BSW Timber is to invest £15m upgrading its Newbridge-on-Wye sawmill over the next three years, safeguarding 100 jobs in the process.
The move, which will also create 24 new jobs, is designed to meet the needs of a changing market which is demanding a more diversified and higher quality end product.
BSW submitted a planning application on January 28 to Powys County Council, outlining the £3.5m first stage of the development. This includes increasing sawn timber storage facilities, a new timber preservation plant, state-of-the-art kilns and an on-line planing facility.
Chief executive Paul Barham said: “This technology will allow us greater efficiencies and increased capacity for kiln drying, as well as offering a greater range of specialised timbers using ultra-modern treatment, impregnation and planing facilities.”
Head of operations in Wales Alex Brownlie said the plans were good news for the industry, customers and the local workforce.
He said: “BSW is making a very important statement about the company’s long-term commitment to the Newbridge site.”
BSW worked closely with the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and the Forestry Commission in formulating the development strategy. The WDA said BSW’s plan deals with “the urgent need for more value-added timber processing in Wales.”
The first phase is scheduled to be complete, subject to planning, by December, creating job opportunities to operate the extended kilning facilities.
Future development, targeted for completion by early 2008, includes growing the on-site capacity, more new technology and upgraded log handling facilities, which could create a further 20 jobs.
