Connecticut-based FullStack Modular LLC, a constructor of solely modular buildings across the U.S., has opened a new manufacturing facility in Carson – commencing the company’s West Coast expansion.

“I’ve been in construction and development most of my life and have always been frustrated by the inefficiency of the construction process,” Roger Krulak, chief executive of FullStack Modular, said. He founded the company in 2017 in effort to satisfy his own impatience.

FullStack Modular has completed seven projects, all utilizing steel, volumetric modular design – a type of prefabricated construction that involves building units off-site and then transporting and assembling them on-site. As opposed to traditional construction, modular building is more sustainable, with the ability to reduce waste by up to 90% which allows for significant cost savings, according to a 2024 report by Waste & Resources Action Program.

The modularity enables different parts of the development process to occur simultaneously which, in return, reduces lead times.

FullStack Modular specifically hones its practice on mid-to-high-rise multifamily-related buildings, including student housing, hotels and residential properties.

“We’re working on a number of projects in California, and it seemed like the appropriate location for the geographic interest that we have received,” Krulak said. “One of the biggest potential costs for modular buildings is the transportation of the (modular units). Los Angeles is a good proximity to the markets that we’re interested in.

“California has huge housing deficits and also very high construction costs and modular tends to be more cost efficient,” Krulak added, noting the uptick in modular demand. “It’s a good market for us.”

The team signed a long-term, 130,000-square-foot lease back in August and subsequentially moved in in September. While FullStack Modular plans to construct all sorts of multifamily designs, Krulak anticipates the most active vertical to come out of the Carson factory to be workforce housing.

“I understand that the average city worker in, say, Los Angeles or San Francisco has an hour and a half or greater commute because they can’t afford (to live) anywhere near where they work,” Krulak said. “To me, workforce housing is a huge opportunity.”

The company is currently building prototypes for its first California project, set to begin production next month.