A local timber processing factory is working on plans to expand its international markets.

Touchwood Sawmillers Pte Ltd a timber milling factory based in Navua, is exploring new markets.

Director Imran Qamer leaves for Dubai in February with hopes of securing lucrative markets, he said.

A monthly export average of US$80,000 (FJ$169,000) to US$90,000 (FJ$190,000) worth of timber is exported to Japan.

“Five containers of export as a minimum measure is sustainable for the running of the business,” Mr Qamer.

The increase in freight costs compelled the company to suspend trade with some companies, he said.

Imran Qamer – Director of Touchwood Sawmillers Pte Ltd.

Centrality And Expansion
Touchwood Sawmiller has its beginnings in Wainadoi, just outside of Suva, where timber is milled, Mr Qamer said.

In recent months, the company opened its packaging operations at Naimelimeli, a 10 minutes’ drive from the Wainadoi milling area.

However, Mr Qamer said he decided to centralise all operations, in an effort to save on rent and bills.

He chose Vuci South in Nausori, where Touchwood Sawmiller will mill and pack timber for export.

The venture is expected to generate employment for 30 people when it opens next year, he said.

Dreketi
Touchwood Sawmiller buys its timber from Savusavu, Mr Qamer said.

The company employs 15 people at the moment, he said.

In 2022, the company will launch its Dreketi operations in Vanua Levu, Mr Qamer said.

It follows a deal with a Korean investor for the Dreketi project, with the aim of building capacity for the international market.

Background
Touchwood Sawmiller said its primary export was Fiji mahogany, otherwise known as the ‘big leaf mahogany’.

The company harvests under a selective logging process, the company’s website said.

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