A sawmill in Scotland has introduced new plant and equipment as a first step towards manufacturing value-added products.
The FSC-certified Bowmont Forest Sawmill, located on the Roxburghe Estates near Kelso, has introduced a computer-controlled Laimet 130 circular bench saw and a new infeed system. Plans also cover the installation of kiln-drying equipment and planing facilities.
Handling mainly softwood, the sawmill currently produces fencing and building materials for the estate and for local farmers. However, according to Roxburghe Estates’ forest manager Peter Darling, the “poor” price obtainable for round timber has prompted an exploration of “ways of adding value to the timber” by creating, for example, decking and flooring products.
Latest equipment additions have added 20-30% to mill capacity, he said.
