Mutare Board & Paper Mills

MUTARE BOARD & PAPER MILLS
A Division of ART Corporation | Listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange
COMPANY PROFILE: FORESTRY & SUSTAINABLE TIMBER PRODUCTION

Executive Summary

Mutare Board and Paper Mills, with over 70 years of industrial heritage and a strategic pivot since 2008, is now a premier, sustainably focused forestry and timber production enterprise. We manage over 5,000 hectares of prime plantation forest in the Penhalonga region, meticulously converted from pulpwood to high yield saw logs and sawn timber. Our fully integrated, in-house silviculture and management expertise ensures a consistent, high-quality, and sustainable timber supply. We are positioned to be a reliable, long-term partner for the Forestry Commission, aligning with national goals for sustainable resource management and economic growth.

1.0 Company Background & Strategic Evolution

Established in 1953, our company has been a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s industrial sector. While our paper manufacturing legacy ended in 2008 due to prevailing economic challenges, it paved the way for a strategic transformation into a dedicated forestry and timber business.

This evolution demonstrates our resilience and ability to adapt to market dynamics. We have successfully restructured into one unit:

  1. A dedicated Forestry Department focused on sustainable timber production.

 

This profile focuses on our core competency: Sustainable Forestry Management.

2.0 Our Forestry Assets & Sustainable Management

  • Land Bank: We own and manage over 5,000 hectares of plantation forest across three contiguous estates in Penhalonga: Salliven Estate, Inodzi/Nyagari Estate, and Drennan Estate.
  • Species: Our plantations primarily consist of high-quality, fast-growing Pine and Gum (Eucalyptus) species, ideal for construction, furniture, and other timber applications.
  • Sustainable Yield & Replanting: We operate a fully-fledged in-house silviculture department. This ensures annual replanting cycles are strictly adhered to, maintaining a sustainable Tree Stock Inventory and guaranteeing long-term yield. Our robust management practices have effectively mitigated challenges like fire outbreaks, ensuring the health and continuity of our forests.

2.1 Sustainable Harvesting Operations

Our commitment to excellence extends from planting to delivery. We operate a comprehensive, in-house harvesting division equipped with modern machinery and a highly skilled team. This integrated capability ensures efficiency, quality control, and adherence to our strict sustainability protocols.

    • Skilled Harvesting Team: Our dedicated team of operators and forestry technicians is trained in best practices for felling, extraction, and log processing, prioritizing safety and minimal waste.
    • Modern Machinery Fleet: Our operations are supported by a well-maintained fleet, including:
      • Harvesters for efficient and precise felling.
      • Tractors for minimal-impact extraction from the stand to the landing.
      • Tellelloger and Truck for efficient onward transportation.
    • Efficiency & Quality Control: By managing the entire chain, we guarantee the quality of the harvested timber, optimize log recovery, and ensure timely execution of harvest plans.

 

  • Land Stewardship: We are proactively engaged in protecting our assets from conflicting land use interests, such as illegal mining. We are committed to a model of sustainable land use that prioritizes forestry and only considers other activities, like regulated mining, with full consent and under terms that ensure the survival and prosperity of our forestry business.

3.0 Our Vision, Mission & Values

Our Vision
To be Zimbabwe’s leading producer of sustainable, quality timber for both domestic consumption and export, supporting national development and environmental goals.

Our Mission
To reliably supply quality timber products through advanced forest management, continuous investment in our technology and team, and an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. We are dedicated to delivering superior value to our partners and shareholders.

Our Core Values (The Bedrock of Our Operations)

  • Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability
  • Integrity & Transparencyin all dealings
  • Operational Excellence & Diligence
  • Commitmentto our partners and our people
  • Teamworkand collaborative success

4.0 Why Partner with Mutare Board & Paper Mills?

  • Proven Scale & Resource:5,000+ hectares of mature, managed forest ensures a large and consistent wood supply.
  • Vertical Integration & Expertise:Our in-house silviculture team provides complete control from seedling to harvest, ensuring quality and traceability.
  • Commitment to Sustainability:We are not loggers; we are forest managers. Our replanting mandate and conservation efforts ensure the resource is available for future generations.
  • Economic Resilience & Heritage:As part of the ART Corporation, we offer financial stability and a long-term view, backed by decades of operational experience in Zimbabwe.
  • Social Responsibility:We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fair compensation, gender equity, and fostering a safe, growth-oriented environment for our employees.

5.0 Management Team

Our dedicated forestry leadership ensures operational excellence:

  • Farai Sithole| Estates Manager
    A seasoned forestry expert with extensive experience in plantation management, silviculture, and sustainable yield planning.
  • Michael Chingonzo| Accountant
    Provides financial oversight and ensures the economic sustainability of our forestry operations.