BSW Timber plans to invest over GBP 7 million ($10.7 million) in Dalbeattie mill, UK

May 04, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. BSW Timber has unveiled plans for a multi-million pound investment at the Howie Forest Products site at Dalbeattie, UK, following a successful acquisition of the company in November 2009, company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. The Dalbeattie mill is the largest single-location sawmill in UK and plans to invest over GBP 7 million into the site in a drive to increase productivity from 230,000 cubic metres sawn timber to more than 350,000 cubic metres. First phase investment in Dalbeattie will see a new planer and grader line installed on site which will almost double production of Easi-Edge™ construction timber from 65,000 cubic metres to 120,000 cubic metres each year. Manufacture of this added value timber product will be further increased by investment in a new stacker system to improve operational efficiencies and produce an additional 50,000 cubic metres of Easi-Edge volume, whilst releasing greenmill capacity. The Dalbeattie site will also benefit from investment in a new heat source facility for the operation and kilns. Current plans include the construction of a biomass boiler which will use the site’s natural timber bi-products to produce enough heat energy to sustainably supply the increased demand on the site. Tony Hackney, BSW Chief Executive, said: “This major investment is all about delivering maximum value from our new Dalbeattie mill and shows our commitment to developing the site. State-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure development will help enhance value and give the sawmill total flexibility, not only will it be the largest mill in the UK but it will further develop its level of sophistication.”