Timber iQ August - September 2017 // Issue: 33 | Page 15

COVER STORY Eco Timber Traders stocks a distinctive range of hardwoods and plywoods, among others. They stock many different grades of French Oak which can be used for various applications. The warehouse is perfectly situated close to the N1, N12 and N14 highways for the effective distribution of their products all throughout the Gauteng region and they are happy to supply timber in break bulk (small quantities) or in bulk depending on your requirements. Two years down the road it is clear with hindsight, that taking the risk and opening the branch in Gauteng was an important move as Eco Timber Traders has experienced a consistent growth curve and subsequently increased their footprint in the South African timber market. The partnership has been a remarkable success and Eco has built a good market for Bingaman’s products throughout the country. Bingaman is positioned in the Appalachian region, and owns five production locations in the state of Pennsylvania. Their quality is among the finest in the USA and all their timber comes from sustainable resources. Bingaman is FSC Certified. The owners of Eco Timbers have an extremely high regard for the owners and staff of Bingaman Lumber and have cemented a strong relationship that will ensure a consistent supply of quality hardwood going forward. A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Knowledge, expertise, experience, team work, outstanding service, a passion for wood and most of all unwavering perseverance all play a significant role in Eco Timber Traders’ ongoing success. But added to these attributes, is a group of excellent international timber suppliers who have partnered with them to ensure a consistent and ongoing supply of quality hardwoods and plywoods. As Eco Timber Traders has grown nationally they have attracted the attention of several new suppliers that showed a keen interest to partner with them and consequently they have obtained several new world class timber suppliers. This is of huge value to the company, but this is also of value to the local industry of cabinet makers, furniture manufacturers and all related timber businesses as they can source a greater range of interesting and amazing timber species for their products. American hardwoods make up a large percentage of Eco’s timber sales. It was therefore very important to find a reliable supplier to partner with who could supply the right quality at the right price on a consistent basis. Bingaman Lumber from Pennsylvania ticked all the boxes and several years ago Eco Timbers became Bingaman’s representative in South Africa. Both companies share the same values of honesty and integrity as well as share a real passion for timber. INNOVATORS Eco Timber Traders seek to be innovators and try to set trends in the timber industry and they were the first company to import and stock certain species in KZN. FRENCH OAK French Oak is one of these species and is one of the statesmen of the timber world. This timber offers an old- world charm and beauty sometimes lacking in some of the other species. They stock several different grades of French Oak which can be used for various applications, but find that the rustic grades are the most attractive as they are full of tremendous character and beauty. This involves importing live edge boules cut into several standard thicknesses and then having all the planks repacked into the exact log from which it was cut. This enabled some of the prestigious cabinet makers and furniture manufacturers they deal with to produce an entire dining room suite from one log. A DISTINCTIVE RANGE AND SOME INTERESTING EXOTICS Eco Timber Traders stocks a distinctive range of hardwoods and plywoods consisting of most of the well-known American, African and European species, but to keep their // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017 13