Operations

Merensky plantations comprise both Pine and Eucalyptus species, totalling ca 74,000 hectares across South Africa. Ours are the largest privately-owned plantations being managed on a sawlog rotation. Adhering to and often exceeding local and international standards for environmentally-sustainable forestry management practices, the Merensky plantations continue to provide the highest-quality timber to both the local and international markets.

The ca 60,000 hectares of Merensky Pine plantations extend from the Dargle forests of KwaZulu-Natal through to the forests of Baziya on the south-western slopes of the Matiwane range in the Eastern Cape.
Merensky is a pioneer of the only commercially-grown Eucalyptus in South Africa, with plantations extending to almost 14,000 hectares. Many decades of continuous genetic improvements have resulted in what are considered world-best Eucalyptus plantations.

All Merensky plantations carry the prestigious FSC* accreditation.

Pine Processing

Merensky Softwood Processing comprises four sawmills strategically located in Mpumalanga, KZN and the Eastern Cape. These mills are at the forefront of South African sawmilling, producing approximately 20% of the country’s highest-quality sawn Pine lumber for construction, furniture and joinery uses.

Eucalyptus Processing

Merensky is South Africa’s leading Eucalyptus processor, operating from its Limpopo sawmill. Merensky’s kiln drying is world renowned and produces unrivalled hardwood lumber for use in joinery, furniture manufacture and construction applications. Plantation Eucalyptus is a sustainable alternative to endangered tropical hardwoods and Merensky has been leading this initiative for almost a century.

Marketing

Merensky’s reputation for service excellence is undisputed and lies in the knowledge and experience of its exceptional team members. Our personnel are further supported by a network of strategically-placed production facilities, distribution centres and sales offices throughout South Africa.

Research and Development

The Research and Development team continuously conducts research into the growing and processing of timber and the development of new products. Merensky constantly strives for better processing practices, benchmarking ourselves against international best practice and incorporating numerous quality and efficiency principles including ISO, LEAN and JIT. Additionally, extensive development is carried out together with collaborative research partners to improve silviculture practices.