Timber processor to boost exports

LOCAL timber processor Tok Timbers intends to boost exports into regional markets after being accredited by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), an official has said.

Head of commercial services, Mr Christian Saunyama, told The Sunday Mail Business that the company applied for SABS accreditation following growing enquiries from the region for its products.

“The accreditation will give us access to more export markets,” said Mr Saunyama.

“Apart from Zambia, where we are exporting, we are now targeting South Africa and Botswana.”

South Africa and Botswana, he said, presented huge market opportunities.

“It is an achievement that we think will transform the company into a regional timber giant,” he added.

With Zambia currently embarking on a rural electrification drive, demand for transmission poles is increasing. As a result, some local companies were recently engaged to supply the poles.

Tok Timber has lease agreements with Allied Timbers and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, under which it harvests mature trees for processing. It also plants new trees in the harvested areas.

However, the company plans to establish its own plantations, and negotiations with rural district councils for land are underway.

Tok Timber — which specialises in kiln dried, treated and untreated timber, lumber, veneer and other timber-related products - was established in 2012.

It initially had operations in Vumba in the Eastern Highlands and later expanded to Nyanga.

The local commercial timber industry is concentrated in the Eastern Highlands, which has favourable climatic and environmental conditions for the fast-growing exotic species.

The area has several types of wood that can be used for construction; treated and untreated poles for transmission lines; hardwood for furniture manufacturing; and industrial wood for packaging, pallets and cable drums.

ZimTrade says the country can supply competitively priced timber in Southern Africa, riding on the proximity to lucrative markets in the region and trade agreements in the Southern African Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

More benefits are expected to accrue from the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.