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Family owned and working across Western Australia, Dane Cocliff’s business I2R Modular focuses on bringing ideas to life.
While construction and mining sites are a common occurrence across the state, not many people are aware of the skill and ingenuity required to bring these sites together, including creating the built infrastructure quickly and seamlessly.
Modular buildings have long been a popular solution for both the resources industry and larger construction projects. They are manufactured off site in controlled factory conditions, then transported and installed ready for use on site - making them ideal for remote construction and mining sites where traditional building methods are slow, costly, or simply impractical in harsh conditions. And when a project wraps up, modular buildings can be packed up and redeployed elsewhere, delivering lasting value well beyond a single site.
Dane explained how he entered the modular construction sector.
“I2R Modular was established in 2023, when I co-founded the modular arm of the business with the I2R owners, who were already using innovative design and manufacturing techniques to develop industrial and mining products.”
“Looking at how this concept could be expanded, we wanted to build a smarter, faster, more durable approach to modular construction.”
“We provide customised design solutions, manufacturing buildings and rooms off-site which are then transported to the site and handed over to our customers, which are mainly educational, commercial and mining focused.”
Built to scale
Dane has learnt from some of the best – who also happened to be conveniently close to him!
“My family has run small businesses in the mining and drilling space before, so I learned early on what it takes to start and grow something.” Dane said.
“In my previous role I was a project engineer on large commercial projects, giving me technical grounding for modular construction.”
With his entrepreneurial genes and spirit, Dane knew it was time to put his skills to the test.
“I2R began with rapidly deployable buildings that were simple, durable, and easy to install. We’re now expanding into supplying pods and components as part of complete building solutions.”
Tooled up by the SBDC
While expertise in engineering provided Dane with an essential technical knowledge base, developing the right skills to start and grow a business required additional learning.
“The SBDC has been invaluable. They gave us a foundation in areas we did not have deep expertise in. I completed training, met with advisers, and used their resources for marketing and finance.” Dane explained.
“We have attended workshops with practical takeaways, booked one to one sessions with business specialists for tailored advice, and used the SBDC’s tools and templates to guide planning and growth.”
“A bonus of the workshops was networking with other small business owners, some of whom may become clients and suppliers in the future.”
Dane has since revisited the SBDC for tools and marketing tips and continues to speak with advisers and attend workshops to further his business skills development.
Piece by piece
Success has come in a short space of time for Dane’s business since he opened the doors in 2023.
“We’re proud of our accomplishments and the fact we’re always improving. Every build we make is faster, smarter and slicker, and we’re up to about 60 buildings now.” Dane said.
“The best part about running a small business is the speed at which we can operate. We don’t have a lot of red tape, so we’re more flexible and agile for our clients.”
In that period, they’ve had to strike a fine balance between ambition and achievability.
“One challenge is being able to do everything we want to at the standard we want to deliver, whilst maintaining a small team. It’s hard to say no to new projects, but we must give some thought to whether they are aligned with our company.”
Striving to be the best in the west
I2R Modular doesn’t overcomplicate and keeps getting better. The outcome is reliable buildings that work hard, last longer and are ready for whatever’s next.
“We stay competitive by focusing on speed, durability, and value. Our patented roof seal removes the need for onsite roof work, and our offshore supply chain gives us access to cost-effective, high-spec parts” Dane shared.
Dane and his colleagues are even laying the blueprints for I2R Modular’s future.
“We are moving beyond mining into education and residential. We are also developing modular kits for other builders and expanding into pods and Bushfire Attack Level (BAL)-rated windows that are specifically designed and tested to withstand bushfires, to give clients a full solution” Dane said.
When it comes to business strategy and approach for small businesses in the construction industry, Dane is clear:
“Put customer service first. Strong communication builds long-term clients. Be clear on your value, manage cash flow tightly, build solid supplier relationships, and stay adaptable. The industry changes fast, and the businesses that succeed are the ones that can move with it.”
More information
- Learn how to start and grow your own small business
- Read about how to choose suppliers for your small business
- Access business advisory services in your region
- Read more WA small business stories
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