Newtonmore timber firm continues to branch out
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Newtonmore timber specialist firm is embarking on its second phase of growth at its sawmill site.
Expansion plans have just been lodged with Highland Council planners by Russwood Ltd for the next stage in its ambitious project at Station Sawmill.
As the Strathy has already reported, production capacity has reached its limits and an extension to provide additional space for the expanding range of products as well as new equipment is essential.
The recently consented extension to Blair’s shed which is currently being constructed will allow the existing storage in the centre of the yard to have the timber relocated into the new facility and then be re-purposed as part of the new production hall.
The facility, like many expanding businesses, has evolved over many years with a series of different buildings being constructed to suit the requirements of the time and the yard is currently ringed by four separate but inter-linked buildings.
The yard creates a gap in the process that needs to be integrated to allow for new equipment to be installed suiting the different products which Russwood intend to produce.
Managing director John Russell told the Strathy: “Last year we embarked on ambitious expansion plans to almost double in size the production area, responding to increasing market demand.
“We are investing in new buildings, with the aim of improving the flow of production processes and increasing efficiency of output.”
Phase one of the expansion plans saw the demolition and clearing of old buildings to make way for the new structures.
The second phase – for which planning permission has been lodged with Highland Council earlier this week – will see the construction of the new buildings which will house new production and storage space, offices and toilets.
“Conscious of the environmental impact of the new buildings,”Mr Russell said, “Russwood plan to use as little steel as possible.”
Instead, the firm is opting for more environmentally friendly building materials such as glulam beams and cross-laminated timber, whilst also bringing more natural light for a better working environment.
“The investment in buildings goes hand in hand with Russwood’s investment in our people,” Mr Russell explained.
