Russwood reflections 2024
As the year comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on 2024. From new product launches and facilities to team expansions and incredible award wins, it’s been a year of innovation, growth and achievement. Here’s a look at the moments that made 2024 so special.
A year of embracing change
April marked a significant milestone for Russwood, with Michael and Naomi stepping into their roles as joint Managing Directors. As the second generation of the Russell family to lead the business, they bring new perspectives and drive continuous improvement, while building on the strong foundation established by their father, John Russell. John, who founded Russwood, remains actively involved in the business, and continues to shape the company’s vision.
This year has seen other exciting developments. Earlier in February, our Glasgow office relocated to Candleriggs. It’s a fresh, vibrant space that lets us strengthen collaborations with architects and designers while growing our talented team.
This year also saw internal promotions that reflect our commitment to fostering growth and professional development:
- Thea Jones and Morgan Corrieri stepped into managerial roles for Flooring and Interior Cladding Sales and Cladding and Decking Sales, respectively.
- Kelsey Orr was promoted to Haulage and Logistics Supervisor.
- Paul Watters became Production Foreman.
- Laura McKinnon started a new role as our Continuous Improvement Lead. Jenny Shepherd, our Production Manager, and Laura visited Lean Made Simple in Ireland in November, showing further commitment to our continuous improvement journey.
- Graham Whitfield and Craig Campbell were recognised as senior members of the Cladding and Decking Sales team.
A huge well done to everyone for their achievements!
New product launches and updates
2024 saw many exciting additions to our product offering, including:
- Architect Select® Larch, a premium vertical-grain European Larch cladding that offers an alternative to Siberian Larch.
- Russwood FinFix® and SIHGA LamellenFix, offering advanced secret-fixing solutions for fins.
- Burnblock Fire Retardant certified with SiOO:X coating, ensuring fire safety with an accelerated weathered appearance.
- Woca oil, advanced water-based protective sealer designed to coat timber cladding.
- Stockholding of Fire Retardant Thermopine® and Luna Triple, enabling faster project delivery to our customers.
We also rebranded our oak flooring range, sparking creative discussions around the collections and their names. Additionally, our partnership with Dyce Carriers as our main haulage provider has streamlined weekly “Russwood to your door” deliveries across England and southern Scotland.
Production hall opening
In October, we celebrated the completion of our new production hall with a fun opening party filled with food, wine, and ceilidh dancing! The hall streamlines production processes from start to finish, while offering increased storage for timber and machinery. Constructed with a durable glulam frame and insulated panel cladding, the space not only boosts operational efficiency but also offers improved natural light and insulation. We would like to say a huge thank you to DMM Timber Services, CR Construction, Grampian Builders, Binnie Electrical, AJ Engineering and Construction, Mackintosh Manufacturing, Lochaber Engineering & Welding, Scot Industrial Air, S1 Floors and Indusvent who helped complete the project.
A growing team
This year, we welcomed 16 new team members to the Russwood family across diverse roles. Our Architectural Liaison team has experienced change this year, as we said hello to four new faces. Taylor, Sadie, Hannah and Maggie are now based in our Glasgow office, while Ross became Cladding System Development Technician and is now part of our Research & Development team.
Jodie joined our Glasgow office as Interior Project Liaison Technician, a new and exciting role within the Flooring and Interior Cladding Sales team. Our Sales presence in Glasgow has grown too, with two new Cladding and Decking Sales Advisors, Caroline, and Rory. Heather also joined us as Sales Support. Finally, we welcomed Connor to our Marketing Team, and are excited for what’s to come here in the Merchant City.
In our Newtonmore office, Alice transitioned from maternity cover ISO Coordinator to a joint role of this and Production Administration Assistant. We also welcomed six new Production team members—Kenny, William, Abi, Gregg, Andrew, and John. It’s inspiring to see our team growing with talented individuals. If you are interested in joining the Russwood team, check out our careers page for our current job vacancies and details of how to apply.
Expanding our digital tools
In April, Russwood joined the NBS platform, making our cladding, flooring and decking products more accessible to specifiers. Additionally, we introduced a new digital sample system, streamlining the ordering process and moving closer to our paperless order system goal.
Sustainability at our core
Our sustainability journey continued with the installation of a new 115kW solar PV system, which complements our existing 125kW system. Equipped with batteries and inverters, the system significantly reduces our carbon footprint and supports our goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Thanks to the Cairngorms National Park Authority who contributed a Green Grant towards the battery storage element to make our public car chargers more efficient.
Operational enhancements, such as safer wood chip replenishment in our boiler house, further showcase our dedication to environmental responsibility. These efforts reduce our carbon footprint and support our customers’ desire for environmentally responsible materials.
Awards, recognitions and milestones
2024 has been a stand-out year for achievements. We were thrilled to win a Build It Award for Best Cladding System or Product with our Architect Select® Larch. Additionally, Russwood was recognised as one of Archello’s 25 Best Natural Wood Cladding Manufacturers for our Thermopine® cladding.
Internally, we celebrated 15 years of dedicated service from Paul and George, members of our Production team. Judy welcomed her baby, Charlie, in May, while Craig and Alice got engaged on the Isle of Coll in September. Finally, in summer Heather tied the knot with her husband, Sean—congratulations to all!
Community spirit and events
We’ve proudly supported many local groups this year, including the Newtonmore Shinty 2nd team, Wolfpax Riders, Kingussie High School Girls Shinty Team, BASOC, and Breadalbane Cricket Club.
A highlight was Molly and Laura’s family quiz night, which raised over £400 for Newtonmore Primary School to fund outdoor excursions. Our coffee mornings also raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
This year, we connected with industry leaders and designers at events across the UK, from the London Festival of Architecture to the Highlands and Islands Architectural Association Awards. Read our full events round-up blog here, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated in 2025.
As we reflect on this year, we’re so grateful to our dedicated team, loyal customers, and all of our partners who made it a success. Here’s to an exciting 2025, filled with new opportunities and collaborations. From all of us at Russwood, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year!
Please note, we will be closed for the holidays from 21st December to 5th January.