How a Model/Z Unit Comes Together: Fast, Precise, and Built to Scale
At Model/Z, we're reimagining how housing gets built, bringing speed, precision, and predictability to an industry known for delays and high costs. Much like the Model T revolutionized automotive production, our Model/Z units are the product of thorough process engineering, smart standardization, consistent quality, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Here’s a high-level look at how each Model/Z unit comes together in our factory setting and what makes our approach different.
Our Streamlined Build Process
Every Model/Z unit moves through a well-defined manufacturing flow that mimics the best practices of aerospace and automotive industries. The process is divided into two main stages: sub-assemblies and final assembly.
Sub-assembly stations work in parallel to prepare the components like walls, ceilings, MEP pathways, cabinets, and more. While the final assembly line brings it all together with minimal downtime between steps.
The journey begins with welding the floor chassis. From there, the unit proceeds through a marriage station, where precision-engineered walls and ceilings (pre-fitted with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems) are attached.
In final assembly, the unit receives its finishing touches: electrical wiring, HVAC systems, insulation, flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and more.
Built for Speed, Without Cutting Corners
While we pride ourselves on building fast, our processes are also just as reliable.
Our line includes 19 final assembly stations, all running in parallel. With our current cycle time optimized for 3 units per day, and our factory’s ability to scale up to 4 units per shift, Model/Z delivers completed housing in a fraction of the time it takes traditional builders.
Key subassemblies including painted doors, pre-cut plumbing, and fully finished cabinets, are prepared in advance to reduce installation time, increase consistency, and eliminate costly mistakes.
Every Detail Engineered for Precision
Each unit is built under controlled factory conditions, which means less waste, fewer errors, and more consistent quality. Materials are kitted and delivered in the exact form and quantity needed at each station. Just like prepping and measuring ingredients before you start cooking, this approach minimizes movement, reduces inefficiency, and improves safety.
With 383 quality control checkpoints, we inspect every part of the process, from incoming inventory to in-line assemblies. Every step is documented, verified, and reviewed to ensure the unit meets not just state code, but our own internal standards. This includes:
Verifying accurate installation of MEP systems
Ensuring code compliance across disciplines
Confirming exact placement of structural elements
Because every unit is designed for manufacturing (DFM) and managed by internal manufacturing systems, we maintain a digital twin that provides traceability and consistency at scale.
What Sets Us Apart
Sure, we build off-site, just like other modular manufacturers, but what really makes our process unique is how we build and who’s building it.
Unlike traditional modular manufacturers, Model/Z doesn’t simply assemble kits of parts. Each module is designed and developed by our in-house engineering team using the same tools and standards applied in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
Our team also brings a fresh perspective to construction, coming from industries where failure is not an option. That perspective has shaped everything: from how our factory line is optimized, to how our systems track inventory, control production, and eliminate surprises.
Every unit we deliver is a proven, reliable product that’s already been checked over 400 times by our internal quality team and state plan inspectors & reviewers.
Final Touch: Ready to Ship
Once the unit completes its final quality checks, it’s wrapped in a protective membrane and prepared for transport. What arrives onsite is a fully finished home, assembled in record time, and built to last.
The Future of Housing Is Here
At Model/Z, we’re building a smarter system for delivering affordable housing at scale. With manufacturing-grade precision, automotive-speed production, and a commitment to quality baked into every step, our modular approach is paving the way for a more affordable, predictable, and scalable housing future.
If you’d like to learn more about working together, please book a call with our team here.
