KEF Katerra, the recently formed merger between US and Dubai-based modular buildings technology startups, is looking to expand to the Middle East.

MEED understands the company plans to actively engage in building hospitals and schools, in addition to housing projects.

KEF Infra, a subsidiary of Dubai-based KEF Holdings, and US-based technology firm Katerra formally announced the merger on 21 June.

The new company is valued at an estimated $3.7bn.

Faizal Kottikollon, KEF Infra founder and chairman, cited “burgeoning investment opportunities” in the Middle East, making it a potential growth market for the merged company.

KEF Infra utilises robotics and automation in its manufacturing operations in Krishnagiri and Lucknow in India “to deliver high-quality building projects quickly and efficiently”.

Individually, the companies utilise a so-called vertically integrated model combining design, technology and offsite manufacturing.

“The vertical integration of all disciplines, from architectural design, structural design and engineering, MEP and finishes, and overall project planning and execution, will allow for integrated project delivery, which is lacking in construction today,” KEF Katerra said in a statement.