Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, visited the Alexanders Timber Design (ATD) factory in Irvine.
The minister toured the advanced timber frame manufacturing facility during a St Patrick’s Day visit, observing how Scottish timber contributes to the circular economy and supports the delivery of sustainable homes.
The visit on March 13 formed part of the Irish Government’s St Patrick’s Day Global Outreach programme, which sends ministers abroad to strengthen economic relationships. It highlighted how collaboration between Ireland and Scotland’s forestry and construction sectors can address housing shortages while reducing the carbon impact of building new homes.
The £18 million ATD facility in North Ayrshire, part of the Irish-owned Glennon Brothers sawmilling group, opened in 2025. Using robotics, digital design systems, and precision engineering, the factory produces timber frame structures from homegrown Scottish timber, with capacity to support up to 2,500 homes annually.
Most of the timber comes from forests within a 70-mile radius, processed at Glennon Brothers’ Troon sawmill before being converted into timber frame homes at the Irvine site for developments across Scotland’s central belt. The facility supplies major housebuilders, 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,” Mr Cummins said.
He also noted that Ireland’s housing output increased by 20% last year to 36,000 homes, with 70% of scheme houses delivered using MMC, predominantly timber frame.
“This facility demonstrates how we can link forestry, processing, and modern construction methods to create a more resilient housing system that meets the needs of our growing population.”
