Peter Ainsworth MP visits BSW Timber’s Newbridge Sawmill
January 17, 2007
Pictured left to right: Dave Burd, Suzy Davies, Oliver Coombe, Peter Ainsworth MP.
Peter Ainsworth MP, Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, visited BSW Timber’s Newbridge sawmill on Wednesday (10 January).
He was accompanied by Suzy Davies, future Conservative candidate for Brecon and Radnorshire and Mary Fellows of the Brecon and Radnorshire Conservative Association
The trio toured the Newbridge site and discussed the company's recent and future investment plans - as well as BSW's significant role in the forestry sector within Wales and the strong environmental credentials of timber.
BSW is currently implementing an investment programme to expand the Newbridge sawmill over a three-year period.
The first development phase has seen more than £4 million invested in site infrastructure - including timber storage areas, new kilns and planing facilities, and new cross-cutting technology. This includes a substantial investment in the refurbishment of plant and machinery on site.
Future development plans include more new technology and extra treatment facilities. Around five new jobs have been created by the first development phase, with a further 20 jobs expected as part of future plans.
Mill manager Dave Burd said: "BSW's Newbridge mill is fast becoming a showpiece for the development of the Welsh timber industry. Our investment in the mill is allowing us to expand capacity on site, producing higher quality and more specialised timber.
"This is a direct response to changing market requirements with our customers demanding more diversified and added-value end product."
Peter Ainsworth MP added: "BSW Timber plays a significant role in the development of local economies – especially in rural areas like Newbridge where the company is the largest private sector employer.
"The investment in the Newbridge mill deals with the urgent need for more value-added timber processing in Wales – a sector which is critical for the future well-being of the local timber industry."