Staff from TG Builders Merchants were taken on a Scandinavian journey of discovery at the Holmen Sawmill in Braviken, Sweden, as part of Arbor Forest Products’ ‘Trading Closer’ initiative.
Nine members of the TG Builders Merchants team were given a rare opportunity to observe the supply chain in action, from the forests where Holmen plants, grows and harvests its Whitewood and Redwood, to the sawmill that processes the wood for the European, Middle Eastern and North African markets.
The initiative aims to give timber traders insight and knowledge that is often difficult to access, but can be transformative for their ability to effectively sell timber products.
In Braviken, they learned about the regulations that govern the management of forests producing wood to FSC and PEFC standards, and saw the grading, kilning and machining processes that take place before the products are shipped to AFP’s timber terminal at New Holland.
A tour of the Holmen paper mill also provided a detailed look at how the company creates products for the book, newsprint, and high-end magazine markets, and brought to light the synergies between the sawmill and paper mill, which ensure that every part of every tree is utilised productively – including waste material from the sawmill.
Patrick Dixon from TG Builders Merchants said: “The trip has given all of us a fascinating insight into the timber supply chain and what it entails. What struck us most was the commitment to both quality and sustainability, with a clear focus on environmental issues and preserving forests for future generations.”
For more information on Arbor Forest Products, please visit www.arborforestproducts.co.uk.
