Scotland’s renewable energy sector has received a £6.4 million investment boost by Land Energy Girvan Limited with its new site expansion in Girvan.
The firm manufactures Woodlets-brand biomass wood pellets for the renewable energy market.
The investment will see at least 10 new full-time jobs created, whilst safeguarding a further 28 jobs. Furthermore the business plans to increase output from 60,000 tonnes to 90,000 tonnes per annum increasing turnover by 50% per annum.
Land Energy Girvan’s state of the art manufacturing facility produces premium grade wood pellets using locally sourced sustainable timber. Their pellets contain no additives and are certified by the European Pellet Council with ENPlus A1, the highest quality mark in the industry, which ensures that the pellets burn efficiently and cleanly.
The expansion includes an increase in the capacity of the combined heat & power plant, including a new condenser and an extension to the dryer; an upgrade to the pellet line including new pellet mill grinders and silo and additional on-site storage facilities.
John Westmacott, Managing Director, Land Energy Girvan Ltd, said: “The UK premium wood pellet market has grown rapidly in the last five years and is now worth £100 million a year. The new investment in the Girvan plant will ensure that Land Energy continues to be a leading player in this market as it continues to grow.”
Total imports of pellets to the UK more than doubled between 2012 and 2013. In fact, the UK is the largest importer of wood pellets in the world. Currently Russia and Lithuania are the largest supplier to both the UK and the EU with a 26% per cent share. With Land Energy Ltd manufacturing only the highest grade wood pellet and now at an increased capacity, they hope to have a major sales advantage over the imported product.
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