Project underway at Inverness wood panel plant following £35m investment

Wood panel manufacturer Norbord is making significant progress at its Dalcross-based factory, following a further £35 million investment earlier this year.

This second recent investment into the site, following a £110 million expansion programme last year, will realise the construction of a second wood debarker and flaker, heat plant and a dryer at the Morayhill mill, increasing the production capacity.

Set for completion in 2021, the development will allow the mill to meet increased consumer demand for oriented strand board (OSB) across the UK and Europe.

Alan McMeekin, Norbord Europe Managing Director, said: “The plan was always to invest further and we are pleased that the very successful start-up, as a result of great team work and market has enabled us to enhance facilities earlier than we originally anticipated.

“This £35 million investment will increase capacity and deliver an increased level of support to our strategic customer base, further underlining Norbord’s status as the world’s number one OSB producer.”

Stuart Hendry, General Manager at the Inverness factory added: “This investment showcases our commitment to our Inverness workforce and supply chain, as well as the significant growth potential there is within the European OSB industry.

“I’m delighted to have been able to join the team at Inverness at such an exciting time as these developments ensure that Norbord are in prime position to deliver the best service to our customers, efficiently serving their needs across the UK and mainland Europe.”

Last year, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the new manufacturing line at the plant following the investment, which was supported by a £12 million development grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. HRH The Duke of York KG also recently visited the plant to help commemorate one year of production on the new line.