Builder to send homes to Iraqi government
MANATEE COUNTY - A Manatee County builder is looking to build more than 2,000 homes in the next month, but none of them will be used here. He's shipping them half way across the world to be stationed in desert conditions. Stephen Lewis is the CEO of SIPS Worldwide, his company has been asked to build 2,000 homes for the Iraqi government. He says it's an order he couldn't pass up, not only will it provide housing but more jobs here on the Suncoast. Inside this warehouse in Palmetto, CEO of SIPS Worldwide says you'll find the next generation of housing for the Iraqi people. "These houses are going to Baghdad, Iraq," says Stephen Lewis, CEO of SIPS Worldwide. These aren't your typical american homes. The house consists of 108 panels, made with steel frames, a fiberglass cloth, and filled with poly-eurothane foam. "It's high tech, energy efficient, easy to assemble and has a lifespan of 600 years," says Lewis. Each panel is numbered so once they reach Baghdad, a hired contractor will be able to teach Iraqis how to build one of the 1650 square foot homes. "They go together with sealant and screws. A 2 story home is constructed in less than seven days," says Lewis. But it took a lot longer than that for Lewis to draw up. He says dealing with the language barrier and the differences in cultures took a while to understand. "They have to have two front doors. One for women and children the other for men and the guests." But now he says everything has been figured out and these panels for the first home are to be shipped out to Iraq by the end of the week. "Iraqi government wants to provide housing for their citizens so this will be subsidized housing," says Lewis. He says he plans to build 2,000 of these homes and hopes to do even more. Lewis says this is a win win, not only will Iraqis enjoy luxury housing but those here may be able to enjoy a new job as he hopes to hire 100 employees in the next few months. The entire home is 100% Made in America that is beside the screws. For more information on these homes just go to sipsworldwide.com.
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