Fergus Ewing MSP visits BSW’s sawmill Fort William
August 18, 2006
Pictured: Left Andy Rogers (BSW Fort William Mill Manager), Right Fergus Ewing MSP
On Friday (August 18 2006) Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber visited BSW’s sawmill at Fort William, part of BSW Timber, the UK’s largest sawmilling business. He met the local team, toured the site and discussed the Company’s investment plans.
In April this year BSW acquired from Arjo Wiggins the 67 acre site on the shores of Loch Linnhe which sits opposite BSW’s current sawmill site. The deal has paved the way to a phased investment, relocation and expansion of BSW’s Fort William sawmill.
BSW is to invest more than £25 million into the new site as part of a phased expansion programme - likely to create 45 new jobs and safeguard a further 88 at the existing sawmill.
The company anticipate over 100 indirect jobs will also be created within its supply and distribution chain.
The new mill will have more than twice the output of BSW’s current Fort William site and has the potential to become the UK’s largest sawmill.
Andy Rogers, Mill Manager of BSW Fort William Mill says: "Since becoming part of BSW in 1988, our Fort William operation has been an important part of the BSW Group’s production and distribution network. But the size of our current site is a major constraint on growing the business.
"The new site gives BSW the perfect opportunity to invest in the expansion and relocation of our Fort William sawmill.
"We have developed a phased investment plan to ensure solid growth of the business. Ultra modern facilities will help drive our development of value-added and high quality timber products to continue to service our customer requirements and needs in a growing market."
Currently, the previous owners of the 67 acre site are removing the paper machine and auxiliary equipment. This work is expected to be completed by the year end. BSW can then start on site infrastructure work on the site.
Following the infrastructure work the first development phase will see investment in secondary processing facilities - including kilning, timber treatment, planing and grading. The second phase will include the building of a new sawmill. Following completion, all production will be transferred to the new site.
BSW are also conducting feasibility studies on CHP potential for the site.
Mr Ewing today welcomed BSW’s commitment and investment in Fort William: “This 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."