RWE npower renewables (NRL) has placed a multi-million pound contract with leading UK logistics specialists Malcolm Logistics to service the transportation of recovered and virgin wood for use at its state-of-the-art Markinch Biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant in Fife.

The contract represents another key milestone as RWE NRL prepares for commissioning of the plant in 2013. The Markinch Biomass CHP Plant will be fuelled predominantly by recovered wood a significant proportion of which has reached the end of its useful life and some virgin wood sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Malcolm Logistics will be responsible for the movement of wood from both local ports and from our recently opened off-site fuel processing facility in Cardenden to the biomass plant.

Steve Martin, RWE NRL’s Biomass Procurement Manager for the Markinch plant said: “We are delighted to award such an important contract to Malcolm Logistics.

“Not only will the new Markinch Biomass CHP Plant help to safeguard over 500 jobs at papermaker Tullis Russell but the plant will create an additional 30 jobs when the plant becomes operational. RWE is keen to contract with regional service providers such as Malcolm Logistics which will continue to create new opportunities for businesses that will in turn generate investment in the local economy.”

Jim Clark, Managing Director of Malcolm Logistics said: “This prestigious contract will make a very positive impact on our own business and, in turn, on the local economy.

“In order to service the contract we are expanding our fleet initially by 5 vehicles but see this growing steadily and opening a satellite depot close to the Cardenden site; thus generating economic benefits and employment opportunities within the region.

“It is hoped that fulfilling this service for RWE npower renewables will help further our growth in the Biomass Recycling Industry.”
The first lorry movements will start in March when plant commissioning commences.