When Tinker FCU had to find a way to be on site in Payne County within two years of NCUA's decision to grant the CU an underserved community in the county, the credit union turned to modular facilities. Using a pre-fabricated modular building Tinker was able to complete construction of its new branch in Stillwater in six months.
"We explored the option of using a modular, pre-fabricated building and learned we could shave off 25% to 50% of traditional construction time by doing that," said EVP/Chief Administration Officer Gary Bartley. "The new branch has the same look inside and out as our other branches previously built using traditional construction methods. It was quicker, more affordable and helped us meet our deadline."
While the site work and foundation work were being completed, the walls of the building were being constructed at the same time. Then, the walls were brought in, hooked together and placed on the foundation. From there, final stages of construction were completed the same as any other construction method.
"Another great benefit of modular construction is that it is easily expandable," Bartley said. "When you first go into a market, you never really know how big a facility you will need. The Stillwater branch is a 3,000-square-foot structure that can easily be expanded to 7,000 square feet if the need arises."
Tinker Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oklahoma, with over $1.3 billion in assets and over 180,000 members.
