One of Scotland's leading specialist timber companies marked the start of a new era this week, with the official opening of its new premises by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.

The Royal opening was the culmination of an ambitious expansion programme which resulted in the company relocating to a flagship £1.5m state-of-the-art new manufacturing facility adjacent to their original premises at New Victoria Sawmills in Bo'ness.

The 32,700 sq ft facility, which has been supported by Scottish Enterprise in Forth Valley, will enable the business to rapidly expand its market share of the Scottish and UK timber market and further capitalise on the current buoyant housing, construction and DIY sectors.

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Jim Harwood, Managing Director, said: "This opening marks the start of a new era for Christie Timber Services as it is central to our future strategy.

"Being well over twice the size of our existing premises, this new facility will unlock almost unlimited potential for expansion and further employment."

Stuart Ogg, Operations Director of Scottish Enterprise in Forth Valley, commented: "I am confident that these new improved facilities and increased capacity will provide the means to expand sales and secure the long term growth and future of the business in Bo'ness. Christie Timber is a great example of the ambitious businesses that Scottish Enterprise is keen to work with to help expand their production and markets while constantly improving their productivity."

(CD/JM)