Charles Kennedy MP & Liberal Democrat candidate visit Fort William Mill
April 27, 2007
Pictured: Andy Rogers, Charles Kennedy MP, Craig Harrow, Lord Russell-Johnston
On Friday (April 27 2007) Charles Kennedy MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Craig Harrow, Liberal Democrat candidate for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, and Lord Russell-Johnston visited BSW Timber’s Fort William sawmill.
The trio toured the Fort William site and discussed the company’s investment plans as well as BSW Timber’s significant role in the forestry sector within Scotland and the strong environmental credentials of timber.
Last year, BSW Timber purchased from Arjo Wiggins the 67 acre site on the shores of Loch Linnhe opposite BSW Timber’s current sawmill site.
The deal has paved the way for 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.
Following a detail study of the buildings on the new site and subject to continuing discussions with planning officials, BSW believes the best economical and operational decision is to demolish all the existing buildings on the site.
Under the plans, a multi-million pound purpose-built sawmill and timber processing operation will be built on the new site in Fort William.
The new mill will have more than twice the output of BSW’s current Fort William operation site and has the potential to become the UK’s largest sawmill.
A master-plan for the project is expected to be submitted in early August.
Currie & Brown has been appointed as construction consultants and will oversee the project management for the life of the project.
Halco Software Systems Ltd of Vancouver, Canada, has been appointed to assist in the optimisation of the new mill in order to maximise production and yield efficiencies.
Andy Rogers, Mill Manager of BSW’s Fort William Mill says: "The Fort William operation is a crucial part of the BSW Group’s production and distribution network. However, the size of the current site is a major constraint on growing the business in the future.
"That is why the new site offers BSW the perfect opportunity to invest in the expansion and relocation of our Fort William sawmill and potentially create one of the largest sawmills in the UK.”
“Our plans for 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."
Following 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.
Mr Kennedy today welcomed BSW Timber’s commitment to Fort William and the Highlands economy.
“BSW Timber makes an important contribution to the Highlands and Scottish economy. This significant investment will ensure better quality jobs and training opportunities for local people. This, together with an improved site infrastructure and more efficient and sustainable working environment, will also produce a better quality end product.”
Mr Harrow said: "BSW Timber’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."