CONFOR INCREASES ITS ROLE IN SCOTLAND (08/02/2007)

An important milestone for Scotland's forest industries was reached at the sector's fourth Scottish Forest Industries Cluster conference.

The industry body, the Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor), agreed to take on an increased role in the work of the Cluster.

Since its establishment seven years ago, the Cluster has been highly successful in doubling the annual rate of investment in the forest industries. The partnership has now come of age and is changing to meet the challenges ahead.

David Crichton, chief executive of ConFor, commended the Cluster's achievements and emphasised that with their support the work of the Leadership Group would continue under the chairmanship of Stefan Kay.

He said: "The Leadership Group has proved to be a valuable, broadly based and independent forum for raising shared issues and encouraging industry-wide action. ConFor welcomes the opportunity to support this work and to take it into new areas such as productivity and innovation".

Speaking for the Cluster, Stefan Kay, said: "ConFor has now established itself as the lead body representing the forest industries and is having remarkable success in raising awareness and dealing with the challenges facing the industry. The Cluster has supported the establishment of ConFor from the outset and is delighted with the enthusiasm with which ConFor is taking on this enhanced role in Cluster activity".

The conference reviewed the work of the Cluster to date and looked at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in mitigating the effects of climate change, the global economy and energy policy. Launching the latest Cluster report, chairman Stefan Kay said that much had been achieved since the "wall of wood" threatened the future of the industry.

He added: "Now the industry concerns are focused more on finding enough fibre to supply the substantially increased processing capacity that is being created within Scotland."

The Forestry Commission will introduce a new programme aimed at increasing competitiveness, efficiency and innovation. Announcing the Timber Development Programme, Dr Bob McIntosh, director of the Forestry Commission Scotland said it would present a coordinated approach to supporting the industry in removing the obstacles to growth.

He explained: "The industry is poised to achieve significant growth over the next few decades building on the remarkable level of new investment of recent years. The Timber Development Programme has identified some of the challenges that we want tackle together with industry, and we look forward to working with both ConFor and Scottish Enterprise as we seek to maximise the value of our forest resources."

Scottish Enterprise will continue its support for the Cluster by concentrating its work upon supporting company growth and development as well as providing resources for specific industry initiatives.

The increased ConFor role was welcomed by Scotland's new deputy minister for environment and rural development, Sarah Boyack, MSP, in the Cluster report.

She comments: "The fourth Cluster report marks an important transition from a partnership in which Scottish Enterprise has had a key role in delivering outcomes, to one in which there will be an even greater role for industry through the Confederation of Forest Industries.

"I welcome this transition as I believe it marks a new confidence within the industry to pursue its agenda, knowing that it can turn to government and other agencies for support when it needs it."

The Scottish Forest Industries Cluster, established seven years ago, encompasses all those companies, organisations and industries involved with the planting, management and harvesting of forests, through sawmilling, pulp, paper and board production to the production of higher value manufactured goods. It incorporates input from the chemicals and machinery sectors, as well as from business support and education institutions.