17 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2024 The limited intake of pulpwood changed some of the direction of sales into the special-market arena. The new financial year brings new markets. We have at least five Chinese owned peeler markets possibly entering the possible channels of supply. Dealing with such entities brings its own challenges. The NCT Scheduling system continues to create valuable visibility in our supply chains and allows for the measurement and control of approximately 9 000 tonne/day or 263 truckloads/day to seven major chip markets, pulp and paper mills as well as NCT depots. Post the Richards Bay fire, the system’s role in planning and visibility amplified significantly. Continuous development and implementation efforts, including system-based measurements and the growth of the Business Analyst position, underscore a commitment to operational refinement. Noteworthy focus areas include ongoing efforts towards the development of a cellphone app integrating logistics functionalities. Depots function as critical nodes in the logistical network, despite being riddled with challenges ranging from poor service levels to environmental hurdles. Investigations into additional depots remain underway, signalling a commitment to optimising logistical infrastructure. • The Vryheid East Procurement Depot: Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) service levels remain poor throughout the system T1-T4 and this impacts costs of sales and necessitates expensive road transport. Total throughput was 88 773 tonnes for the year supplied by 161 members. Growth and throughput volumes were impacted by poor service levels from Transnet Freight Rail and the Richards Bay fire. • The turnaround time for the year (TAT) at all our depots remains a positive 48 minutes. • Umlaas Road Holding Depot: the environmental impact assessment and transition from agricultural land to light industrial zoning is ongoing. The final Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted for review and we have conducted a successful site visit with the Department. • Ahrens and Glenside Holding Depots: Like Glenside, Ahrens now has a logger and operator permanently on site to assist suppliers with offloading. The increased volume of 18 185 tonnes purchased into two Holding depots is a growth and evidence of the well-supported Ahrens Depot. These depots are important to SSTG supply points and possible expansion remains a focus. • A total of 164 suppliers made use of the depots during the year. Stutterheim operations continue to serve as a reliable source of quality timber from the Eastern Cape, with steady utilisation by members, highlighting its strategic importance in regional operations.
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