Manufacturers’ Information Hub Prepares Proof of Concept

Why It Matters

A unified, manufacturer‑led data hub can accelerate digital transformation, lower project costs, and help the construction sector meet tightening safety and carbon‑reduction regulations. Its success could set a new industry standard for product information exchange worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• MIH proof of concept to be delivered in three months for UKRI.
• Over 10 major manufacturers, including Bovis and Tata Steel, back the hub.
• Goal: launch full MIH platform by 2028 to support digital product passports.
• Hub aims to improve data consistency, traceability, and carbon‑footprint reporting.
• Enables integration with digital twins, boosting construction productivity and sustainability.

Pulse Analysis

The construction industry is at a pivotal moment as digitalisation accelerates and regulators demand granular product data. The Manufacturers’ Information Hub (MIH) addresses this gap by offering a not‑for‑profit, interoperable platform where manufacturers can publish structured information once and share it across designers, contractors, and asset owners. Backed by heavyweight players such as Bovis, Kier, and Tata Steel, and funded by UKRI’s Industrialising and Digitalising Construction Challenge, the three‑month proof of concept aims to prove the hub’s technical viability and governance model.

Beyond technical feasibility, the MIH tackles compliance pressures tied to the UK’s “golden thread” requirement and the EU’s push for digital product passports. By centralising data on product safety, carbon intensity, and recyclability, the hub enables stakeholders to meet Climate Change Act obligations and sustainability targets without manual data reconciliation. This streamlined flow of information reduces duplication, cuts administrative overhead, and supports more accurate carbon accounting across the built environment, a critical factor as construction seeks to lower its carbon footprint.

Looking ahead, a successful pilot could unlock a cascade of industry pilots and position the MIH as the de‑facto standard for product data exchange by 2028. Integration with digital twins and other BIM tools would allow real‑time tracking of materials, enhancing safety, compliance, and lifecycle management. For SMEs, the hub offers a cost‑effective route to market visibility, while EU funding prospects could broaden its reach across Europe, creating a unified data ecosystem that drives efficiency, sustainability, and innovation across the global construction sector.