SELKIRK is in the frame for almost 60 new jobs if a booming building firm’s £20m expansion plans get the green light, it has emerged.

Oregon Timber Frame Engineering, located in Dunsdale Road, facilitates the supply of timber kits for the housing industry.

Due to increased demand extensions to both its north and south factories are required, as well as conversion of the former Carrs Billington retail unit into storage and a formal planning application has now been submitted to Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

The expansion bid comes as the company enters “another key phase of growth” following its acquisition by Barratt Developments PLC in 2019, one of the major house-builders in the UK.

In February 2022, Oregon received planning permission from SBC for the change of use of the former ‘Leading Labels’ retail unit in Selkirk to office use.

The company has its headquarters in Selkirk but also recently completed the build of a new £40m, 186,000 sq. ft factory to significantly upgrade its original Burton-Upon-Trent depot.

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Oregon moved to Selkirk in 2005 and is now one of the Borders' leading employers.

And if the new expansion plans are rubber-stamped the workforce will rise from the current 203 to 260.

A spokesperson for Galashiels-based Ferguson Planning said: “Oregon is now seeking to obtain planning permission, for two extensions to the existing north and south factory buildings, new yard space and storage areas which will be the subject of two separate applications.

“This will enable Oregon to increase the size of their existing factory units and provide additional hard-standing to ensure suitable space for articulated vehicles and fork-lift trucks as well as storage due to increased operations.

“This development will enable Oregon to meet Barratt Development’s growing timber frame requirements and with that significant investment to the manufacturing facility, which will ultimately secure its long-term future as a significant employer within Selkirk.

“Oregon’s facility in Selkirk (both factory and office) currently has 203 local employees and it is proposed this will increase to 260 with the new developments. The development of the new office block and factory extensions will represent a significant commitment to and investment in Selkirk and the wider Scottish Borders, with total investment amounting to circa. £20M, plus the provision of new equipment.”