Norbord has submitted a notice of intent for a planning application to Highland Council for a major investment in its OSB (oriented strand board) manufacturing site at Morayhill, near Inverness, Scotland.

The application is subsequent to a detailed feasibility study into upgrading the current 25-year old facility to include state-of-the-art continuous press and environmental control technologies.

This investment would help secure the long-term future of the 130 staff directly employed at the site, as well as over 300 jobs supported indirectly through the supply chain.

“We are excited by the potential for what would be a major step forward for our European business,” said Karl Morris, managing director of Norbord Europe.

“The Morayhill site has been part of the Inverness landscape for more than a quarter of a century and has enjoyed very positive relations with both the local community and regulatory authorities. Building on that foundation is important and Norbord looks forward to the support of the community, the regulators and Highlands and Islands Enterprise in ultimately achieving final approval for the project.”

The investment proposal will be subject to review and approval by Norbord’s board of directors.