From Timber Trails to Global Triumph: A Story of South Africa and Japan

Fifty-two years ago, a ship left Durban Harbour carrying more than timber. It carried the hopes and dreams of South African farmers and the promise of a partnership that would span generations.

This is not just a business story. It’s a saga of grit and grace, of boardroom battles and friendships forged over sake and braais. It’s about how a handshake in 1972 became a lifeline for farmers and a bridge between two nations.

Today, the results live on through TWK Agri, which has proudly delivered over 31 million tonnes of pulp to Japan.

A Leap of Faith

The early 1970s were tough for timber growers in South Africa. Prices were falling, markets shrinking, and uncertainty loomed large. Craig Anderson, a man with vision and courage, believed South Africa’s timber could find a home in Japan’s booming pulp industry.

Negotiations were long and delicate. Cultures met, languages differed, but trust began to bloom. In 1972, CTC (Central Timber Co-operative) signed its first contract with Sumitomo Corporation and Sanyo-Kokusaku Pulp Company (SKP). The deal guaranteed 500 000 tonnes of chips per year.

The first ship, the Mimosa Africana that left Durban port in 1975, carried more than wood chips. It carried the start of a friendship that would endure for decades.

Building a Dream

The early years were tough. CTC built its first mill at Cato Ridge, but soon it was bursting at the seams. The answer? A bold move to Richards Bay.

Imagine the scene: It is December 1981. Machinery groaned as it was loaded onto low-bed trailers. Staff packed up their homes.

But by January 1982, the new mill came to life. Rein Franz, the man behind the move, pulled off what many thought impossible: transferring an entire operation without a hitch. It was about more than engineering; it was down to sheer grit and teamwork.

The 1980s brought an economic storm. Japan’s mills were slowed as pulp prices plunged. SKP asked for tonnage cuts and tighter costs. For CTC, the early 80s were a test of resilience.

But here’s where the story shines. Instead of breaking under pressure, South Africans and Japanese sat together, shared tea, and found solutions. Technical missions flew in from Japan, inspecting mills, suggesting improvements. Every handshake, every bow, every smile mattered.

Through it all, TWK (then TWGA) stood firm. Supplying wattle and gum from the Lowveld, TWK played a pivotal role in stabilising timber flows.

Leaders like Bailey Bekker championed rationalisation, ensuring that every tonne counted. When Japan requested extra ships or tighter specs, TWK delivered and adapted.

This commitment laid the foundation for TWK Agri’s reputation as a trusted partner in global forestry.  That spirit of reliability is the same spirit that drives TWK Agri today.

Innovation and Expansion

By August 1983, a leadership milestone was marked: Rein Franz became General Manager, succeeding Craig Anderson, who moved into an advisory role.

Under Franz, CTC tackled chronic challenges head-on. SATS (South African Transport Services) inefficiencies, once languishing at 63%, were blasted into compliance after a fiery Johannesburg meeting, to achieve 96% loading efficiency.

Strategically, CTC pivoted to secure its future. Leasing and purchasing timber farms became imperative as processors and conglomerates snapped up plantations.

By 1985, CTC had acquired farms like Vrye Gunst and Morgenzon. It had launched its first grower loan scheme, and hosted a landmark Congress at Richards Bay, showcasing its achievements to 300 stakeholders.

By June 1986, the numbers spoke volumes: 156 shiploads delivered to Japan, totalling 4.5 million air dry tonnes of chips.

The crowning glory was a 35 000-tonne bulk carrier christened Craig the Pioneer, a tribute to the man who started it all.

Bridge of Cultures

This story is rich with human moments. Japanese executives like T Chono and H Iwasaki became household names in South African forestry circles. They shared laughter over braais, marvelled at the African landscapes, and welcomed South Africans into their homes in Tokyo.

Craig Anderson’s farewell dinner was filled with emotional tributes, handshakes, and promises that the bond would endure. And it did.

The partnership didn’t just survive, it flourished. By 2023, TWK Agri celebrated 50 years of partnership with Japan, marking a legacy of trust and shared growth.

Rising to Challenges

But history reminds us that progress is never without challenges. In 2023, the devastating fire that broke out at NCT next to TWK’s Richards Bay facility was a stark reminder of the risks inherent in industrial operations.

The blaze tested resilience, but TWK responded with speed and determination, restoring operations and reinforcing its commitment to safety and continuity.

This event underscored what has always defined TWK: strength in adversity and an unwavering focus on partnership.

Today, that handshake from 1972 echoes in TWK Agri’s success. Over 52 years, TWK has delivered 31 million tonnes of pulp to Japan. The recent celebration of the 50-year partnership was a tribute to decades of trust and teamwork.

When TWK leaders Dietmar Schroeder (Chief Executive Manager: Timber) and Ferdie Brauckmann (Executive Manager: Exports & Projects) visited Japan, they honoured a friendship that has weathered recessions, droughts, and global shifts. We look ahead: to sustainability, innovation, and another fifty years of shared success.