PRODUCTION
RAW MATERIAL
Pinus Radiata is the principal species of wood used by Woodline. This species can be found in the southernmost region of South Africa and grows in relatively poor soil, on the coastal plateau and mountain foothills in areas with winter, or constant rainfall. This slow growth ensures that the poles are of exceptional strength and quality.
HARVESTING AND TRANSPORT
Trees are
felled in the plantation by harvesting contractors. Tree lengths are slipped to the roadside where they are cut into pole lengths, initial quality control takes place by excluding portions of the tree which will give sub-standard poles. Heavy transport vehicles load the poles and transport the poles to the production plants, where they are off-loaded.
DEBARKING AND PEELING 
The poles are then debarked and go through a visual selection and grading process. The poles are then peeled, which removes any unsightly protrusions and any remaining bark or cambium.
GRADING
At every stage
of production poles are visually graded, checked for defects and classed into different size categories. Defective poles are continually eliminated by a process of rejection and re-processing. A final grading takes place before seasoning so that poles of similar size are stacked together.
SEASONING
Poles are stacked in open stacks
for air-drying or in kilns for kiln
drying. The moisture content is monitored throughout, and when poles
are sufficiently dry (less than 25% moisture content, or
as required by the customer) they are ready for
treatment.
 
DRESSING
Prior to treatment poles are processed to meet specific customer requirements, such as labelling end cuts drilling and slab gaining.
    
TIMBER TREATMENT 
Creosoting is done using the Rueping
(Empty Cell) process in pressure vessels.
Creosote retention levels are set to exceed minimum requirements of the relevant specification, and additional creosote can be retained in the pole should customers require. Mostly, complete penetration of the sapwood is achieved and will always exceed minimum depth requirements. Creosote treated poles could last in excess of 40 years.
CCA is a waterborne chemical that is used to impregnate poles using the Liquivac process. The entire sapwood is penetrated ensuring a life long service free from insect and fungal attack. CCA (Tanalith) is enhanced with "Weatherwood" a waxy additive that improves the weathering ability of the poles. CCA treated poles can be painted or sealed for aesthetic purposes.
FINAL INSPECTION
After treatment, a final quality control
inspection is done where poles are checked for adequate preservation penetration, and any other defects before being awarded SABS compliance labels. The poles are now finally ready for dispatch and transportation to the customer’s premises.
DELIVERY
Woodline
either makes use of road transport contractors to collect and deliver poles to clients stores or sites, or poles are loaded directly onto clients vehicles upon collection, or poles can be despatched by rail where required.
For export Woodline ships poles either in containers or break bulk, and can be despatched from any South African Port to any destination worldwide.
Legal Terms and Conditions
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Export
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Steinhoff International
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