The Modular Building Institute<\/a> (MBI) is working to fill that gap. An international trade association representing commercial modular construction, MBI now represents 65 member organisations across 16 EU countries. Its growing European presence is increasingly visible through industry collaboration, legislative engagement and opportunities for knowledge-sharing.<\/p>\nBuilding a coordinated European voice<\/h3>\n
MBI’s European presence predates 2026, but its structure has changed significantly this year. In July, it appointed Kellen as its Brussels secretariat; in August, it joined the EU Transparency Register. A dedicated policy workgroup now gathers members’ views and follows legislative developments, supported by regular policy updates.<\/p>\n
Regional engagement is equally important. MBI Benelux connects members in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, encouraging collaboration beyond national boundaries.<\/p>\n
Pieter Schoofs of Belgian modular manufacturer Skilpod, who chairs the Benelux group, describes its purpose as “bringing a louder voice for modular building in Europe or across the world.”<\/p>\n
The approach reflects a commercial reality: modular producers increasingly work across borders, while approvals, certifications, procurement practices and insurance requirements remain largely national. A collective voice can help address these inconsistencies.<\/p>\n
Amsterdam brings the industry together<\/h3>\n
MBI’s recent World of Modular Europe<\/a> conference in Amsterdam demonstrated the value of bringing the industry together. Held in October, the event attracted its largest European attendance to date, gathering manufacturers, architects, developers, technology providers and standards specialists from Europe and beyond.<\/p>\n