UNB’s Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) is entering an exciting new chapter with a $2.5 million investment from its founding partner, OSCO Construction Group. This renewed commitment marks a major step forward in advancing research that is reshaping how buildings are designed and delivered.
Since its inception in 2018, the OCRC has forged partnerships that support more than 60 companies, helping the construction industry adopt innovative, off-site building methods that save time, reduce costs and increase sustainability. With OSCO’s latest investment, the centre is expanding its research capacity, supporting new projects and deepening collaboration between academia and industry.
“We are pleased to have been the founding partner of the Off-site Construction Research Centre at UNB, and proud to support the advancement of knowledge and skills in the fields of engineering and construction,” says John Irving, chair of the OSCO Construction Group. “There is a long history of expertise and skill by New Brunswickers at solving some of the most pressing challenges we face. UNB has been at the centre of many of these accomplishments.”
The construction industry represents nearly eight per cent of Canada’s total workforce, ranking as the sixth largest labour sector nationwide. As the sector faces rising labour costs, material shortages and urgent climate challenges, the centre’s work has never been more relevant. “Off-site construction is no longer just a promise – it’s a necessity,” says Brandon Searle, OCRC’s director of innovation and operations.
For UNB students, this partnership means more opportunities to engage in hands-on research, collaborate with industry professionals and contribute to solutions shaping the future of the built environment. Dr. Paul J. Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice chancellor, noted that the investment strengthens UNB’s research leadership and the region’s capacity to meet pressing infrastructure needs.
“Through the Off-site Construction Research Centre, we are advancing technologies and practices that will help build more efficient, innovative and sustainable communities across Atlantic Canada and beyond. We are deeply grateful to OSCO for their continued partnership and vision.”
As demand for housing and resilient infrastructure grows across Canada, UNB’s OCRC continues to demonstrate how innovation, collaboration and education can transform the way we build.
