MSP Fergus Ewing visits BSW’s sawmill at Boat of Garten
August 14, 2006
Investment plans discussed during Site Visit by Fergus Ewing MSP
On Friday (August 11 2006), Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber visited BSW’s sawmill at Boat of Garten, part of BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling business, meeting the local team and toured the site.
During the last 18 months the Mill invested in excess of £1.3 million and is now developing plans for further investment. The investment program recently completed included:
> £500,000 in a new debarking machine and state-of-the –art log scanning technology allowing for greater efficiencies.
> £350,000 investment in health and safety and infrastructure improvments – including machine distance guarding and a new system of pedestrian walkways
> £400,000 in improving on site mobility including new sideloading fleet and loading equipment.
BSW are now developing plans for further phased substantial investment in their Boat of Garten Mill which could have the result of doubling the current capacity of the site. The plans, which are in their early stage of development would include investment in site infrastructure, primary processing and added value secondary processing and treatment.
Mill Manager Dave Mills says: "BSW Timber has had an established presence in the Scottish Highlands for more than 40 years. Investment means the Boat of Garten sawmill will continue to play a key role in the expansion of BSW’s the business across the UK, geared to giving our customer an improved all-round service.
"As a business, we are experiencing an increased demand for high quality timber. Future investment will be part of our programme of continuous improvement in all aspects of the operation, site and operational efficiency, help development of new market opportunities and customer service. This will be in conjunction with staff training and development.
MSP Fergus Ewing is currently visiting both BSW sawmills in his constituency -Boat of Garten and the sawmill at Corpach, near Fort William. BSW recently announced a major expansion at Corpach following the acquisition of the adjacent 67-acre former Arjo Wiggins paper mill site.
Welcoming BSW's current investment plans, he says: "BSW's investment in both mills is good news for the Highland economy, providing better quality jobs and training opportunities for local people. This, together with an improved site infrastructure and more efficient and sustainable working environment, will produce a better quality end product.
He adds: "Most importantly, BSW's established presence in the Highlands has allowed the company to establish strong relationships with the local supply chain. This ensures that any planned expansion is both long-term and sustainable - to the benefit of the entire Scottish timber industry."
Ends 11 August 2006
Issued on behalf of BSW Timber by Weber Shandwick, public relations consultants. For more information, pictures and interviews, contact Richard Bright on 0131 556 6649 (office) or mobile 07770 886 914.