A successful Angus firm has announced plans to make its premises more energy efficient.
Malt producing giant Bairds Malt, based in Arbroath, has revealed plans to build a wind turbine at the factory. The company was formed in 1999 through an amalgamation of two existing malting businesses and has five sites across the UK.
Production and technical director Dr Richard Broadbent hopes the turbine will help secure the facility’s position within the community.
He said: “Angus is a great area for growing malt and barley and we have 230 farm accounts in the area so we are a local employer.
“The turbine is about securing the future of the business.
“It will reduce the costs of energy, but it will also free up energy for around 500 homes in the area, and that’s power that the council can then use for their own requirements.”
The proposed plans would involve the installation of a 77 metre turbine at the South-West area of the plant.
Derek Ross, joint director with Kilmac construction the company that will build the project said the £1.6 million turbine could produce up to 900 kilowatts of energy.
Mr Ross continued: “We have spent the last year to 18 months going through that and we are hoping that an application will be submitted in the summer.
“We are going to consult with the local residents and the wider Angus community and will be holding a drop-in day in the car park on July 4 for people to come along and ask any questions they may have.”
He added: “We want to hear from local residents before we submit a planning application and would welcome residents to visit Bairds Malt to learn more about our proposals.”