Mabati Rolling Mills ventures into prefab housing market

Mabati Rolling Mills Ltd (MRM) has ventured into the prefabricated houses market as it seeks to supply affordable homes to low and middle-income citizens.

The roofing materials manufacturer has launched a spirited campaign to market its ready-made (prefab) houses that are retailing at ‘highly affordable prices’.

The walls of the MRM houses can be completed using wood, bricks, iron sheets or mud depending on the preferences of the buyer.

MRM is optimistic that the affordable pricing will help it penetrate the low-end housing market which investors seeking quick returns have avoided.

Mabati is a subsidiary of the Safal Group – makers of flat and long steel products that include brands such as DumuZas, Versatile, Galsheet Rescincot and Saflok 700.

“There is demand for prefabs across the country. The models can be custom-made for customers depending on their tastes and preferences,” said Kaushik Shah Safal, the Safal Group’s CEO for Horn of Africa.

MRM has signed a deal with Equity Bank to finance the cost of buying prefabricated structures from the firm.

Prospective buyers are required to obtain a quotation for the standard houses from MRM or Equity Bank.

The quotations are for an open-plan space (outer perimeter shell), although internal partitions can be added at extra cost.

The prices are for supply only (installation is done by your fundi) and do not include fixtures, windows, doors, ceilings, fittings and loose furniture.

Armed with a quotation, prospective buyers then proceed to an Equity Bank outlet to seek approval on a financial plan. Upon approval, the bank issues a letter offer for execution.

Soon afterwards, MRM puts together the structure before transferring it to the appointed pick-up location.

The firm connects buyers to a network of contractors to ensure proper installation of its houses.

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