Alex Rowley MSP visited Deeside Timberframe’s Throsk manufacturing facility to learn how the company’s recent multimillion-pound investment is supporting Scotland’s housing ambitions and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the construction sector today.
The visit follows Deeside Timberframe’s announcement of a significant expansion to its offsite manufacturing operations—boosting capacity, integrating new automated production lines, and enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality, low-carbon homes across Scotland and beyond.
The discussion focused on how offsite timber frame construction can play a key role in delivering much-needed housing at scale—particularly in the social and affordable sectors. While Labour has signalled its commitment to building 1 million homes across the UK, Scotland continues to experience a shortfall in housing supply, particularly in areas of high demand like Fife.
“We urgently need to see more progress in housing delivery—particularly when it comes to affordable homes,” said Alex Rowley MSP. “Local authorities like Fife Council are seeing increased demand but face barriers around funding, skills and build timelines. Companies like Deeside Timberframe are showing what’s possible when we modernise construction and invest in automation. If we’re serious about reform, we need to create pathways between education, training, and employers like Deeside who are already helping to bridge the gap.”
Deeside Timberframe’s investment includes a new automated wall production line and in-house truss and joist manufacturing, making it one of the most advanced offsite timber frame facilities in the country. The expansion not only increases the company’s output and delivery speed, but also supports new opportunities for skills development in a modern factory environment—an increasingly important consideration as the industry looks to attract the next generation of workers.
“Scotland needs more homes—and we need to build them smarter,” said David Crawford, Managing Director at Deeside Timberframe. “Offsite timber frame is one of the most effective tools we have to deliver at pace and reduce carbon. But it also opens doors for modern apprenticeships and upskilling in digital design, engineering, and precision manufacturing. We’re proud to be making this investment not just in our business, but in the future of housing and skills development in Scotland.”
With housing pressures mounting and the skills shortage continuing to bite, both Rowley and Deeside Timberframe agree that collaboration between government, industry and education will be essential to unlock delivery at scale.
For more information on how Deeside Timberframe can support your next project with sustainable timber frame solutions, please contact info@deesidetimberframe.com or call 01569 767 123.