A BORDERS timber harvesting contractor has secured funding to buy machinery that is the fastest of its kind in the world.

Dick Brothers Forestry, based in Selkirk, will purchase Britain’s first Ponsse Bison timber forwarder after receiving £300,000 of asset funding from HSBC UK.

The Bison has the capacity to carry up to 16 tonnes of materials, with an engine power of 210 kilowatts, equivalent to around 282 horsepower.

Bruce Dick, commercial manager of Dick Brothers Forestry, described the investment as “significant”, adding that it “is indicative of our commitment to Scotland’s timber industry”.

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“The forestry sector plays an important role in getting essential goods to where they need to go, and our new machine will help us contribute to that process more efficiently,” he said.

“HSBC UK has been our primary funder for our growth, and we’re delighted they’ve supported us in this crucial next step for the business’s development.”

Forestry workers are considered as key workers under coronavirus restrictions, with Dick Brothers Forestry specialising in the harvesting of short wood for sawmills and the small round wood trade.

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Relationship director at HSBC UK, Marcus Sangster said: “As a long-term client of HSBC Equipment Finance, we were delighted to support Dick Brothers in what is a major investment and important addition to its fleet of machinery.”