Swedish trip takes TG Builders Merchants to source

Staff from TG Builders Merchants were taken on a Scandinavian journey of discovery at the Holmen Sawmill in Braviken, Sweden, as part of Arbor Forest Products’ ‘Trading Closer’ initiative.

Nine members of the TG Builders Merchants team were given an opportunity to observe the supply chain in action, from the forests where Holmen plants, grows and harvests its Whitewood and Redwood, to the sawmill that processes the wood for the Europe, Middle East and North Africa markets.

The initiative aims to give timber traders insight and knowledge that is often difficult to access, but can be transformative to their ability to effectively sell timber products.

In Braviken, they learned about the regulations that govern the management of forests producing wood to FSC and PEFC standards, and saw the grading, kilning and machining processes that take place before the products are shipped to AFP’s timber terminal at New Holland.

Patrick Dixon from TG Builders Merchants said: “The trip has given all of us a fascinating insight into the timber supply chain and what it entails. What struck us most was the commitment to both quality and sustainability, with a clear focus on environmental issues and preserving forests for future generations.”