BSW Group bosses say the firm is "well placed to improve operational performance" across its UK sawmills – despite closing two sites in a little under a year. 

Officials have confirmed the doors shut as planned at BSW's New Forest mill last month, bringing to an end more than 80 years of activity at the plant on the outskirts of Southampton. As many as 30 jobs are understood to have been lost, but company chiefs insist the "majority of employees" were found alternative employment. 

Coming shortly after BSW ceased operations at its Boat of Garten site in the Cairngorms National Park, the latest closure has been partly blamed on "long-term" supply issues and a "generally poor market". 

READ MORE: BSW's Southampton sawmill facing closure with job losses likely

Confirming the New Forest mill's closure, BSW's head of marketing, James Brennan, said: "The Southampton sawmill ceased to operate on Friday, July 14, following a period of consultation, with the objective of maximising efficiencies and aligning operational activities across BSW.

"Although jobs were placed at risk, BSW was able to help the majority of employees find alternative employment ahead of the proposed closure date, honouring all redundancy obligations."

James added: "BSW is well placed to improve operational performance across the business, and will make significant investments in technology, innovation and processes under the ownership of Binderholz."

The New Forest site – which dated back to 1942 – was only purchased by BSW in 2014, having previously operated under the RF Giddings & Co name. At the time, BSW chiefs said they were excited to "double production" at the location, which had been family owned for more than eight decades. 

However, BSW has shown signs of investment at its other sites. In 2022, expenditure from the firm – owned by Binderholz – included £4 million on a new miniplug production facility at Maelor Forest Nurseries, in Wrexham, and the £1.4 m purchase of a VK Debarker at its Fort William sawmill.

Forestry Journal: BSW closed its Boat of Garten sawmill just last year BSW closed its Boat of Garten sawmill just last year (Image: Stock image)

Elsewhere, BSW spent £5 m on several new machines to strengthen its fleet of harvesters and forwarders. This was to support group member Dick Brothers after it won several high-value contracts with Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). 

However, the firm drew criticism when member Tilhill opted to change its payment terms for contractors.