Norbord, Inverness

BT Bell provided civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering services for Norbord’s mill expansion, a major investment to modernise the facility and meet growing demand for Oriented Strand Board (OSB). The project enabled the mill to implement continuous press technology, effectively doubling production capacity while supporting environmentally sustainable operation by using wood residue as biomass for heating.

Our Role

BT Bell led the design of key structures, including:

• The 250m-long, 40m-wide, 31m-high steel framed press building.
• Substation and electrical buildings supporting the facility’s power needs.
• Full integration of civil, structural, and geotechnical designs using BIM-compliant software (Revit and Navisworks), enabling clash detection and seamless collaboration with other disciplines.

Project Impact

The expansion created significant economic benefits for the region, generating new jobs while showcasing sustainable industrial design. BT Bell’s detailed 3D modelling allowed the client to visualise plant access and maintenance, ensuring efficient and practical operation of the upgraded facility.