Housing association United Welsh has announced the boss that will lead its new timber frame house building business.

Announced in August this year, Celtic Offsite will manufacture low carbon homes from a new 2,600 sq m factory in Caerphilly.

Employing 28 staff, the factory will make timber frames complete with factory-fitted insulation and windows to build up to 250 homes a year.

The social enterprise is wholly-owned by United Welsh and has already received £2m of Welsh Government money.

Neil Robins, pictured above, has been appointed to lead the company, bringing 25 years of experience in the development and operation of timber frame businesses.

Mr Robins, who is from Ebbw Vale, said: “Not only will Celtic Offsite build homes of exceptional quality that are kind to the environment, we will also make a positive difference to the wider community with the jobs and training opportunities on offer.”

The Caerphilly factory will also include a training suite to provide skills development and apprenticeships for green construction jobs, training the next generation of workers to deliver more energy efficient homes.

Lynda Sagona, group chief executive of United Welsh said: “We are really pleased to welcome Neil to the United Welsh Group. He has a wealth of experience in timber frame manufacturing and importantly, he is also very much driven by our social purpose of making a difference to people and the communities where they live. It is great to welcome Neil on board.”