The full circle of forestry excellence.
We are the largest solid wood processor in South Africa.
We produce high-quality lumber and plywood with a wholesale distribution network designed to increase our service offerings to the market.
We own healthy, sustainable plantations and efficient processing plants. Our 88 500 hectares of land are certified under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), FSC® C002336, of which 58 700 hectares are planted as commercial plantations. Approximately 22 800 hectares of unplanted land are reserved for conservation areas, streams and representative samples of natural biodiversity, while the remainder of the area includes roads, firebreaks, and other essential infrastructure.
We own and operate mechanised harvesting machines to fell our timber and transport logs with our fleet of log transport vehicles. We supplement our own capacity with contractors as needed.
Incorporated in 1916, York Timber Holdings Limited has been listed on the JSE since 1946 in the Forestry and Paper sector under the share code YRK.
Our products are all over the place…
but in a good way
- Canada
- USA
- Belgium
- Netherlands
- UK
- Italy
- Germany
- Namibia
- Zimbabwe
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Mozambique
- South Africa
- Lesotho
- Eswatini
- Benin
- Australia
- New Zealand
Sawmills
Plywood
Plant
Warehouse
Network
Polokwane
Roodekop
Durban
Port Elizabeth / Gqberha
Cape Town
Using all our
valuable capitals
Our tree breeding focuses on using the best genetics and hybrid crosses for the wood properties our customers demand through optimised growth yields. Our nursery develops high-yielding tree species to allow optimal site and species matching. The trees harvested from our plantations, together with logs purchased from third-party growers, are processed at our sawmills and plywood plant. Our processing facilities are operated at efficiencies to compete against global competitors.
We continuously seek improvements and opportunities in the integrated operations of primary and value-added processes.
Our finished products, both lumber and plywood, are distributed to our customers either directly from our mills or via our warehouses. Our customers include truss plants, corporate and independent retailers, remanufacturers, furniture manufacturers and construction contractors.
Our nursery develops high-yielding tree species to allow optimal site and species matching.
Natural Capital
We are committed to sustainable practices, with our nursery and FSC certified plantations forming the foundation of the value chain.
Manufactured Capital
Our two sawmills and plywood plant ensure optimum usage of raw material.
Intellectual Capital
Value creation is achieved through optimisation, research and development and genetic improvement.
Human Capital
We attract and develop a wide variety of skills. Our recruitment focuses on dynamic and energetic individuals that include but are not limited to passionate foresters, artisans, engineers and production specialists.
Social Capital
We are committed to foster vibrant community relations, ensuring long-term benefits for the society.
Financial Capital
We ensure effective utilisation of capital and sustainable returns on shareholder funds.
Natural Capital
We are committed to sustainable practices, with our nursery and FSC certified plantations forming the foundation of the value chain.
Manufactured Capital
Our two sawmills and plywood plant ensure optimum usage of raw material.
Intellectual Capital
Value creation is achieved through optimisation, research and development and genetic improvement.
Human Capital
We attract and develop a wide variety of skills. Our recruitment focuses on dynamic and energetic individuals that include but are not limited to passionate foresters, artisans, engineers and production specialists.
Social Capital
We are committed to foster vibrant community relations, ensuring long-term benefits for the society.
Financial Capital
We ensure effective utilisation of capital and sustainable returns on shareholder funds.
Create Value for All Stakeholders
We are dedicated to creating sustainable value for all our stakeholders. Through strategic innovation, ethical practices, and a commitment to environmental stewardship, we aim to build strong relationships and deliver long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits. Our approach ensures that as we grow and succeed, so do our shareholders, employees, and the communities in which we operate.
100 years... and more
1916
Company Founded
Herman Katzenellenbogen was the founder of the Company, Katzenellenbogen Limited, when he registered his general dealership business, which later manufactured its own range of products.
1946
JSE Listed
The Company was listed on the JSE under the chairmanship of the founder’s son-in-law, Maurice Balzam.
1960
Company Merge
Max Tucker acquired a substantial interest in Katzenellenbogen Limited and merged it with his property and extensive stone quarrying interests.
1970
Company Expanded its Timber Interests
The Company actively expanded its timber interests to secure its raw material supply lines for its emergent lumber business. It systematically moved from trading to production
and to marketing, which set it apart from
its competitors for many years.
1980
Company Name Change
The Company name was changed to The York Timber Organization Limited (Yorkcor).
2000's
Establish a Vertically Integrated Solid Wood Processor
Furthering the Company’s strategy to establish a vertically integrated solid wood processor and securing raw material supply, the Company purchased Global Forest Products (GFP) in 2007.
2007
Acquisition of Global Forest Products (GFP)
The Company acquired GFP, significantly increasing its turnover and market share. This strategic move established the Company as a vertically integrated solid wood processor and secured its raw material supply.
2007
Industry’s Largest Fire
A catastrophic fire destroyed approximately 11,000 hectares of the Company’s plantations, severely impacting the age profile of the Company’s trees.
2009
Rights Offer
The Company raised R500 million through a rights offer to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, address its high debt levels, and position the Company for long-term growth following the devastating 2007 fire. This capital
injection provided the financial stability needed to
support ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.
2013
Acquisition of Iliad Africa Limited’s Wholesale Division
The Company acquired a wholesale division from Iliad Africa Limited, enhancing its product and service offerings and strengthening its market presence.
2016
Introduction of Ponsse Mechanised Harvesting Equipment
The Company launched Ponsse mechanised harvesting equipment in its Highveld operations, improving operational efficiency.
2017
Plywood Plant Expansion
The Company expanded its plywood plant to increase production capacity, introducing advanced technologies including a new Raute dryer, automatic stacking line, visual grading
system, automatic lay-up line with glue spraying
technology, and a Raute 24 daylight press.
2019
Acquisition of Inbound Logistics Fleet
The Company acquired an inbound logistics fleet to reduce delivered log costs at its processing plants.
2021
Acquisition of Twycross and Skillfull
The Company invested in high-value agricultural crops and a packhouse to diversify its income streams by acquiring Twycross and Skillfull.
2022
Rights Offer
The Company raised R250 million through a partially underwritten renounceable rights offer. The capital was utilised to preserve timber volumes, enhance liquidity, and fund strategic initiatives, including increasing
the clearfell harvesting age from 20 to 23
years to improve long-term sustainability and
shareholder value.
2024
Introduction of John Deere Mechanised Harvesting Equipment
The Company launched John Deere mechanised harvesting equipment in its Escarpment operations, further enhancing operational efficiency.
2024
Acquisition of Pine Valley Farm and Schultz Standing Timber Plantations
The Company acquired Pine Valley Farm from Sappi Ltd and specific standing timber plantations from Stevens Lumber Mills, strengthening fiber security and reducing reliance on third-party log suppliers. The 300 hectares of arable
land from Pine Valley support agricultural
diversification into avocado and citrus
farming, aligning with Company’s sustainable
growth strategy.