The First Minister of Scotland, the Right Honourable John Swinney MSP, has now opened one of the UK’s most technologically advanced timber frame construction facilities in Irvine, Scotland.
The facility is operated by Alexander Timber Design (ATD), a company owned and run by Glennon Brothers. The £18m investment in this new facility brings Glennon Brothers’ total investment in Scotland to over €80 million.
Located in Irvine, North Ayrshire, this cutting-edge manufacturing plant combines advanced robotics, precision engineering and the latest next-generation design systems to deliver high-quality Scottish timber homes, while excelling with world-class standards of 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," says 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 that can help both grow our county’s economy whilst tackling the climate emergency. Quite simply, it is creating Scottish homes from Scottish timber.”
ATD sources raw material 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 their Combined Heat & Power plant which generates its own electricity whilst also 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.”
Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, Pat Glennon, 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 is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the opening of this plant offers a scalable, sustainable solution that aligns with national and international climate goals. Timber frame construction is widely regarded as one of the most environmentally friendly building techniques available, offering lower embodied carbon, faster build times, and greater energy efficiency.
Glennon Brothers now employs more than 340 people directly across its four operations in Scotland, with another 170 indirectly employed in harvesting and haulage.
