Sappi concludes sale of Lomati sawmill in South Africa
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 8:30 am
Normandien Farms will take ownership of the Lomati Sawmill from Sappi Southern Africa on 1 September 2025 following unconditional approval from the Competition Commission. The mill, which has an annual production capacity of 86,000 m3 of kiln-dried pine lumber, will transfer as a going concern, with all employees retained, according to Sappi Southern Africa. The acquisition gives Normandien Farms, which operates in the sawmilling sector as Tekwani, access to a legacy operation serving South Africa's building, furniture, and packaging industries. Lomati has operated since 1971 and features upgraded wet mill, kiln, and finger jointing systems. All production is certified under the South African Bureau of Standards. Sappi stated that the divestment aligns with its strategic focus on dissolving wood pulp and containerboard, while maintaining operations in Mpumalanga through its forestry business. Normandien Farms, which also owns bottled water brand Thirsti, said the acquisition fits its growth plans in the national timber sector.
|