HRH The Duke of Kent opens flagship timber manufacturing facility
The Royal opening is the culmination of an ambitious expansion programme which has resulted in the company relocating to a flagship £1.5 million state-of-the-art new manufacturing facility adjacent to their original premises at New Victoria Sawmills in Bo'ness.
The 32,700 square foot facility, which has been supported by Scottish Enterprise in Forth Valley, will enable the business to rapidly expand its market share of the Scottish and UK timber market and further capitalise on the current buoyant housing, construction and DIY sectors.
Jim Harwood, managing director, said: "We are very honoured to have His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent perform the official opening of the new facility. This opening marks the start of a new era for Christie Timber Services as it is central to our future strategy.
"Being well over twice the size of our existing premises, this new facility will unlock almost unlimited potential for expansion and further employment."
Stuart Ogg, operations director of Scottish Enterprise in Forth Valley, commented: "It seems not too long ago that I visited the site of the new facility to mark the start of construction. It is therefore extremely gratifying to have the opportunity to revisit and see first hand completion of the new premises.
"I am confident that these new improved facilities and increased capacity will provide the means to expand sales and secure the long term growth and future of the business in Bo'ness. Christie Timber is a great example of the ambitious businesses that Scottish Enterprise is keen to work with to help expand their production and markets while constantly improving their productivity. "
Forest industries is recognised by Scottish Enterprise as a key sector with significant growth potential. With trade in the timber and timber related products sector of forest industries market worth an estimated £3 billion per annum and continued growth expected over the next five years, Christie Timber is recognised as a key business with growth potential in Scotland's timber industry.