News

Hauliers in north-east Scotland are hopeful that Inverurie Paper Mill, a major source of work, can be saved from closure. International Paper (IP), owner of the Aberdeenshire mill, entered into consultation with the 371 staff in October last year after admitting that the plant was losing more than £1m a month.

However,  Scottish Enterprise, Scotland's main economic development agency, is now investigating the possibility of wood-pellet production firm Biowood Norway, taking over the site. A final decision on the future of the mill is expected in mid-February.

The plant, which is the town's largest employer and produces 250,000 tonnes of paper a year, is a large provider of haulage work in the north-east of Scotland. Eddie Anderson, managing director at Aberdeen-based ARR Craib, says: "We are still hopeful the site will remain open as it is a big employer in the area and an important source of work for us. "However, we constantly market actively for new work, and if the site does shut we don't believe it will affect us too badly."

Derek Mitchell, managing director of Caledonian  Logistics, also based in Aberdeen, adds: "It would be a real boost for the area if a buyer was found." A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise says: "Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International are working with the company during the consultation period to explore every possible opportunity for the future of the International Paper Mill in Inverurie."