"The minister’s visit marks the next stage of a sustained programme of investment by BSW in the new Fort William mill, which will be operational early 2013," said director Alex Brownlie.
"Our on-going investment reinforces the importance of the forestry sector to both local and national economies, creating a positive knock-on effect throughout the supply chain.
"Thanks to our improved efficiencies we are now producing more home-grown timber here than ever before, leading to increased sustainable useage in expanding UK markets such as timber frame houses and the repairs, maintenance and improvements sector."
Mr Brownlie added that the visit also focused on BSW’s commitment to renewable energy and that one of the points the company raised with the minister was that the increased usage of home-grown timber was "dependent on there being an appropriate level of expansion of productive woodland across Scotland, to meet the future needs of our industry".
