The First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honourable John Swinney MSP, has officially opened one of the UK’s most technologically advanced timber frame construction facilities in Irvine, Scotland.
Operated by Alexander Timber Design (ATD), a company owned and managed by Glennon Brothers, the £18m investment in this new facility brings the company’s total investment in Scotland to over €80 million.
Located in Irvine, North Ayrshire, the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant combines advanced robotics, precision engineering, and next-generation design systems to produce high-quality Scottish timber homes, while setting world-class standards for efficiency, sustainability and resource maximisation.
“Today’s opening is a symbol of the kind of future Scotland is building with high-skilled, high-tech and environmentally responsible next generation industries,” said First Minister John Swinney. “This facility brings together sustainable construction, advanced manufacturing and regional economic development, placing Scotland firmly at the forefront of the green industrial revolution.”
He continued: “It is an excellent example of the kind of economic opportunities that can exist to help both grow our country’s economy while tackling the climate emergency. Quite simply, it is creating Scottish homes from Scottish timber.”
ATD sources raw materials from its sister sawmill in Troon, which produces high-quality timber products for the construction industry as well as the fencing and packaging sectors. The Troon facility uses its own residues in a Combined Heat & Power plant, generating electricity while producing heat to kiln-dry the timber.
Mike Glennon, Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, said: “This is a very proud day for our company. We’ve always believed in the potential of Scottish timber and in the skilled people who make this industry thrive. With this facility, we’re investing not only in advanced technology, but in Scotland’s sustainable future. We are honoured to have First Minister John Swinney MSP here today to share this very positive story about forestry, timber, and the outstanding economic and environmental benefits from which Scotland can prosper.”
Pat Glennon, Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, added: “Today’s launch provides a real-world example for governments, developers, and consumers looking for greener alternatives. This facility offers a tangible example of how the timber industry can lead the transition to a low-carbon economy. It reinforces Scotland’s role as a leader in modern methods of construction, helping meet the rising demand for energy-efficient, affordable housing.”
As the UK construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the opening of this plant offers a scalable, sustainable solution aligned with both national and international climate goals. Timber frame construction is widely considered one of the most environmentally friendly building techniques, providing lower embodied carbon, faster build times and greater energy efficiency.
Glennon Brothers now employs over 340 people directly across its four operations in Scotland, with another 170 indirectly employed in harvesting and haulage.
