South Scotland MSP Brain Whittle has paid a visit to Land Energy in Girvan as part of his programme of visits over the summer recess.
Land Energy is now the UK’s second largest wood pellet producer, turning out around 100,000 tonnes of product per year. With 39 full time staff and a further 25 contractors working at its Girvan site, they are a major employer in the local area. The manufacturing plant has had more than £30million invested in it in the last few years and takes timber harvested in Scotland and processes it into wood pellets used in biomass heating systems. Nothing is wasted in the process with any material that isn’t suitable to be used as wood pellets being used to power the factory itself.
MSP Brian was given a tour of the site by Operations Manager John-Paul Santangeli. Speaking after the visit, Brian Whittle said:
“I was pleased to be able to visit Land Energy and learn more about their work. Scotland has a strong record of supporting renewables and I’m delighted to see that Land Energy are making the most of what Ayrshire has to offer. Heating our homes requires huge amounts of energy and the more we can use renewable heating sources like wood pellets, the better. I hope Land Energy will continue to grow here and bring more jobs and opportunities to Girvan and the surrounding area.”
John Westmacott, Land Energy Managing Director commented:
“We’re always pleased to be able to engage with MSPs and discuss how the biomass energy industry can develop in Scotland and be part of Scottish and UK energy policy on a long term basis. There are many opportunities ahead for this industry and Land Energy is determined to be part of the drive to deliver clean energy to businesses and homes. Our Girvan plant has just come out of a major expansion phase and we aim to invest further over the next 24 months.”