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PG Bison, a subsidiary, is the largest producer of particle board (chipboard), medium-density fibre board and decorative laminates in South Africa.
PG Bison plays a significant role in unlocking the benefits an integrated group can derive from the timber and forestry industries.
After incorporating the timber interests of Steinhoff into PG
Bison, the group has an integrated value chain. We own and manage almost 90 000 hectares of forests (much of this certified by the Forstry Stewardship Council), own and operate sawmills, and manufacture timber-related products for sale into the local market. The primary areas of business are timber products, panel products and trade retail through interests in
Pennypinchers and
Timber City retail stores.
Pennypinchers
stores are all joint ventures and some Timber City
stores are finalising their joint-venture status.
The group sources some of its timber requirements locally from third parties but the intention is to secure an increasing proportion of timber through long-term supply arrangements or through its own production.
In recent years, PG
Bison has invested significantly in upgrading its plants to expand capacity and comply with emission standards. The group owns and operates four sawmills, the newest and largest of these being the PG Bison Thesen sawmill in George. PG Bison's North Eastern Cape Forests cluster development is a R1,5-billion regional economic injection to create over 3 000 direct jobs and many opportunities for local entrepreneurs, in tandem with municipal infrastructure upgrades. The plantation has six registered natural heritage sites and its timber is FSC-certified.
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