FastHouse, a Limavady firm, has acquired two factories in Monaghan from Kingspan Group. The purchase positions the company as Ireland's largest producer of flat-pack house kits. FastHouse specializes in timber frames for houses, which factories assemble before transport and on-site erection.

The deal increases FastHouse's annual production from 1,700 kits at its Limavady site to an initial 2,000 kits with the new facilities. Managing director Colin Clements stated the timber frame system offers cost advantages, quick on-site assembly, and environmental benefits. Employment at the firm rises from 190 to about 380 workers.

Clements noted growth potential in housebuilding amid industry shortfalls. He highlighted that a timber frame kit for two semi-detached houses fits on one standard trailer and allows structural erection, including roof trusses, in two days using a crane. Bricklayers then add the exterior facade.

The approach reduces demand on traditional block-laying labor. Clements said it enables limited resources to construct more houses in the same time. Future plans include factory investments to incorporate additional elements, tested through the firm's housebuilding division.