SSA NEWSLETTER - October 2026
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SAWMILLING SOUTH AFRICA NEWS |
A challenging climate, but positive signs for sawmilling
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| Image courtesy of Merensky. |
We are now well and truly in the final quarter of the 2026 year and we keep asking ourselves where has the time gone? Well there is no time to ask that we had better just get on with it.
The situation in the Middle East shows little sign of improving, and we are all feeling the effects of spiralling fuel costs. As a result, we are doing our best to eliminate unnecessary trips and avoid half-load deliveries wherever possible. As you know, these challenges are felt across the economy, and our customers appear to be showing some understanding and flexibility.
While production costs remain under pressure, sawmills are reporting better-than-expected sales volumes. The usual year-end uptick in demand is undoubtedly contributing to this trend.
Additionally, recent mill closures may have resulted in a reduction of available timber volume in the market.
Minister Maynier’s visit to Zululand forestry and mill operations
Just recently the forestry sector enjoyed a rather constructive session and visit with the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Mr David Maynier over the weekend of 23-24. October in Zululand. Hosted by Mondi and Forestry South Africa, along with senior representatives from Sappi and NCT, the Minister was made privy to the achievements made by the forestry and forest products sector as well as various hurdles and barriers.
Among the challenges highlighted were delays in new afforestation and the rehabilitation of Category B and C state plantations, as well as threats to existing timber resources from pests, diseases, fire, theft and crop conversion. The sector also raised concerns about low-cost imports from unsustainable sources and the need for greater support for land reform beneficiaries and community forestry projects.
Despite these matters predating his tenure, the Minister responded extremely constructively to the sector’s call for collaborative action.
The visit included a visit to one of Mondi nurseries, the Richard Bay pulp and paper mills and a forestry compartment. The Minister marvelled at what it takes to turn trees into products.
The call for current and correct statistics
All sawmills would have received a communication from Tracey Beek at our office with reference to the National Resource Report. The request for statistics was sent in two separate emails, which may have caused some confusion. At first glance, the information requested may also seem rather detailed, particularly for smaller sawmills. However, the importance of accurate and reliable industry statistics cannot be overstated.
In a changing world, where investment decisions need to be carefully considered, it is vital that we have a clear and accurate picture of our sector. Imagine if government were to develop regulations affecting our industry based on inaccurate or unreliable statistics. The consequences could be far-reaching, as we have seen in other sectors of the economy.
My appeal to all sawmillers is therefore to treat this request with the seriousness it deserves. By providing accurate information, we can establish a sound foundation for informed decision-making, future investment and the long-term sustainability of our sector.
Australian architect to present at our next Talking Timber webinar
Simon Topliss, Principal at Warren and Mahoney in Melbourne, Australia, will share the tools his team uses to get timber buildings from design to reality. Simon often spends more time defending timber than designing it. This is largely due to cost assumptions and perceived risk. Simon will provide advise on making the case for timber and increasing the chances of a client saying "yes". |
As always, don’t forget it’s still just as important to cut straight and dry flat.
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Until next month,
Regards |
| Executive Director: Sawmilling South Africa |
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Mijengo Investments Transforms Operations with Wood-Mizer and Husky Outdoor Equipment |
Founded by Pancras Kuria Nyoike in 2006, Mijengo Investments has evolved from a small, family-run business to a significant player in the timber and pallet manufacturing industries. Initially starting with PK Timber Yard, a small sawmill in Kiserian, Kajiado County, Pancras quickly realized that to grow his operations, he needed to source and process logs from commercial forests. This insight led to the opening of a larger sawmill in Nakuru's Industrial Area, where the company saw significant expansion.
By 2012, Mijengo Investments was running six horizontal wide bandsaw machines, which increased production to 23 cubic meters per day. However, a 2018 log ban in Kenya forced the company to shift from timber production to pallet manufacturing. This change required more efficient machinery, leading to the acquisition of two Wood-Mizer HR115 resaws. These machines introduced thin-kerf technology, providing Mijengo with higher recovery rates, reduced power consumption, and a better-quality finish. Despite these improvements, maintaining older machines caused frequent downtime, hindering production.
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| The team fine-tuning Wood-Mizer equipment to ensure optimal performance for every cut. |
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The EG800 in action, turning timber into valuable
products. |
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The Challenge: Downtime, Efficiency, and Growth
Before fully investing in Wood-Mizer equipment, Mijengo Investments faced several operational challenges:
- Frequent production downtimes due to aging bandsaw machinery.
- A need for more efficiency in the new pallet manufacturing process, especially as the company was now sourcing logs from local farmers.
- Reducing power consumption and improving recovery rates to cut costs and increase output.
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Josephat Nyoike, son of Pancras Kuria Nyoike, stands alongside a Wood-Mizer EG800.
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Choosing Wood-Mizer A Decision for Efficiency
Pancras' sons, Josephat Nyoike and Joseph Kuria, led the search for advanced machinery to sustain the business.
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After visiting various sawmills and consulting with industry experts, they were convinced of Wood-Mizer's superior performance . Their positive experience with the HR115 model reinforced their decision to expand with additional Wood-Mizer machines. They ultimately invested in a Wood-Mizer Twin Vertical Saw Start model, an EG100 dual-blade board edger, and an EG800 industrial multi-blade board edger, with support from Wood-Mizer representative Alister from Husky Outdoor Equipment. The purchasing process was smooth, and the machines were delivered within three months.
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Careful operation in every step – ensuring consistent and precise cuts with the EG800.
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Installation and Training: A Seamless Transition
The installation of the new machines went as planned, with everything arriving in perfect condition. Mijengo Investments appreciated the support they received from Wood-Mizer representatives, Husky Outdoor Equipment, during the transition. Alister provided thorough training for the production team, enabling them to start production immediately. Any subsequent questions were promptly addressed through calls and messages, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
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Transforming logs into valuable timber.
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Working together to ensure each log is processed with precision and efficiency.
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Performance Impact: Revolutionizing Production
Since installing Wood-Mizer machinery and with the continued support and back up service from Husky, Mijengo Investments has experienced transformative improvements in its operations. The TVS Start model allows them to cut two sides of a log with twin blades, offering greater accuracy and efficiency than their previous manual methods.
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Keeping the mill running smoothly, with a steady supply
of quality timber for the community.
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| The EG800's six-blade capacity enables them to cut multiple boards simultaneously, while the EG100 enhances recovery by processing offcuts.
With the new Wood-Mizer machines, Mijengo has reduced operational costs — such as labour and power consumption — and increased its production capacity from 28 to 38 cubic meters per day. This output increase has allowed the company to meet growing customer demand, fulfil orders more quickly, and enhance turnover and profitability. |
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The Results: Achieving Business Goals and Unexpected Benefits
The adoption of Wood-Mizer technology has led to significant improvements in Mijengo's operations. In addition to reduced costs and increased production capacity, the company has served more customers efficiently. An unexpected benefit has been the smooth finish of the wood produced by the EG800, which has garnered positive feedback from their clients.
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| A thriving production line – where teamwork and technology come together to meet demand. |
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Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Plans
With plans to open a new sawmill in Chebole, Bomet County, Mijengo Investments is looking to expand its operations further with Wood-Mizer and Husky Outdoor Equipment. . They intend to install a new machine at this facility to process logs into boards for the main mill.
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| The powerhouse of precision and efficiency – Wood-Mizer’s TVS (Twin Vertical Saw) |
| A Testimonial to Quality and Reliability
Mijengo Investments is a testament to the quality and reliability of Wood-Mizer machinery. "We would definitely recommend Wood-Mizer to others," Pancras shared. "The machines are easy to operate, deliver great value for money, and have significantly improved our production process."
As Mijengo Investments grows, Wood-Mizer along with Husky Outdoor Equipment will remain a critical partner in their journey toward greater efficiency, reliability, and success.
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A broader view of productivity – the Wood-Mizer Twin Vertical Saw (TVS) at the heart of the operation.
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| Timber Takes Centre Stage |
| Roy Southey's September recap highlights the Timber Construction Colloquium and Conference, hosted by the University of Pretoria under the York Timbers Chair. Two days of timber thinking featured 25 speakers, with Deputy Minister John Steenhuisen addressing decarbonisation and diversification. York renewed... read more |
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| 4th Timber in Construction Conference Highlights Progress and Growth |
| The 4th Timber in Construction Conference, held under the theme Connected by Timber: From Forests to Future Cities, highlighted significant sector progress. Deputy Minister John Steenhuisen praised timber's role in decarbonisation and diversification, urging stronger research capacity in wood building materials... read more |
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| CPD-Accredited Workshop - The Phases of Timber Construction Using a Full-Scale Model |
| Join this practical, interactive course on 5 November 2026 in Stellenbosch and learn what it takes to design and construct a timber building correctly. Participants gain hands on experience in assembly, waterproofing, airtightness, acoustics and window installation, with expert guidance... read more |
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| Success Story: Greater Transparency in Manufacturing at Sicame UK Thanks to WeASSIST From WERMA |
| Join this practical, interactive course on 5 November 2026 in Stellenbosch and learn what it takes to design and construct a timber building correctly. Participants gain hands on experience in assembly, waterproofing, airtightness, acoustics and... read more |
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| ENTRY LEVEL to EXECUTIVE... |
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