our commitment
York Timbers is driven by the need to ensure that the demographics of its workforce reflect those of the country and, accordingly, is a socially conscious and equal opportunity employer. Individual development is an integral part of York Timbers greater philosophy as York Timbers believe a company is only as good as its people. Ongoing "on the job" training coupled with structured technical programs provide the necessary blend of practice and theory that ensures each individual continually grows and develops. In addition, staff have access to a number of life skill programs such as literacy classes and money management which are aimed at developing our people.
Recognizing the value of people, a holistic approach to employees is followed. York Timbers sponsors medical clinics to serve its employees as well as the local communities within which it operates. York Timbers has a dedicated team of nurses who reach out to and educate local communities about current health issues and combat the spread of AIDS.
York Timbers is a significant employer in Mpumalanga Province and as such contributes heavily to the economies of the towns in which it operates. In addition to the sponsorship of medical clinics, York Timbers strives to create additional employment opportunities and improve the living standards for local communities. York Timbers allows local communities to harvest thatching grass, mushrooms and firewood and provides grazing for the cattle of local farmers. The Company also sponsors the development of outdoor recreation activities, environmental education initiatives, and makes donations to primary schools.
York Timbers is located in the heart of Mpumalanga, "Place of the Rising Sun," a place rich with forest plantations, clear running streams and national parks where animals such as lions, elephants, zebras and giraffes roam free. At York Timbers, environmental conservation and the sustainable management of its forestry operations are critical to its corporate responsibility. York Timbers promotes its commitment to the environment through its sustainable forestry practices, protection of biodiversity, preservation of natural heritage sites and sponsorship of several environmental education initiatives. York Timbers takes pride in its membership in the Forest Stewardship Council and wholly supports the Forest Stewardship Council's principles of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forestry management.
York Timbers has certification from SGS Qualifor for all of its plantations and chain-of-custody certification for all of its processing operations. York Timbers ensures that all of its products are produced in a manner that is economically, environmentally and sociologically sustainable and strives to service today's needs, while protecting resources for future generations.
York Timbers actively promotes biodiversity by setting aside and managing areas suitable for rare animals and plant species to live and grow. Over 60 Red Data Species (species that are classified as Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare) have been identified and are closely monitored on the 24,000 hectares of land that York Timbers has set-aside specifically for this purpose. In addition, at least 25% of the total land holdings will never be planted to trees, so there is plenty of room for the other not-so-rare species and for sharing the renewable resources with our employees and rural neighbours.
York Timbers Products protects and manages seven natural heritage sites, areas designated by the South African government as having environmental or national significance. The sites located on York Timbers property include a tree fern reserve, caves as well as rock art paintings. The natural heritage sites provide environmental educational opportunities for organizations such as schools, bird watching clubs and lepidopterist societies. York Timbers is ensuring that these national treasures will be around for the enjoyment of future generations.
