TAOISEACH Micheál Martin officially opened the €8m factory extension at Cygnum’s headquarters in Macroom last Thursday.

The leading timber frame manufacturer and installer has expanded its operations with the capacity to deliver up to 2,500 homes a year, a significant increase on its current capacity of around 1,400.

The investment at Cygnum Timber Frame, a leading supplier across Ireland, will facilitate creating150 new jobs and marks a significant milestone for the company.

The recent acquisition of Cygnum by the Chadwicks Group, part of Grafton Group plc, strengthens its position in the market and supports continued growth and innovation in offsite construction.

The official opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the new facility, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and representatives from Enterprise Ireland as well as the Construction Industry Federation in attendance.

‘I am delighted to officially open this impressive new facility in Macroom, which represents a significant investment in Ireland’s construction sector and regional economy,’ said Mr Martin.

‘Cygnum’s expansion, and the creation of 150 new jobs, is a clear vote of confidence in the future of modern methods of construction in Ireland.’

He added: ‘I want to commend the Cygnum team and Chadwicks Group, for their ambition and leadership. This investment aligns strongly with the Government’s priorities of increasing housing supply, supporting regional development, and building a more sustainable future for Ireland.

‘This new facility will help increase capacity and support the delivery of high-quality homes for communities across the country.’

Founded in 1997, Cygnum designs, manufactures and installs timber frame structures for residential developments and has grown to become a significant contributor in Ireland’s offsite construction sector.

The new extension incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies and digitalisation, enabling greater precision, improved efficiency, and more sustainable use of materials.

Patrick Atkinson, chief executive of Chadwicks Group, said: ‘This expansion is a clear demonstration of Cygnum’s ambition and capability. Increasing capacity to this level is a significant step in supporting the delivery of new homes at the pace and scale required.

‘As part of Chadwicks Group, Cygnum is exceptionally well positioned to drive continued innovation and growth within the sector.’

The opening comes at a time of continued evolution within the Irish construction sector, with timber frame construction now widely adopted as the primary method for low-rise housing developments.

This shift is being driven by the need to accelerate housing delivery, address labour shortages, and reduce carbon emissions.

Cygnum managing director John Desmond said: ‘This investment marks a transformative moment for our business. By expanding our capacity and embracing advanced manufacturing technologies, we are better positioned than ever to support our customers in delivering much-needed homes across Ireland.

‘We are proud to play a leading role in modern methods of construction and to contribute to a more sustainable built environment.’