Buoyed by a strong order book in Scotland, Carronvale Timber Frame (CTF) of Grangemouth has announced that it is ‘considering expanding south of the border where timber frame construction is becoming more popular’.
The company currently produces 500-600 timber frame units per year, mainly for multi-storey projects in Scotland’s central belt. But according to CTF’s manager Scott Gordon, output is expected to rise to nearer 700 units in 2002 as a result of a factory expansion scheduled for the turn of the year.
Mr Gordon believes it is ‘the perfect time to capitalise on the popularity of timber frame construction’. Any bid to expand south of the border would be focused initially on the north of England given that this area could be serviced from CTF’s base in Grangemouth.
However, Mr Gordon does not rule out the possibility of establishing a production base in England in the longer term.
Integral to CTF’s growth this year has been the introduction of timber frame infill panels within steel framed construction. The company also incorporates composite I-joists in all multi-storey projects. Mr Gordon explained: ‘The I-joist replaces the previously used timber joists, alleviating the timber frame settlement normally experienced. Feedback from our housebuilding customers is very positive and there is no doubt the introduction of this product has helped to strengthen our position in the industry.’
According to CTF, its turnover is likely to jump by more than 50% this year – from £4.2m in 2000 to nearer £6.5m.
