Having outgrown its old site, Norbord has opened a new factory in Inverness which allows the company to produce a new type of OSB.

The site is not quite finished yet, but production has already begun. As the demand for OSB has overtaken plywood, Norbord has created SterlingOSB Zero which is the first ever type of OSB not to contain the chemical formaldehyde in its resin. Overexposure to formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems and can even be carcinogenic.

All discharges from the site go to a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, and habitats have been recreated for wildlife displaced by the construction works.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the new site. She said: “Norbord’s £95 million expansion of its Dalcross plant is one of the largest single inward investments made into Scotland. It will significantly increase capacity and demonstrates the vibrancy of the Scottish forestry sector.

“This is a welcome investment for the Highlands that will secure a long term future for the factory. It has received more than £12 million support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is expected to generate £37 million gross value added of new economic activity for the Scottish economy each year, of which £22 million would be retained within the HIE area.”