SIP Plant in Operation
A Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) plant operated by the MCN Housing Division has provided over 1700 SIP panels for the nearly complete $5 million elderly housing project. Over the past several months the plant has supplied enough panels to erect all 15 duplex units at the new Elderly housing project located in Okmulgee. The specially designed panels that were used for the walls, roofs, and ceilings at the project were all manufactured at the at the 13,000 sq. ft. SIP plant located in Wetumka and transported to the construction site.
The idea for the plant is the result of the Housing Division’s effort to build affordable homes that are easy and economical to heat and cool. Since many clients who receive homes from Housing Programs are on low or fixed incomes the cost of heating and cooling a house can put an added financial burden on the homeowner. Heating and cooling a home can be as much as 50% of the total household energy costs but by constructing the home using the energy efficient SIP panels the costs can be reduced by as much as 50% or more. Along with the SIP panels the houses will also be equipped with geothermal heating and cooling units which will reduce energy costs even more.
The elderly housing Addition was the first project for the plant, which will eventually provide panels for all of the Housing Division new construction homes. Housing has already built a SIP model home near the plant and will soon begin construction on its first home to be located in Dustin. The plant currently employs 6 people and has the capability to provide enough panels for approximately 30 houses a year.
The SIP plant along with the new Tribal satellite offices and Food Distribution Center all located in Wetumka are a part of the tribes efforts to provide more job opportunities and services in the Southern Region of the Muscogee Nation.
