Minister Visits Balcas New Log Processing Facility at Enniskillen
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17th August 2001
Bríd Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Forest Service today visited Balcas’ new log processing facility near Enniskillen at the Invitation of the UK Forest Products association. This new facility was built at a cost of £15m and is one of the most technically advanced in Europe.
Responding to the warm welcome given by Balcas Management Team on behalf of the Northern Ireland members of the UK Forest Products Association, Mrs Rodgers said:
"What I have seen today is very impressive. The investment which has taken place here, and the investment that is happening in other sawmills in Northern Ireland places the local industry in a world class competitive position at a time of very difficult economic challenges. This investment underpins what we are doing in DARD, and particularly in the Forest Service, by growing trees to create wealth and employment in rural areas. Farmers who are thinking of planting trees now will be glad to see the industry moving forward because it gives them confidence in the future. These investments are the result of closer and better partnerships between Government and Industry to secure sustainable regional development. I wish Balcas and the Association every success in the future".
Note for Editors
Balcas was established in Enniskillen in 1962 when the volume of roundwood available from Northern Ireland forests was 4,500m3. This has now reached nearly 400,000m3 and Balcas will use approximately 550,000m3 of roundwood in the coming year. Balcas is the largest sawmiller in Ireland, and the third largest in the British Isles. Current turnover is £45m, expected to rise to £55m next year. The company is involved in three distinct activities; sawmilling, wooden pallets and MDF (Medium Density Fibre) mouldings and employs a total of around 650 people at its manufacturing sites.
The Northern Ireland Branch of the UK Forest Products Association represents most of the main wood processing companies in Northern Ireland, including sawmillers and the chipboard plant at Coleraine.
Balcas purchases approximately 60% of Forest Service timber volume. The balance of its raw material is purchased from Coillte, the Forestry Board in the Republic of Ireland, while a small proportion is bought from private woodland owners including farmers.
