Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Glennon Brothers UK Ltd has submitted an application to South Ayrshire Council seeking approval to alter the Apollo building at its Harbour Sawmills complex. Plans have been formally lodged to remove part of a storm-damaged structure at a major timber processing site in Troon, underscoring ongoing investment in resilience and operational continuity within the UK sawmill industry.
The proposal outlines the demolition of a section of the building that sustained crucial damage during recent severe weather events. According to the application, the affected portion is beyond economical repair and poses long-term maintenance and safety challenges. Alongside the demolition works, Glennon Brothers intends to reinstate cladding on the remaining structure, ensuring the building continues to function effectively within the wider sawmill operation.
Detailed information relating to the proposal can be accessed through South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal under reference number 25/00852/APP. The application reflects a pragmatic approach to storm recovery, balancing safety considerations with the need to maintain production capacity at the strategically important site.
The Troon facility is recognised as one of the largest sawmills in the UK, processing approximately 300,000 tonnes of logs each year. The site plays a vital role in the domestic timber supply chain, supporting construction, packaging, and agricultural sectors while providing direct employment to more than 100 people from the local area.
As demand for sustainably sourced timber continues to grow across the UK and Ireland, large-scale sawmills such as Harbour Sawmills are increasingly critical to meeting market needs while reducing reliance on imported materials. Industry observers note that ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades are essential to keeping facilities competitive and compliant with modern operational standards.
Glennon Brothers has a long-established history in timber manufacturing, with origins dating back to 1913. The family-owned business has evolved into a major supplier of high-quality timber products serving both the Irish and UK markets. Its product range supports diverse end uses, including structural construction timber, pallets, fencing, and landscaping materials.
Beyond traditional sawn timber, the group has expanded into off-site construction through its sister company, Alexanders Timber Design. This division specialises in the design, manufacture, and supply of timber frame housing solutions, aligning with broader industry trends toward modern methods of construction and low-carbon building materials.
A defining feature of Glennon Brothers’ operations is its commitment to maximising the use of raw material. Timber processing inevitably generates by-products such as woodchips, sawdust, bark, and shavings. Rather than treating these materials as waste, the company has established end-use markets for each by-product stream.
This circular approach ensures that virtually every part of the log is utilised, contributing to both environmental performance and commercial efficiency. The Troon sawmill also operates its own on-site combined heat and power (CHP) plant, fuelled entirely by sawmill by-products. The CHP facility supplies all of the site’s heat and electricity requirements, significantly reducing dependence on external energy sources.
While the proposed demolition is limited in scope, it highlights the challenges industrial sites face from increasingly frequent extreme weather. If approved, the works will allow Glennon Brothers to secure the long-term integrity of its Troon operation, reinforcing the sawmill’s role as a cornerstone of Scotland’s timber industry and local economy.
Read more news on: timber supply chain
Get such updates through woodandpanel.us
Tags: Harbour Sawmills Troon, South Ayrshire Council planning application, storm damage industrial buildings, sustainable timber manufacturing, timber processing Scotland, Troon sawmill
Comments: