In 2001, Brokopondo Watra Wood International NV (BWWI) was established by the late entrepreneur Mr. Orlando Lee On. BWWI holds the primary concession for our Brokopondo Lake Concession, spanning an impressive 150,000 hectares. Inspired by successful reclamation projects in South America, Mr. Orlando Lee On devised a plan to initiate a reclamation operation at Brokopondo Lake. In 2004, the operation began, marking the commencement of log reclamation from the lake. BWWI achieved a significant milestone in 2005 when it exported its first batch of reclaimed timber to the United States.
In 2016, Lakewood Group acquired BWWI, strengthening its commitment to sustainable log harvesting and the production of reclaimed timber products that are distributed worldwide. Building upon the foundations laid by BWWI, Lakewood Group continues to expand and advance in the industry.
The proximity of our sawmill to Brokopondo Lake facilitates the efficient processing of reclaimed logs. By minimizing transportation distances, we not only save time and costs associated with log transportation but also optimize our sawmill's operations, boosting productivity.
Preservation of Timber Quality: Immediate processing of freshly reclaimed logs is essential to maintain their quality and prevent deterioration. With a nearby sawmill, logs can be processed promptly, ensuring the production of higher-quality timber products that align with our customers' rigorous standards.
Environmental Responsibility: Long-distance log transportation contributes to environmental issues like increased carbon emissions from vehicles. By situating our sawmill close to the concession, we reduce our carbon footprint linked to log transportation. This resonates with our commitment to sustainable practices and minimizing ecological impact.
Local Job Opportunities and Economic Growth: The establishment of a sawmill near the concession creates job openings for local communities, bolstering economic development in the region. This initiative not only provides stable employment and income but also triggers the growth of supporting industries, further enriching the local economy.
Enhanced Flexibility and Tailoring: Proximity to the sawmill enhances our ability to adapt and customize the processing of reclaimed logs. This adaptability allows us to align our production methods with specific customer requirements, ensuring the delivery of tailored timber products that perfectly suit their unique needs. This tailored approach elevates customer satisfaction and solidifies our standing in the market.
In Summation, the presence of a sawmill near our Brokopondo Lake concession yields a multitude of advantages, spanning operational efficiency, preservation of timber quality, environmental sustainability, local economic progress, and improved flexibility in catering to customer demands. This sawmill stands as a pivotal element in our mission to responsibly reclaim and process timber while upholding the highest benchmarks of quality and sustainability.
3 x Sawing lines with a capacity of 2000 m³ per month.
3 x drying cells with a capacity of 2880 m³ per year.
9600 m3 annual output of reclaimed timber.
Personnel: 100 employees.
Primary timber species: Basralocus, Djinja Udu, Marblewood, Ipe, Greenheart, Kaw Udu, Maka Kabbes, Purpleheart, Rode Locus, Rode Kabbes, Tonka, Walaba, Zwarte Kabbes.
Colombus Timber International DMCC and Colombus Timber NV, were established in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Together, both companies form the group’s trading division – which are centered around trading in legally sourced logs and lumber.
CT has grown to become a recognized and well reputed supplier of tropical hardwoods predominantly from Suriname, South America. CT has built a robust supply chain and ships logs and other timber products to clients across the globe – to markets in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
In 2020, Custom Timber Industries LLC was established by Mr. Michael Foghill, Mr. Roy Ariss, and Mr. Blake Pedersen with the vision of commissioning a modern primary processing unit in Dubai, UAE. CTI specializes in saw milling and delivering high-quality timber of special sizes according to customer demand, with quick turnaround times.
Our advanced sawmill allows us to produce both standard and customized special sizes, offering a comprehensive range of services such as heavy carpentry, fabrication of bespoke timber components for marine applications, kiln drying, trading in sawn timber, and various other forest products.
In 2022, Lakewood Group acquired a majority shareholding in CTI, demonstrating its commitment to the company's growth and success. Substantial investments have been made by Lakewood Group to enhance CTI's production capabilities, further solidifying its position in the industry.
1 x Sawing line.
3 x drying cells with a capacity of 560 m³ per month.
As an integral part of the group's investment, CTI has established a cutting-edge secondary processing unit in Kezad, Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a platform for CTI to manufacture a diverse range of value-added products. These include glue laminated scantlings, finger joint panels, cross-laminated mass timber beams, and various other high-performance timber products. By leveraging this advanced processing unit, CTI aims to expand its product offerings and cater to the growing demands of the market for innovative and sustainable timber solutions.