Kingspan Century Business Director Gary Treanor (pictured) has been elected Chair of the Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers' Association (ITFMA) for 2009.

Mr Treanor - a chartered civil engineer - has been with Kingspan Century since 1998.

He has held several senior management positions and worked on a number of large scale civil engineering contracts across the UK and Ireland.

Mr Treanor is a member of the Building Regulations Advisory Board (BRAB) and also sits on the technical committees of both the Irish Timber Frame Manufactures Association and the UK Timber Frame Association.

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He regularly presents for both organisations at Continued Professional Development (CPD) events and industry seminars.

Speaking at the ITFMA's AGM, Mr Treanor acknowledged the challenges that the timber frame industry will face during the coming year.

"Demand for new residential housing is forecast at 20,000 units in 2009", he said.

"This brings us back to 1991 demand levels and the self build sector will be the main market driver.

"However the difference between now and then is the build quality required. Government policy and consumer demand is now for airtight, well insulated, energy efficient and low carbon homes.

"Precise manufacturing techniques, design flexibility and the natural attributes of timber can meet these requirements," added Mr Treanor.

(PR/BMcC)