions from Eaton? Give us a call or send me a note. I’m here to answer your questions!