Growing today, sustaining tomorrow.
Our integrated supply chain encompasses various specialist functions.
Forestry Excellence
We harvest approximately 350 000 Pinus patula cones every year to produce seed for internal use and external sales.
Tree Breeding
York Timbers’ Tree Improvement team is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable and continuously improving supply of tested, genetically identified and superior material to enhance the profitability of our forests and processing plants.
Backed by over 30 years of experience in all areas of tree improvement, our team is committed to excellence. We actively train the next generation of technicians and tree breeders, ensuring the sustainability of our expertise.
Membership in organisations such as Camcore, the Forest Molecular Genetics Programme, and the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme/Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute provides access to cutting-edge resources that strengthen our programme. Our primary focus is on several pine species, including Pinus patula, P. tecunumanii (both high and low elevation), P. elliottii, and P. caribaea, including their hybrids. Each year, we produce approximately 100,000 P. patula x P. tecunumanii (H&L) hybrid seeds for our forestry nursery. Through close collaboration with the Nursery, we ensure that only the best genetic material is planted in our plantations.
Tree Breeding
York Timbers’ Tree Improvement team is dedicated to ensuring a sustainable and continuously improving supply of tested, genetically identified and superior material to enhance the profitability of our forests and processing plants.
Backed by over 30 years of experience in all areas of tree improvement, our team is committed to excellence. We actively train the next generation of technicians and tree breeders, ensuring the sustainability of our expertise.
Membership in organisations such as Camcore, the Forest Molecular Genetics Programme, and the Tree Protection Co-operative Programme/Forestry & Agricultural Biotechnology Institute provides access to cutting-edge resources that strengthen our programme. Our primary focus is on several pine species, including Pinus patula, P. tecunumanii (both high and low elevation), P. elliottii, and P. caribaea, including their hybrids. Each year, we produce approximately 100,000 P. patula x P. tecunumanii (H&L) hybrid seeds for our forestry nursery. Through close collaboration with the Nursery, we ensure that only the best genetic material is planted in our plantations.
We harvest approximately 350 000 Pinus patula cones every year to produce seed for internal use and external sales.
The York Forestry Nursery
Klipkraal Nursery is dedicated to producing high-quality pine hybrid cuttings, achieving an impressive annual production of 3 to 5 million cuttings.
Our skilled team and nursery equipped with advanced technologies to support optimal growing conditions and exceptional water quality, ensures that each plant is nurtured with precision and care.
Our mission is to deliver trees with robust survival rates to thrive in diverse field conditions, promotes vigorous growth that contributes to flourishing forests and sustainable ecosystems.
By working closely with the tree breeding team, we ensure our products exhibit optimal growth properties tailored to specific plantation needs and enhanced disease tolerance promoting resilience and long-term health.
The York Forestry Nursery
Klipkraal Nursery is dedicated to producing high-quality pine hybrid cuttings, achieving an impressive annual production of 3 to 5 million cuttings.
Our skilled team and nursery equipped with advanced technologies to support optimal growing conditions and exceptional water quality, ensures that each plant is nurtured with precision and care.
Our mission is to deliver trees with robust survival rates to thrive in diverse field conditions, promotes vigorous growth that contributes to flourishing forests and sustainable ecosystems.
By working closely with the tree breeding team, we ensure our products exhibit optimal growth properties tailored to specific plantation needs and enhanced disease tolerance promoting resilience and long-term health.
Forestry Operations
York manages approximately 89 700 hectares of land (including Stadsrivier Vallei, a subsidiary of the York Group), in the scenic Mpumalanga region of South Africa. Of this, 59 600 hectares are dedicated to pine and eucalyptus plantations, reflecting our commitment to reliable timber production.
Our plantations are strategically located across Mpumalanga, with four in the Escarpment region and four in the Highveld region. This geographic distribution ensures optimal growing conditions for our trees, which are carefully nurtured to maturity over 14 years for eucalyptus and 20 to 23 years for pine.
Sustainability is at the heart of our forestry operations. Through responsible and well-planned forestry management, we achieve yield targets while avoiding overharvesting, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of timber products for our customers in the short, medium and long term. To support this commitment, we leverage advanced technologies such as Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and conventional inventory methods. These tools provide precise data about our growing stock, enabling us to accurately value our biological assets and make informed decisions that contribute to a greener future.
A tree takes 23 years to grow, but with mechanised harvesting, it takes a single minute to cut and process it into a product.
The power of advanced wood processing.
Plywood Plant
Located in Sabie, our Plywood Plant produces exceptional plywood primarily from Pinus patula and Pinus elliottii grown on our plantations. With an annual production capacity of 130,000 m³, the plant utilises the latest technology to ensure production efficiency and superior product standards.
The manufacturing process features advanced veneer peeling technology enhanced by artificial intelligence. Veneer is dried using six-deck Raute dryers equipped with visual defect analysers to optimise sorting, grading, and stacking. The pressing line, consisting of Raute 24 and 48 multi-daylight presses, boasts an installed capacity of 350–400 m³ per day. Semi-automatic lay-up lines from USNR, incorporating spray technology, further add to production precision. Significant investments in 2014/2015 facilitated upgrades to dryers, lay-up lines, and daylight presses, while a peeler and clipper upgrade in 2024 improved wet recovery and moisture sorting before drying.
Our product range supports both internal and external applications, meeting SANS 929, CE 2, CE 4, and AS/NZ certification standards to ensure compliance with global benchmarks. Operating 24/7, the plant serves both local and international markets, with 70% of its products sold domestically and 30% exported. Tongue-and-groove products are specifically available for export markets. Our Plywood Plant exemplifies our commitment to continuous technological innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and market-leading Plywood solutions. Our product also complies with European Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
Sabie Sawmill
Located in Sabie, Mpumalanga, the high-capacity Sabie Sawmill processes up to 266,200 m³ of timber annually. Established in 1959, the mill is equipped with robust technology to produce exceptional wood products tailored for the furniture, pallet, and construction markets.
The mill offers a versatile range of timber products, including structural and industrial lumber, with structural products certified by SATAS. The products meet rigorous standards, complying with SANS 1783 (Parts 1 and 4) for sawn softwood timber, including grading and specifications for brandering and battens, SANS 10096 for finger-jointed structural timber, and SANS 1288 for CCA preservative-treated timber. The structural and industrial timber products also adhere to ISPM15, the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures, ensuring compliance with global phytosanitary regulations for safe international trade while supporting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Sabie Sawmill features sophisticated log processing technology, including a 4-wheeled Sennebogen with a 6-ton grab for efficient log handling, a Valon Kone debarker and Logeye scanner for precision log sorting. Timber is processed with a Hewsaw R200 equipped with a log turner and 3D scanner, operating at speeds of up to 100m per minute.
Eight compartment kilns ensure the timber is dried to the ideal moisture levels.
Structural lumber is enhanced using a Microtec scanner, followed by finger-jointing, planing and branding, while industrial timber is cross-cut and bundled. For exterior timber needs, the mill offers CCA treatment upon customer request. In line with our sustainability commitment, we minimise waste by selling wood chips to external customers and repurposing sawdust and bark as boiler fuel, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and environmental stewardship.
Plywood Plant
Located in Sabie, our Plywood Plant produces exceptional plywood primarily from Pinus patula and Pinus elliottii grown on our plantations. With an annual production capacity of 130,000 m³, the plant utilises the latest technology to ensure production efficiency and superior product standards.
The manufacturing process features advanced veneer peeling technology enhanced by artificial intelligence. Veneer is dried using six-deck Raute dryers equipped with visual defect analysers to optimise sorting, grading, and stacking. The pressing line, consisting of Raute 24 and 48 multi-daylight presses, boasts an installed capacity of 350–400 m³ per day. Semi-automatic lay-up lines from USNR, incorporating spray technology, further add to production precision. Significant investments in 2014/2015 facilitated upgrades to dryers, lay-up lines, and daylight presses, while a peeler and clipper upgrade in 2024 improved wet recovery and moisture sorting before drying.
Our product range supports both internal and external applications, meeting SANS 929, CE 2, CE 4, and AS/NZ certification standards to ensure compliance with global benchmarks. Operating 24/7, the plant serves both local and international markets, with 70% of its products sold domestically and 30% exported. Tongue-and-groove products are specifically available for export markets. Our Plywood Plant exemplifies our commitment to continuous technological innovation, sustainable manufacturing, and market-leading Plywood solutions. Our product also complies with European Deforestation Regulations (EUDR).
Sabie Sawmill
Located in Sabie, Mpumalanga, the high-capacity Sabie Sawmill processes up to 266,200 m³ of timber annually. Established in 1959, the mill is equipped with robust technology to produce exceptional wood products tailored for the furniture, pallet, and construction markets.
The mill offers a versatile range of timber products, including structural and industrial lumber, with structural products certified by SATAS. The products meet rigorous standards, complying with SANS 1783 (Parts 1 and 4) for sawn softwood timber, including grading and specifications for brandering and battens, SANS 10096 for finger-jointed structural timber, and SANS 1288 for CCA preservative-treated timber. The structural and industrial timber products also adhere to ISPM15, the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures, ensuring compliance with global phytosanitary regulations for safe international trade while supporting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Sabie Sawmill features sophisticated log processing technology, including a 4-wheeled Sennebogen with a 6-ton grab for efficient log handling, a Valon Kone debarker and Logeye scanner for precision log sorting. Timber is processed with a Hewsaw R200 equipped with a log turner and 3D scanner, operating at speeds of up to 100m per minute. Eight compartment kilns ensure the timber is dried to the ideal moisture levels.
Structural lumber is enhanced using a Microtec scanner, followed by finger-jointing, planing and branding, while industrial timber is cross-cut and bundled. For exterior timber needs, the mill offers CCA treatment upon customer request. In line with our sustainability commitment, we minimise waste by selling wood chips to external customers and repurposing sawdust and bark as boiler fuel, ensuring efficient resource utilisation and environmental stewardship.
Jessievale Sawmill
Situated in Warburton, Mpumalanga, Jessievale Sawmill has been a cornerstone of York since 1944, processing approximately 225,000 m³ of timber annually.
The facility utilises sustainably sourced logs from nearby plantations to produce a diverse range of high-quality wood products, including structural SATAS-certified timber, furniture-grade boards, and utility products. Products are available in dimensions ranging from 25mm x 76mm to 76mm x 228mm, with CCA treatment available for exterior applications.
The mill features frame saws and a quad-band saw for the efficient conversion of logs into sawn boards. These boards are carefully dried in controlled kilns, powered by our boiler operations, to maintain consistent moisture levels. The dry mill further enhances the value and is supported by a solar power system with an installed capacity of 700 kW, underscoring our commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Jessievale Sawmill
Situated in Warburton, Mpumalanga, Jessievale Sawmill has been a cornerstone of York since 1944, processing approximately 225,000 m³ of timber annually.
The facility utilises sustainably sourced logs from nearby plantations to produce a diverse range of high-quality wood products, including structural SATAS-certified timber, furniture-grade boards, and utility products. Products are available in dimensions ranging from 25mm x 76mm to 76mm x 228mm, with CCA treatment available for exterior applications.
The mill features frame saws and a quad-band saw for the efficient conversion of logs into sawn boards. These boards are carefully dried in controlled kilns, powered by our boiler operations, to maintain consistent moisture levels. The dry mill further enhances the value and is supported by a solar power system with an installed capacity of 700 kW, underscoring our commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Jessievale sawmill has a solar power system with an installed capacity of 700 kW.
Research
At York, our Research team leverages data-driven insights to revolutionise forestry practices, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
With a strategic focus on the entire value chain, we conduct experiments and studies that generate accurate, actionable data to optimise performance across our forests and mills.
Our research encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing forestry operations. These include climate modelling to forecast current and future conditions, as well as growth threshold modelling for commercially significant pine species. We conduct silviculture research to refine growth regimes, while also monitoring the efficiencies of forest and mill equipment to ensure peak performance.
Additionally, we explore innovative methods for log and fiber preservation through targeted management interventions and harness machine vision techniques to evaluate the quality of logs and fiber. Our efforts extend to determining the production values of various pine species and final product validation and characterisation through rigorous testing.
In collaboration with the University of Pretoria, the York Timbers Chair further strengthens our research capabilities, focusing on final product application studies to ensure that our outputs meet the highest standards of quality and usability.
In a constantly evolving industry, our forward-thinking research equips York to face present challenges while proactively preparing for the future.
York Fleet Solutions
In 2018, York established a dedicated internal transport division that was managed by a third party. In 2021, York integrated this division under the provisions of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, leading to the formation of York Fleet Solutions.
York Fleet Solutions provides innovative and cost-effective transport services throughout the York Group. This division focuses on optimising logistics, improving efficiency and reducing costs by leveraging a versatile fleet and advanced technology.
York Fleet Solutions operates loading units, including Bell loggers and excavators, strategically stationed between the Escarpment and the Highveld to align with timber volumes. The primary timber transport fleet consists of timber trucks with mixed configurations tailored to specific operational requirements, short-haul units handle internal logistics, while outbound units equipped with curtain-side and flatbed trailers, transport finished products to various markets.
Equipped with advanced onboard fleet management systems, the division monitors critical metrics such as fuel consumption, driving behaviour and driver performance. A 24-hour control room with satellite tracking ensures real-time oversight of fleet activities, enabling the efficient execution of daily production targets.
Driver training is central to York Fleet Solutions’ operations. All drivers undergo rigorous assessments by a registered logistics training company before employment and bi-annual refresher courses.
The division is also registered with the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCFRFLI), ensuring compliance with industry standards and labour regulations.
In addition, we invest in community development by offering technical training programmes that help semi-skilled technicians in the local area achieve trade qualifications.
A 24-hour control room with satellite tracking ensures real-time oversight of fleet activities.
A 24-hour control room with satellite tracking ensures real-time oversight of fleet activities.
Agriculture
The acquisition of Twycross’ farm Pine Valley in 2021, marked a significant step in York strategy to diversify income sources through high-value agricultural crops. Now known as Stadsrivier Boerderij, the farm integrates a well-established packhouse into its operations supporting the production and distribution of premium crops. Stadsrivier Boerderij spans 52 hectares of avocados and 27 hectares of macadamias, with orchards established between 1955 and 2016. The avocado varieties cultivated include Fuerte, Hass, Ryan, Edranol, and GEM, renowned for their quality and market demand. Macadamia orchards feature varieties such as Beaumont, Integ Mix, A4, and Nelmac, which are highly valued for their taste and versatility.
In 2021, York expanded its agricultural diversification strategy by venturing into high-value mandarin crops. The farm now cultivates 40 hectares of Nadorcott mandarins, widely recognised under the premium brand name “ClemenGold,” and 38 hectares of Tango mandarins. Further growth was marked in January 2024 with the planting of the first 20 hectares of the Havva variety, reinforcing the farm’s commitment to producing exceptional citrus varieties. .
The farm holds multiple accreditations, including SIZA Environmental (Platinum Status), SIZA Social (Platinum Status), GlobalG.A.P. (Fully Compliant), Tesco Nurture (Fully Compliant) and Spring (Fully Compliant). These certifications emphasise the farm’s adherence to global best practices in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and quality assurance, positioning York as a trusted supplier in the agricultural market.
The avocado packhouse, constructed in 2004, now known as Stadsrivier Vallei Pachuys, is a key component of our agricultural operations. The packhouse features advanced equipment, including two Greefa weight sizers, a wet intake lane, and four cold rooms, ensuring optimal handling and storage of produce. Currently, the packhouse processes avocados from SRV Boerderij as well as other producers. It holds multiple accreditations including Tesco Nurture, GlobalG.A.P., BRCGS, Albert Heinz, Spring, and SIZA Social and Environmental.
