Powering the Future of Offsite Construction

Driving Modern Methods of Construction Across the Liverpool City Region

At JJ Smith, we are proud to promote modern methods of construction (MMC) across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our focus is on helping developers, manufacturers, and contractors adopt innovative approaches that increase the supply of high-quality homes. Timber frame construction, in particular, is emerging as a vital solution for delivering greener and more efficient homes, with an expanding pipeline of projects across both the private and affordable housing sectors.

But while opportunities are growing, the timber frame market also faces challenges – capacity, speed of delivery, and supply chain resilience among them. Meeting demand requires investment in technology and techniques that allow us to scale without sacrificing precision or sustainability.

Understanding the New Housing Targets

Last year’s announcement of new housing targets underscored the urgency of building at scale. Some areas now face extraordinary increases in demand – 952% in Redcar and Cleveland, 567% in Burnley, and 391% in Preston. These numbers tell a simple truth: the existing supply chain cannot deliver without a fundamental shift in approach.

We believe the answer lies in strategic investment in advanced woodworking machinery. Technology that allows businesses to accelerate output, improve quality, and reduce waste, all while building sustainably.

The Role of Woodworking Machinery

Advanced woodworking machinery is no longer just a “nice to have”, it is an essential enabler of faster, more accurate, and more sustainable construction. By automating key processes and ensuring precision, modern equipment allows manufacturers to meet deadlines, reduce waste, and consistently deliver high-quality products.

Why JJ Smith?

As a long-standing leader in woodworking machinery, JJ Smith offers cutting-edge solutions that directly address today’s housing challenges:

• Increased Efficiency – Automation reduces manual labour, increases throughput, and ensures projects stay on track.
• Enhanced Precision – Accurate cuts and assemblies reduce waste while raising overall build quality.
• Scalability – Businesses can ramp up production to meet demand without compromising standards.
• Cost-Effectiveness – Advanced machinery delivers long-term savings by lowering material waste, minimising downtime, and reducing labour costs.

These benefits mean businesses can not only meet today’s targets but position themselves for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Customer Success: Real Impact, Real Results

Walker Timber Engineering, a Gold Member of the Structural Timber Association, faced growing pressures in the post-pandemic market including fluctuating material costs, tight margins, and increasing demand. Their semi-automatic lines were showing their age, leading to reduced output and quality, and by 2021 the business had moved to bench manufacturing as a stopgap.

Recognising the need for a long-term solution, Walker partnered with JJ Smith to install the X-Frame automatic framing assembly station. This heavy-duty station specialises in squaring and nailing timber frame panels, offering both precision and efficiency.

Paul Wilson, Production Director, explains:

“We needed to find a cost-effective way to improve our productivity while maintaining our high standards of quality in an extremely competitive market… The new framing station allows frames to be put together ready for insulation, boarding, and membranes. Not only has this increased output, but it’s given us the flexibility to expand into more automation in future.”

The result? A 20% increase in output per man hour, safer and more ergonomic working conditions, and a clear pathway towards further automation such as adding a nailing bridge.

This investment has enabled Walker Timber Engineering to not only withstand current market pressures but also lay the foundations for sustained growth.

At the other end of the spectrum, LoCal Homes has been tackling one of society’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of affordable housing. Families across the UK face long waits and temporary accommodation, highlighting the urgent need for faster, more sustainable housing solutions.

With the support of JJ Smith machinery, LoCal Homes has transformed its timber frame production. Their factory now produces pre-insulated frames with factory-fitted finishes – from insulation and cladding to brick slips – maximising energy efficiency and minimising waste.

Mike Doolan, Sales and Partnerships Manager at LoCal Homes, says:

“By building affordable housing, we can create more inclusive communities and address social inequalities. The collaboration with JJ Smith and MBA has been crucial; their machinery has allowed us to significantly accelerate construction, ensuring that families in need find stability sooner.”

By combining advanced automation with a community-focused mission, LoCal Homes has proven how investment in timber frame technology directly improves lives.

As Ian Stanley, Sales Director at JJ Smith, notes:

“Working together, we’re not only optimising construction processes but also providing real value to the communities these homes will serve.”

A Strategic Investment for the Future

The housing shortage is a national challenge, but it is also a moment of opportunity. Those who invest strategically in modern timber frame machinery and embrace industrialised construction will be best placed to thrive in a market that is rapidly evolving.

At JJ Smith, we believe we already have the tools to help solve the housing crisis. What’s needed now is decisive action and collaboration across the industry. Together, we can build homes that are faster to deliver, greener in performance, and better in quality.

See for Yourself

We’ll be demonstrating timber frame machinery and insulation blowing equipment at Offsite Expo, Coventry Building Society Arena, 16-17 September 2025 on stand Z23. Register to attend for free here.

Our Liverpool showroom is open Monday to Friday for demonstrations, showcasing the very latest in woodworking machinery and its applications in timber frame and offsite construction.

To discuss any of the topics covered or arrange a demonstration, contact us on 0151 548 9000 or visit www.jjsmith.co.uk.