Go Ahead Given for Upgrade of BSW Timber's Newbridge Mill
September 1, 2005
The first phase of an ambitious investment programme by BSW Timber to upgrade its sawmill in Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys, has been given the green light by Powys County Council.
A meeting of the Council's planning committee on Wednesday (7 September) unanimously granted planning permission for BSW to increase the capacity of the mid-Wales site, and further boost output with the introduction of new state-of-the-art technology.
Around £3.5 million will now be invested in a new timber treatment plant, kiln drying chambers and an on-line planing facility at Newbridge - as well as increasing the sawn timber storage facilities on-site. This first phase is part of an overall £15 million investment plan by the company at Newbridge over the next three years.
Paul Barham, Chief Executive of BSW Timber, welcomed the planning approvals for the first phase proposals. He said: "This announcement heralds and exciting future for the Newbridge sawmill. It will allow us to expand our capacity on site to produce higher quality and more specialised timber, responding to changing market requirements for a more diversified and added-value end product.
"The new technology will allow us greater efficiencies and increased capacity for kiln drying, as well as offering a greater range of specialised timbers using ultra-modern treatment, impregnation and planing facilities."
The first phase of the Newbridge development will start immediately, aiming for completion by early 2006 - creating new job opportunities to operate the extended kiln system.
Future development plans include increased on-site capacity, more new technology and upgraded log-handling facilities, which could create a further 20 new jobs.
Alex Brownlie, Head of Operations of BSW in Wales, said the company's investment plan will boost both the local Powys economy. "Our plans will provide better quality jobs and training opportunities for people from the local area - and the benefit will be felt directly in the villages and towns surrounding Newbridge," he says.
"BSW plays a significant role in the development of local economies - especially in rural areas like Newbridge where we are the largest private sector employer. Already, we have invested significantly in training and improving the quality of jobs currently on offer at the site. Now we have a great opportunity to expand on this by developing the site's infrastructure.
"Our development plan is making a very important statement about the company's long term commitment to the local area. By investing in new technology and upgrading the facilities, the company is doing all it can to ensure the future viability of the site. And, with an improved site infrastructure and working environment, we will produce a better quality end-product. This is good news all round - for our industry, our customers and our local workforce."
BSW in Newbridge has worked closely with the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and the Forestry Commission in the development of its investment strategy.
Dr Geraint Davies, WDA's Mid-Wales Executive Director welcomed the proposals. He says: "BSW's investment plans deal with the urgent need for more value-added timber processing in Wales - a sector which is critical for the future well-being of our local timber industry.
He adds: "As well as safeguarding and creating jobs, the introduction of new technology means that these employment opportunities will be more highly skilled, more varied and more specialised. With the right training and support, this will create a diverse and well qualified skills base for the area."