Commercial Modular Builders Offer Unprecedented Response to Hurricane Katrina.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The Modular Building Institute (MBI), a worldwide nonprofit trade association representing commercial modular building manufacturers and distributors in 14 countries, is leading an unprecedented industry response to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

"While the full effects of Katrina are yet to be determined, our industry is united and immediately focused on the health and well-being of countless victims and the massive need for quick, temporary space," said MBI executive director Tom Hardiman. "MBI's role in this tragedy has primarily been to coordinate delivery of over $250,000 in member donations of modular buildings, construction materials, and cash." MBI members have donated nearly 25,000 square feet of space. Moreover, MBI has fielded calls for a total of one million square feet.

"The need is for all types of buildings," Hardiman said. "MBI members are sending offices, classrooms, medical facilities, showers and restrooms, shelters for communications equipment, even grocery stores and restaurants."

One MBI member donated 10,000 square feet of portable classrooms for use by evacuee children in Houston, TX. The same company gave relief agencies, including the American Red Cross, five over-the-road trailers filled with food, water, and other supplies. Five MBI members -- competitors under normal conditions -- teamed up to supply four modular buildings and generators to the Volunteers of America for administering medical vaccinations in Gulfport, MS. Modular offices were also donated by another MBI member to Providence Hospital in Mobile, AL. Hospital nuns are using the buildings as a distribution center to provide clothing to hurricane victims.

"Our members are meeting other needs too," Hardiman added. "The increase in building demand, for example, has prompted several manufacturers to announce plans to expand production capacity -- agreeing to offer desperately-needed jobs to hurricane evacuees."

About Modular Building Institute

Founded in 1983, the Modular Building Institute is an international nonprofit trade association representing commercial modular building manufacturers and distributors with over 850 locations in 14 countries including the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, and the United Kingdom and serving seven primary markets: general office, education, retail, healthcare, government, security, and construction-site. www.modular.org.