Autovol – Innovative Modular Multi-Story Building Done Right!

Automation and Modular Multi-Story Building Construction

Modular multi-story building construction is reshaping the building industry by combining factory precision with advanced automation and robotics. In controlled environments, robots handle repetitive, heavy tasks while skilled team members focus on craftsmanship and problem-solving. Autovol calls its people Solutioneers to embody this elevated mindset and culture-focused team.

 

Mike Holmes invited the CEO of Autovol to join his Holmes on Homes podcast to discuss their approach to building modular homes.

 

 

About Autovol’s Modular Factory

Autovol’s game changing 400,000 square foot factory, with an additional 30,000 square feet dedicated to office space, is revolutionising modular built construction. Production started in 2020, and in less than 4 years, it had become America’s highest-volume modular manufacturer of multifamily housing. Autovol is now approaching 3 million square feet of apartments built—totaling about 3,500 units and 5,000 bedrooms.

 

Autovol’s Solutioneers believe that everyone here is a problem-solver, innovator, and vital contributor to its mission and values, and they encourage everyone to share ideas for improving their work. Rick Murdock, the CEO and co-founder has a leadership style rooted in service, vision, and removing obstacles so Solutioneers can do their best work.

 

With more than 200 full-time staff and 80 subcontractors, the company’s innovative approach combines people and automation. Robots handle the heaviest, most repetitive tasks with unmatched precision, so Solutioneers can focus on complex problem-solving, continual learning, and innovating company culture.

 

With advanced robotics framing and sheathing the ceilings, floors, and walls, Solutioneers then get the living units up to 80% complete before they leave the factory. This makes fast work of completing high-quality housing at the final site in a much more efficient way and with minimal site impact.

 

How it Works: Modular Building – Factory Built

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Site Supervisors Are Saying About Autovol Multi-Story Modular Homes:

 

 

• Modular building cuts on-site labour requirements
• Manufactured environment allows for extreme quality control
• Works great in urban areas with limited space
• Speeds up onsite construction time—often 1 to 2 months
• Speeds up total construction time by up to 40%
• Makes projects possible in locations with short build seasons
• Allows for cleaner and quieter job sites
• Saves on labour, costs, and inefficiencies

 

 

Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025

Autovol’s culture and commitment to their people have earned third-party recognition. Autovol has been named an Idaho Top Workplace every year since first participating in 2021, #1 ranked Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025, and a USA TODAY Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025. The Solutioneer team brings together seasoned industry veterans and new talent with fresh ideas, building a future where everyone can learn and benefit.

 

The construction industry faces an aging workforce, a shrinking talent pipeline, and stagnant productivity. The median age of a construction worker is now 42, and the number of young workers entering the field has dropped by 30% over the last 15 years. Yet at Autovol, the three largest production age groups are 19–24, 25–29, and 30–34—proof that innovative, future-ready roles are attracting career-minded young people eager to learn. Seasoned experts train the next generation in-house, passing on valuable trade skills.

 

Nurturing the Next Generation of Solutioners

Autovol is nurturing the next generation of Solutioneers by partnering with middle, and high schools to spark excitement in modular building through automation and robotics. “By hosting off-site tours and hands-on programs—one of the most engaging and memorable ways to connect with your future workforce—we’re giving students early exposure to the innovations shaping our industry,” says Merrick Macomber, Autovol’s Chief Culture Officer. Through these immersive experiences, Autovol aims to ignite creativity, curiosity, and a lasting passion for reimagining the future of construction.

 

Reshaping Industry Norms

Also, Autovol is helping to reshape industry norms when it comes to diversity. While only about 10% of the U.S. construction workforce is female, Autovol has consistently doubled this, averaging about 25% women since 2019 and currently standing at 21% female as of April 2025.

In an industry where 90% of general contractors worry about labor shortages and project overruns are common, Autovol’s approach stands apart. With modular construction, costs are locked in upfront and projects are finished up to 40% faster thanks to parallel onsite and offsite work, along with numerous other smart methods. By combining skilled Solutioneers with advanced robotics,

Autovol tackles the productivity gap that costs the global construction industry $1.6 trillion each year. While many firms wait for others to innovate, Autovol is leading the way—proving that technology and people working together can boost efficiency, quality, and job satisfaction.

 

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