Stewart Milne Timber Systems has announced the appointment of a new manufacturing director as the company continues to grow.

Gavin Hamilton, previously production director for Havelock Europa, joins the company as manufacturing director to optimise capacity in the group’s factories and to further develop the facilities to increase volume to meet future demand.

He will also be a key member of the board and will work closely with other board members to develop, review and implement strategies to achieve the business’s overall objectives.

Mr Hamilton has significant experience in manufacturing across paper, timber and metal producers. Other previous roles include production manager at Highland Metals.

In addition to his manufacturing experience, he has a strong background in strategic planning with a focus on operational delivery. He also brings with him a track record of delivering profit cost management and targeted growth.

Alex Goodfellow, group managing director at Stewart Milne Timber Systems, said: “The construction market is expanding, particularly in house building, and the demand for timber frame is increasing. We’ve secured a number of new projects across the UK in recent months and ensuring consistent production at the high standards we set will be a critical part of delivering success for our clients in the future.

“It’s therefore important that we bring a new and experienced manufacturing director to the company with excellent strategic capability which will support our business growth in the years ahead. We welcome Gavin to the board and look forward to him building on what is already two very successful manufacturing facilities.”

Mr Hamilton’s appointment comes as the construction industry continues to record impressive growth. The latest figures from the monthly Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI index showed a strong increase in orders during August, registering at 64.2 – above the 50.0 no-change threshold for the 17th month in a row.

This has resulted in a rise in the demand for timber, with Stewart Milne Timber Systems reporting earlier this month that it had seen orders rise 40 per cent year-on-year. In the coming year, the company expects to continue improving efficiency to meet the growing demand for timber frame and offsite construction across the UK.

Gavin Hamilton said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the company. I look forward to working closely with the team to develop our business and with the rest of my board colleagues to build on what has been achieved to date.

“With demand for timber at such high levels, cost effective and efficient production will be a key to driving the business forward. Stewart Milne Timber Systems has built a formidable reputation as the industry’s leading expert for timber frame, so playing my part in helping the business to reach the next level is an opportunity I want to grab with both hands.”