A UK timber-frame manufacturer, formerly Stewart Milne Timber Systems, making timber frames for homes from factories in Aberdeen, Witney and Falkirk.
Donaldson Timber Systems makes timber frames, the wooden structures that form the walls and floors of many new homes, in factories and then supplies them to housebuilders and contractors. This is offsite construction: the frame is made indoors to precise standards and finished on site much faster than a traditional build. The company says it has more than 50 years of experience in offsite timber frame, and marked its 50th anniversary in 2025. It is part of Donaldson Off-site, a division that also includes Donaldson Timber Engineering and Rowan Manufacturing.
It began in 1975 as the timber frame arm of the Scottish housebuilder Stewart Milne Group and was known as Stewart Milne Timber Systems. In December 2021 it was bought by the Donaldson Group, a family-owned timber and building-products business based in Fife, and in March 2022 it took the name Donaldson Timber Systems. Andrew Donaldson, chief executive of the group, spoke of a shared family-owned ethos, and Alex Goodfellow, chief executive of Donaldson Off-site, spoke of reliability, integrity and partnership. Rod Allan, the managing director, said the company keeps both timber and people at its heart.
Its three factories are in Aberdeen, Witney in Oxfordshire and Falkirk, so it serves both Scotland and England. A 2021 report said 411 staff moved across in the takeover, which is a past figure. Its listed address is Falcon House at Curbridge Business Park, Witney. It describes a network of manufacturing and technical centres across the UK.
The company has recently spoken about people and skills. In October 2025 it launched what it called an industry-first timber frame skills hub, supported by the Construction Industry Training Board's Industry Impact Fund and delivered on an online platform called GRASSP. Modules cover design, technical, commercial and construction roles, from design checks through to completion on site. Mr Goodfellow said that rather than add to the narrative about the skills crisis, the company wanted to contribute to the solution. This is the company's own account of its purpose.
A timber frame manufacturer employs designers and technicians who draw each frame, production workers and machine operators in the factory, quality and health-and-safety staff, logistics teams, and site support staff who help builders put frames together. Maths, technology, design and woodworking skills all feed into the work. Check the company's website for current roles and for how its three factory locations are organised.
Website: www.donaldsontimbersystems.com
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