Proposals to develop a £1 billion integrated forest industry project at Invergordon on the Cromarty Firth have been announced today (Monday, 6 December).
Discussions are already underway between Forscot and Alcan, the site owner, to secure an option on the former aluminium smelter site for a development which could eventually create up to 500 new jobs.
The proposals involve plans to build and operate a pulp mill, paper mill, saw mill and renewable energy generation plant, using Sitka spruce grown in Scotland and northern England.
The Invergordon smelter was closed in 1981 by the British Aluminium Company (BACO). Alcan took ownership of the land following its acquisition of BACO in 1982.
Since 1992 Cromarty Firth Industrial Park has operated on the site, and is today the location of 11 businesses, employing around 200 people.
Wyn Jones, managing director of Alcan Smelting and Power UK, said: ‘The first priority for all parties in these discussions will remain the long term sustainability of the existing employment on Cromarty Firth Industrial Park.
‘Forscot's proposals for the use of the land appear consistent with Alcan's own global ideal of sustainable manufacturing. On that basis it is appropriate for all parties to continue their discussions on the proposals.'
Forscot has secured funding for the first stage of the project, including a grant of £0.2 million from Ross and Cromarty Enterprise. This will enable the company to complete feasibility studies, secure the site and obtain the necessary planning and environmental permits. The company hopes to begin construction in 2006 and start manufacturing in 2008.
Detailed plans for the operation will be developed in consultation with representatives from the local community, as well as with the necessary planning and regulatory authorities.
Ed Gillespie, chairman of Forscot, said: ‘I look forward to working with the people of Invergordon, including those already with businesses on the site, to develop this exciting project, which will bring major new employment to the region.'
Date: 6 December, 2004
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