PORTAKABIN has created 30 new jobs in York as it launches a brand new modular building product for the European market.

The firm says it has carried out a major investment in its state-of-the-art manufacturing complex at Huntington to produce the new Alta buildings.

A spokesperson said 30 new jobs had been created in the UK and 15 in France, with further recruitment planned with continued growth and increased manufacturing output.

They said the total number of office and production employees for Portakabin in York had now increased to 688.

The Alta buildings were specifically designed for the European hire market and to meet demand – particularly in the healthcare and education sectors – for premium, spacious and energy-efficient temporary buildings.

They added that Portakabin had combined the latest automation technology and robotics with the skills of a specialist team of architects, designers and engineers.

Steve Newell, design and engineering director, said the Alta buildings 'take modular construction to the next level for our customer base across Europe.'

He said: “Alta means high which is a great reflection of the taller, more spacious and airy spaces created by the design.We already have an extensive suite of highly successful buildings in Europe, however, working closely with our colleagues in France, we’ve created a solution to meet the growing demand for premium, spacious and energy-efficient temporary buildings on the continent.

“The result is that we have created a factory fit for the future, combining the very latest technology with the very best people and this was all done – to the highest safety standards – during a pandemic.

“What’s more, these new manufacturing techniques can be adapted so that our Alta buildings can be replicated across Europe, allowing for further expansion across France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.”

Cyril Petit-Masquelier, President of Portakabin France, said:“These buildings are designed to meet the requirements for temporary buildings, but we’re getting feedback from our customers that they don’t want to leave.”