Cowie-based Norbord is continuing to lead the way when it comes to protecting the environment.

The environmentally responsible company – the UK’s leading producer of engineered wood products – has announced a £2.5million investment in new environmental protection measures.

Norbord has started work to replace a ten year-old WESP (wet electrostatic precipitator) with a new, state-of-the-art system. The new 52 metre-high chimney – which will be completed in July 2006 – will disperse the steam from drying wood even higher and alleviate any local concerns about the steam in Cowie village.

“The Cowie site was one of the first of its type to introduce the WESP technology ten years ago and, once again, it will be at the forefront of emission control measures which will exceed the most stringent industry standards,” said Steve Roebuck, Director of Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs at Norbord.

“The current WESP was the best available technology when it was installed and it is still extremely effective; however Norbord’s commitment to protect our employees, the environment and the communities in which we operate is integral to how we run our business and that is why we have taken the decision to install brand new and even more effective technology.

“We continually strive for excellence in environmental responsibility and we have taken on board feedback from local residents about concerns that the steam plume could occasionally ground in the village during prevailing bad weather, such as strong wind and rain.

“The chimney of the new WESP is 52 metres in height, compared to 35 metres with the old one, so this should ensure the plume of steam will not ground in future, whatever the Scottish climate throws at us.

“Over £31 million has now been invested solely in environmental protection measures at the Cowie site since 2000, demonstrating Norbord’s ongoing commitment to both local residents, our workforce and the environment”

Local MP Anne McGuire visited the site to view the new WESP construction and meet with senior management to discuss Norbord’s recent decision to close an ageing MDF (medium density fibreboard) pressline which had been impacted by steeply rising energy cost and transfer some of the capacity to a recently-built £50 million line elsewhere on the site.

Mrs McGuire, whose constituency includes Cowie, said: “I welcome Norbord’s investment in further environmental protection measures as it demonstrates the company’s commitment to the Cowie site. I had an extremely productive meeting with senior management and I have been assured Norbord will continue to be a significant employer in the Stirling area in the future.”

For further information, please call 01786 812 921 or visit http://www.norbord.com.