Firm unveils £20m sawmill plans

The company is to more than double its investment in Lockerbie

Plans have been unveiled for a new £20m sawmill development in south west Scotland.

Larbert-based James Jones and Sons has confirmed its proposals to expand its presence at its Lockerbie base.

The development will take the total site investment - when the sawmill is completed in 2009 - to £35m.

The company already employs 56 people in Lockerbie and it said the new plan would create new posts as well as safeguarding current positions.

Preparatory ground works have already started at the site.

The company said it had chosen to invest in Lockerbie as it was close to local forests and transport routes to its main markets in England.

The mill will also be close to a new wood-fired power station giving it a ready market for sawdust and wood chips.

'Cutting-edge technology'

Joint managing director Ian Pirie said: "This new investment confirms our ambition to play an increasing part in the role of the British forestry industry in supporting the growth of a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.

"As one of the largest suppliers of British timber we are committed to the use of cutting-edge technology to achieve improved quality, efficiency and competitiveness.

"We are also delighted to further strengthen our commitment to all of our employees in the Dumfries and Lockerbie area."

James Jones and Sons had a turnover of £72m in 2006 and operates sawmills on six sites across Scotland.

One of those sites is in Dumfries but the firm intends to wind down that operation once the Lockerbie mill opens.