KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As New Hampshire’s housing shortage continues to drive up costs across the state, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas visited Unity Homes in Keene on Wednesday to see firsthand how advanced manufacturing could play a role in expanding the state’s housing supply.

Pappas, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, toured the Production Avenue facility with Employee Success Officer Emily Benson and Director of Building Systems Adam Myers before meeting with local media to discuss affordable housing, workforce development and the challenges facing homebuilders.

The visit centered on how companies like Unity Homes and its sister company, Bensonwood, are using precision manufacturing and sustainable building practices to reduce construction time while producing high-performance homes.

During the tour, Myers walked Pappas through the company’s manufacturing process, where computerized equipment fabricates wall panels to exact specifications before they are assembled into energy-efficient homes. The process includes extensive quality control, digital documentation at every production station and airtight construction techniques designed to improve energy efficiency.

Company officials said the factory blends automation with skilled craftsmanship, requiring employees to solve complex manufacturing challenges while creating customized homes.

Housing affordability dominated much of the discussion.

Pappas said New Hampshire faces a severe housing shortage that affects families, employers and the state’s economy, noting estimates that roughly 90,000 additional housing units will be needed by the end of the next decade.

“We need government, builders and local communities working together,” Pappas said, adding that solving the housing crisis will require increasing supply while keeping costs manageable.

He said visiting businesses like Unity Homes helps lawmakers better understand how federal policies can support innovative manufacturers and remove barriers to home construction.

Company leaders described several challenges facing the industry, including workforce shortages, rising material costs and uncertainty in the economy.

While tariffs on Canadian lumber ultimately had less impact than initially feared, officials said window prices have increased significantly, adding to construction costs and slowing expected growth.

“The uncertainty affects consumer confidence,” Pappas said, noting that families are often hesitant to make major financial decisions when costs continue to fluctuate.

Unity Homes officials said their focus remains on building year-round residences rather than second homes, with projects throughout New England and in other parts of the country.

The company has also invested heavily in digital technology that allows customers to configure homes online, estimate pricing and customize designs before construction begins.

Sustainability is another cornerstone of the business. Officials said the company uses sustainably grown engineered lumber sourced through Canadian suppliers and incorporates European-inspired building techniques aimed at improving energy performance and reducing waste.

Workforce development was another major topic during the visit.

Company representatives described the highly skilled nature of modern off-site construction and emphasized the need to train advanced carpenters capable of working with computerized manufacturing systems. They also discussed apprenticeship models used in Europe that combine education, government support and industry partnerships to prepare skilled trades workers.

Emily Benson also described ongoing efforts to educate banks and lenders about the company’s panelized construction methods, saying financing has become easier as more local financial institutions become familiar with the process and recognize the company’s track record of completing projects on time and on budget.

The Keene manufacturing facility opened in 2018 in a renovated 110,000-square-foot building on Production Avenue. Founded by Tedd Benson, Bensonwood has become nationally recognized for its timber frame construction and sustainable building practices, while Unity Homes focuses on high-performance, energy-efficient prefabricated homes assembled using factory-built components.

Pappas said innovative manufacturers like Unity Homes demonstrate how New Hampshire businesses can help address the state’s housing shortage while creating skilled jobs and strengthening the local economy.