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[16 January 2009] We are very concerned to see that Egger appear (see photographs) to be constructing a log handling unit in spite of the fact that the previous planning application was withdrawn because it failed to meet the noise reduction standards set by TDC and as far as we are aware no further application for this development has been made. No doubt the Council will take immediate action to remind Egger that they do not have permission to undertake this work.
We are continuing to gather information about Egger which might have some impact on the application for the shed. Most of it is by observation and reportage and of course, if anyone has better or more accurate information we'll be pleased to make corrections or add it. For example:
1. They appear to be currently running down their stockpiles of roundwood logs [Source: observation]
2. They appear to be increasing their storage of finished products (ie flat boards) [Source: Hubbucks are believed to have recently made a successful planning application to enlarge their warehouse at Bridge End (opposite Mill Garage) and it seems that the warehouse in question is the one that they rent to Egger for flat board storage]
3. They are said to have recently laid off 30 or so sub-contracted employees [Source: local employee who works as a sub-contractor to Egger]
4. An EU workgang that was scheduled to do some construction work in the new year has apparently been cancelled [Source: A B&B owner who regularly provides accomodation for migrant Egger workers!]
5. They are allegedly closing down entirely for some days over Christmas [Source: Hexham Courant].
6. Egger claim that they have discontinued night-time log handling in order to reduce disruption to residents. However, the cessation of night-time activities co-incided almost exactly with the downturn in the economy (first week in September). It's interesting that Egger refused to acknowledge the disruption to resident's lives for almost eighteen months whilst their order books were healthier - in spite of the fact that they were consistently in breach of their permit to operate.
All this leads one to ponder on their position. Their market is clearly in decline; Kronospan, a direct competitor in North Wales, has laid off nearly 10 percent of their workforce in the last two and a half months - co-incidentally during early September. MFI who manufacture furniture from MDF board are believed to be a major Egger customer have gone into liquidation.
Egger now say (Source: Egger liaison group meeting) that the position with their proposed new shed has changed because of the current trading downturn. If the application is approved they say they may not build their new shed for some years. This is exactly what many people were predicting - that Egger's intention, in making this planning application, was to ensure that this land was always available to them for future expansion. This, of course, denies Hexham any further development of new and possibly innovative timber-related businesses by entrepreneurs. Shame!
