MMC capacity expands as Cygnum increases output to 2,500 homes with €8m Cork investment
Timber frame manufacturer scales offsite delivery as MMC adoption accelerates across Irish housing schemes
11 April 2026 | editor@breakingground.news
Cygnum has opened an €8 million factory extension at its headquarters in Macroom, Co Cork, significantly increasing its capacity to deliver timber frame housing and reinforcing the role of modern methods of construction (MMC) in Ireland’s housing supply pipeline.
The expansion will increase the company’s annual production capacity from approximately 1,400 to 2,500 housing units, while supporting the creation of up to 150 new jobs. The facility incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies and digitalisation aimed at improving precision, efficiency and material performance in offsite construction.
Cygnum specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of timber frame structures for residential developments and delivered 1,250 housing units in 2024. The company reported turnover of €34.6 million in 2024, up from €23.6 million the previous year, with operating profits increasing from €1.45 million to €5.46 million.
The investment follows the company’s recent acquisition by Chadwicks Group, part of Grafton Group, which has identified modular and offsite construction as one of the fastest growing segments in Ireland’s new homes market.
The scale-up in production comes amid increasing adoption of timber frame and MMC approaches across the sector. Government data indicates that 61% of homes in scheme developments in the second half of 2025 had notified an intention to use timber frame construction, highlighting a structural shift in delivery methods.
The Macroom expansion is positioned to respond to this demand by enabling higher volume, repeatable manufacturing of housing components in a controlled environment, reducing reliance on traditional site-based construction processes. This aligns with broader industry efforts to improve build speed, address labour constraints and enhance sustainability outcomes.
The facility was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said the investment reflects confidence in MMC as part of Ireland’s housing delivery strategy, particularly in supporting increased output, regional employment and lower-carbon construction methods.
Cygnum, established in 1997, has delivered projects across housing, hospitality, education and healthcare sectors. The company’s increased capacity is expected to play a role in supporting developers and contractors seeking to accelerate delivery timelines through offsite solutions.
