The Alexanders Timber Design factory (ATD) in Irvine has been visited by Ireland’s Minister with responsibility for Housing, Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD.
The minister visited the advanced timber frame manufacturing facility during a St Patrick’s Day visit, seeing the role of Scottish timber in supporting the circular economy and delivering sustainable homes.
The March 13 tour was part of the Irish Government’s St Patrick’s Day Global Outreach programme, which sees ministers travel internationally to strengthen economic ties. It showcased how collaboration between Ireland and Scotland’s forestry and construction sectors can help address housing shortages while reducing the carbon footprint of housebuilding.
The £18m North Ayrshire ATD facility is part of Irish-owned sawmilling group Glennon Brothers and was opened in 2025. It uses advanced robotics, digital design systems and precision engineering to manufacture timber frame structures from homegrown Scottish timber. The site has the capacity to support the build of up to 2,500 homes per year.
Much of the timber used in the manufacturing process is sourced from forests within a 70-mile radius, processed at Glennon Brothers’ sawmill in Troon and then converted into timber frame homes at the Irvine facility for housing developments across Scotland’s central belt. The facility supplies well-known housebuilders across the country, including Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Bellway and Ashleigh Construction.
“Scotland and Ireland have built a strong reputation for innovation in timber frame construction and modern methods of housebuilding, and facilities such as Alexanders Timber Design show how this expertise can help deliver sustainable homes at scale,” said Mr Cummins.
The minister shared how last year Ireland saw a 20% increase in output to 36,000 homes and 70% of all scheme houses delivered were via MMC, predominantly timber frame construction.
“This facility demonstrates how we can connect forestry, processing and modern methods of construction to build a more resilient housing system that meets the needs of our growing population.”
