BSW Timber Welcomes Welsh Minister to Newbridge Sawmill

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport for the Welsh Government, has become the latest high profile Welsh politician to tour BSW Timber’s sawmill in Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys.

The Minister’s visit on Thursday (November 28) marked the latest phase of a multi-million investment programme for the mill. During the past five years, BSW has invested more than £6 million in the site which has boosted annual timber production to 150,000 m3 of sawn timber each year, mainly for the UK’s construction, fencing and landscaping market. 

Newbridge is now the largest single-site sawmill in Wales and is the leading Welsh timber manufacturer. All timber is sourced from local woodlands and forests, helping to provide 143 jobs at the Newbridge mill - plus thousands more across the local supply chain,

Across all its UK sites, BSW Timber now produces almost one third of the entire nation’s sawn softwood output following its multi-million pound investment in modern manufacturing sites and customer services across the UK. 

Welcoming the Minister, BSW’s Head of Public Affairs Hamish Macleod said: “BSW’s investment and long-term commitment to our Newbridge site reinforces the importance of the forestry sector to both local and national economies. 

“In the last few years, we have placed great emphasis on working downstream with the UK construction sector to grow markets for Welsh timber. And, thanks to our investment and improved efficiencies, we are now producing more home-grown timber here than ever before, leading to increased sustainable usage in expanding UK markets such as timber frame houses and the repair, maintenance and improvements sector.  

He added: “Forestry is a critically important industry for the Welsh economy - and we must now ensure that the business confidence of the sector is underpinned by continued investment in sustainably managed productive woodland.  We look forward to working closely with National Resources Wales to ensure this continues to happen.”

Economy Minister Edwina Hart  said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit BSW Timber’s Newbridge sawmill today as their investment in Wales is exactly the type of support that our local economy requires. Not only is BSW Timber making a valuable contribution through its local investment and employment, but it also has a vital role to play in supporting a greener economy in Wales, managing sustainable forestry and producing low-carbon building materials.

“The Welsh Government is committed to promoting the use of timber in construction which not only provides environmental benefits, but it also offers social and economic opportunities for Wales.”

In 2011, BSW invested £1.8M in a biomass hot water generation plant and created over 30 new, full time jobs during 2012 following a successful planning application to extend its operational and manufacturing hours.

The Newbridge sawmill enjoys a strong track record of working with local partners to create innovative building projects.  In 2012, with support from the then Forestry Commission of Wales, home-grown larch timber sourced from the mill was used to create a stunning 11-metre high wooden installation which adorned the historic Aldgate area of the City of London, marking the start of the 2012 Olympics.

Speaking at the time about the project, Hamish Macleod said: “The supply of sustainably grown and produced British softwood into the UK construction market is an important business for us and this stunning installation in Aldgate, in the heart of the City of London, provided a high profile platform to demonstrate the versatility of our local products.”