Moray timber firm in major expansion

The project is the first phase of a longer term “master plan” for the expansion of the Mosstodloch site that is ultimately expected to create 14 new jobs.

James Jones & Sons Limited (JJSL) has secured up to £315,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total costs of the initial phase.

The project includes construction of a new 4,000 square metre building to house two new production lines that will further process timber for use in construction, fencing and packaging markets.

The new lines will support more advanced processing, including resawing and post pointing. This will help the company increase output, improve efficiency and manufacture higher-value timber products for UK markets.

General manager for JJSL Sawmills in the north of Scotland, Robert Mann, commented:

“This initial investment phase is a very exciting step in the continued development of the Mosstodloch site. Not only will this bring new capacity to our production it will create a more modern and safer working environment and enable us greater flexibility in meeting our customers’ needs with high quality and exceptional service.

“Investments of this scale require Scottish Government’s support with new planting and restocking of productive woodland to secure the long-term viability of these types of projects.”

The HIE funding will help cover the costs of new automated machinery for advanced timber manufacturing.

Senior development manager with HIE in Moray, Steve Richards, said:

“We’ve been working with James Jones & Sons for several years. The company is a major employer in Moray and has strong potential for further growth.

“This latest project is about long-term sustainable growth. It will help safeguard skilled jobs, create new opportunities and support the company’s transition to net zero. It will also strengthen Moray’s role in a sector that’s important to Scotland’s construction supply chain.

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to provide support and look forward to seeing the new facility take shape.”

The new building is ergonomically designed with biomass heating, while the new machinery will use less energy. The building will also provide a platform for the installation of solar panels. Altogether this will contribute to the company’s transition to net zero.

JJSL is family-owned and operates 29 sites across the UK and 25 in Australia and New Zealand, employing around 2,100 people. Nine sites are in Scotland, two of which are in Moray. Around 105 people are employed at Mosstodloch and 48 at the company’s Forres site. JJSL is one of the UK’s largest timber processors by volume and is recognised as one of the sector’s most innovative companies.

Industry forecasts point to substantial growth in the use of timber frame and off-site construction systems by the end of this decade. This is driven by demand for low-carbon housing, modern methods of construction and faster build times.

On completion of this project, JJSL will be well placed to meet this demand and benefit from the predicted growth.