Cogent Adds to Proven Track Record of Successful OSB Projects

With rising demand for OSB in the UK and European markets, it was necessary for the capacity of Norbord’s Inverness facility to keep up with demand. The mill had been operating for approximately 30 years and required modernization to replace the aging infrastructure. The project required a solution that increased capacity, minimize disruption to existing operation and to achieve a fast ramp up to full production.

Cogent was selected to manage the expansion and modernization of the Inverness mill. This required management of all stake holders including multidisciplinary engineering and consulting companies, procurement, and management of construction for the project. Cogent also provided Electrical Engineering and System Integration services to design and integrate the plant’s Electrical, Fire Safety, Controls & Automation and IT Systems. From engineering, construction, to start-up, Cogent worked closely with stakeholders to coordinate and manage all project activities.

The project was realized with no disruption to existing OSB production six weeks ahead of schedule and on budget. The expansion doubled the plant’s annual production capacity from 350,000 to 640,000 cubic metres of oriented strand board. The mill expansion and modernization is expected to bring 50 million dollars of value added economic activity to the Scottish economy each year.

About Norbord

Norbord Inc. is the largest producer of Oriented Strand Board. In addition to OSB, Norbord manufactures particleboard, Medium-Density Fibreboard and related value-added products. Norbord employs approximately 2,600 people at 17 plant locations in the United States, Canada and Europe.