20 | Industry Predictions 2026


CHALLENGING TIMES, BUT SOME SECOND HALF


With 2026 capital plans now set


and the Autumn Budget absorbed, attention turns to market direction. Since 2023, weak government support and a softer than expected construction sector have slowed investment.


must excel in advanced machinery, tight process control and rigorous testing to stay competitive. SCM has hence developed and launched a number of solutions for the sector .


Gabriele de Col, Managing Director SCM Group (UK) Ltd


TECHNICAL INNOVATION KEY IN TESTING MARKET...


With 2026 capital plans now set and the Autumn Budget absorbed, attention turns to market direction. Since 2023, weak government support and a softer than expected construction sector have slowed investment. The timber windows and doors market is currently flat, with only pockets of growth, but forecasts point to a modest upturn from 2026, at around 2–4% annual value growth through to 2029. Timber is expected to keep gaining share on the back of aesthetics and sustainability. In this context, UK and Irish manufacturers


TTJ | Spring 2026 | www.ttjonline.com


The Windorflex CNC machining cell range comprises configurable cells built around 4- and 5 axis electrospindle units that can perform all main operations on window and door components in a single flow (including profiling, tenoning, drilling and hardware machining). It is aimed at medium to large window and door manufacturers who need high repeatability, flexible batch sizes and short changeover times across different frame types. The CP version is considered as the most compact in its category, so the solution for shops with limited space but requiring a fully integrated cell system. Windorflex has demonstrated its potential in UK installations to raise both capacity and consistency.


Another new development is the Topset XXL, our latest automatic throughfeed moulder for solid wood, aimed at high-speed flexible production of beams, linear parts and profiles for windows and doors, as well as frames and furnishings. It sits above the Superset NT family in capacity, offering larger working sections, higher spindle speeds and more advanced electronic set up to reduce changeover times.


Then there is Superfici Robot Maestro a multi axis (typically 6–7, extendable) spraying robot for 3D finishing of windows, doors, frames, furniture components and other shaped parts. It offers an extra wide working area to handle large joinery elements in one setup.


The system can turn pieces automatically in front of the robot to coat both sides, and the software manages the spray angle from about 0° to 90° to optimise coverage and reduce overspray. The software offers customizations for spraying traditional British style windows up to a skilled hand finished level.


COMFORT… It’s been a slow start to the year, but this week seems to be busier and more optimistic.


Construction and most other industries in the UK are well down on volumes and turnover - so it wasn’t a very pleasant last six months of 2025. It looks like the first six months of 2026 will follow a similar pattern. So, it’s hard work!


It’s a case of turning over less, with margins squeezed whilst overheads have increased. Certainly, the timber and construction trade would not be one to be starting up in right now!


National Timber Group failing is very sad, especially for the Arnold Laver brand, but I do feel it offers the market some respite and certainly relieves a bit of pressure. At the same time, there are many other lower profile businesses that have also failed due to the most difficult conditions I’ve ever experienced.


The solution – prepare for the worst and expect the best! We all know there will be a


Ian Attwood, Managing Director International Plywood


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69