SCOTTISH timber harvesting specialist Agriforest has invested £1.1million expanding its fleet of machinery as the business goes from strength to strength.
The company has invested in a new timber haulage truck and two harvesters to cater for its growing client base in 2024.
Agriforest provides services to owners of small to medium-sized woodlands, with a client base that ranges from individual landowners to local authorities, utility providers and overseas investors.
Douglas Mathison, owner and managing director of Agriforest, says: “We pride ourselves in providing clients with the highest quality work, and by investing in mainstream machinery to do smaller scale work, we can work more efficiently and provide the best value as we continue to grow the business.
“We specialise in timber harvesting and forest management in tricky terrain so new bigger and better harvesters are tremendous assets, and the truck will handle up to 30 per cent of our haulage needs.
“We owe it to our clients to offer high quality, modern equipment and having our own kit, while continuing to work alongside reputable retained contractors, allows us to be flexible and have quality control.”
The top-spec Volvo FH500 lorry has been specifically modified for timber haulage, with a low ground pressure system designed to better protect sensitive roads.
Meanwhile Komatsu 931 harvesters offer strong maneuverability built for demanding situations.
The last quarter of 2023 has been a busy period for Agriforest following a number of storms causing problems for many landowners with woodland estates.
Douglas said: “Many older, mature shelter belts have become damaged as they have been neglected for so long with many owners considering them to being an unprofitable venture to be exploring, which in most cases is a thing of the past. One issue the storms brought to the fore was the importance of having a proactive land management approach.
“We are able to provide companies a service on every aspect of harvesting, from felling licenses and all the necessary paperwork to management plans and replanting – and thanks to our latest investment we are better equipped than ever to support landowners who need our expert guidance and services.”
