Fort William architects appointed for multi-million-pound project at BSW Timber’s sawmill
August 6, 2007
(Pictured: Scott Donald, KDP and Andy Rogers, Mill Manager BSW Fort William)
A Fort William architect has beaten a host of firms from across the UK and Europe to design a new multi-million pound sawmill in the area.
Kearney Donald Partnership (KDP) will play a key role in the design of the master-plan for the 67 acre site on the shores of Loch Linnhe, opposite BSW Timber’s current sawmill.
The appointment marks a major boost for the Fort William company, whose local knowledge and expertise impressed BSW Timber.
Britain's largest sawmilling business invited architects from the UK and Europe to tender for the project, which is expected to inject millions of pounds into the Highland economy.
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.
Scott Donald, partner at KDP, said: "This is a major project for Kearney Donald and we are pleased to be associated with such significant investment plans for Fort William. We believe the proposal represents the right solution for the site, both from an environmental and economic perspective and will deliver real benefits for Fort William and the Highlands."
BSW Timber purchased the site from Arjo Wiggins last year, paving the way for a phased investment, relocation and expansion of the Fort William operation.
The company is to invest more than £26 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. BSW Timber anticipates over 100 indirect jobs will also be created within its supply and distribution chain.
Following a detailed 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.
Andy Rogers, BSW Timber Mill Manager says: "BSW Timber was impressed with KDP's excellent track record, the company's depth of knowledge and expertise and look forward to a close working relationship and successful expansion.
"The Fort William operation is an important part of BSW Timber'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.
Currie & Brown has been appointed to provide project and cost management services as well as planning supervisor services 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.
Mid South Engineering Ltd Hot Springs Arkansas, have been commissioned to provide process and design engineering services for the multi million sawmill.