A huge boost to the area after the closure of the creamery plant
Cygnum in Macroom
A total of 150 new jobs have been created following the €8 expansion of a factory in Macroom. The Cygnum Timber Frame manufacturing site is a major employer in the town, and officially unveiled the finished project yesterday.
It’s positive employment news for the area, following the closure of North Cork Creameries’ Kanturk plant, which resulted in the loss of 100 jobs last month.
The multi-million-euro project at Cygnum marks a significant milestone for the company, increasing its production capacity from approximately 1,400 to 2,500 housing units per year, and directly supporting the delivery of homes across Ireland. The new extension incorporates advanced manufacturing technologies and digitalisation, enabling greater precision, improved efficiency, and more sustainable use of materials.
The official opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the new facility, attended by An Taoiseach.
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.
The official opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the new facility, attended by An Taoiseach and representatives from Enterprise Ireland, the Construction Industry Federation, and key stakeholders from across the industry.
Marking the official opening, An Taoiseach said: “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. Cygnum’s expansion and the creation of 150 new jobs are a clear vote of confidence in the future of modern methods of construction in Ireland.
“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.”
The recent acquisition of Cygnum by the Chadwicks Group, part of Grafton Group plc, further strengthens its position in the market and supports continued growth and innovation in off-site construction.
Commenting on the expansion, 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.”
This investment reinforces Cygnum’s long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability and partnership as it continues to support the evolving needs of Ireland’s housebuilding sector.
Speaking at the official opening, John Desmond, Managing Director of Cygnum, 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.”