TWK Agri

ABOUT US

Our History:

In June 1940, 52 members of the Piet Retief Wattle Growers and Timber Association, with a total membership of 114, and owning over 40 000 acres (16 000 ha) of wattle plantations, met with the aim of registering their association as a co-operative. The Transvaal Wattle Growers Co-operative Agricultural Company Limited was registered on 21 June 1940.

"Farmers with a common interest and goal – united and co-operative – that is what we are." – JC (Tol) Veldman, former general manager, 1991.

The primary goal of the co-operative was to promote the marketing of the timber and bark of its members. Although this was a top priority throughout the years, the board of directors soon realised this should not be their only responsibility. Provision should also be made to supply the necessary production materials to its members.

During the 42nd Annual General Meeting in 1982, the name was changed to the Transvaal Wattle Growers Co-operative Limited, abbreviated to TWK.

TWK has progressed over the years and developed into a remarkable company, providing its members and the community with various products and services to supply all their needs.

Focused on sustainability, the TWK slogan still remains "Service."

Our Mission: 

Our mission is to deliver value-adding products and services to the agricultural and related industries and to the communities in which we operate.

BBBEE:

TWK supports BEE that fits in with the group’s business strategies and appreciates the importance of meaningful empowerment for sustainable growth. After the implementation of the TWK Group’s restructuring transaction on 1 September 2014, the Vumbuka Trust, a broad-based black economic empowerment trust, holds 25% of the shareholding in TWK Agri (Pty) Ltd.

Social Responsibilty:

As confirmation of TWK’s focus on its social responsibility, TWK and its affiliates are actively involved in social upliftment at eight schools in South Africa and Swaziland with financial and moral support. Constantly involved with the prevention of crime, especially regarding timber theft in South Africa and Swaziland, and helping with infrastructure development, especially in the form of water provision to local communities.

SERVICES

Timber Marketing:

The Timber division was established by wattle timber farmers, with the aim of assisting them with marketing their timber products and procuring of general supplies.

We strive to obtain and supply sustainable quality processed and unprocessed timber products to local and international markets.

We negotiate prices for timber products on behalf of our suppliers and continually cultivate and develop new and existing markets.

We also provide logistical management on behalf of our suppliers, share our expertise and manage harvesting operations from stump to mill.

What started out as a basic service for our local farmers grew into a division that is among the market leaders in the South African timber industry.

Our portfolio includes a hardwood chipping plant, treated timber plant, lumber and mining timber sawmills, charcoal production and a forestry seedling nursery.

• Research
• Nursery
• Plantation
• Management
• Charcoal
• Livestock
• Affiliates
• BBBEE
• Social Responsibility
• Tree Breeding
• Best Operating Practices
• Woodchip Production & Export 

Grain:

Our Grain division is vastly experienced in the grain market and specifically focuses on the areas that we operate in, meaning our clients can depend on expert market advice and information.

We provide a range of comprehensive services to the producers and end-users of grain, focusing on grain marketing, silo services and Safex trading.

Furthermore, we produce our own branded maize meal and animal feeds and supply them at retail, wholesale and farm level.

• Grain Marketing
• Silo Services
• Animal Feeds
• Grain Industries

Trade:

TWK’s trade branches are located throughout Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland.

Our branches offer a large variety of products catering for the different agriculture industries in the geographical area around each branch. Our products include fertiliser, seed, livestock products, hardware, building material, fuel, fencing, spares and many others.

• Constantia Fertilizer
• Computer Services

Financing:

Our Financing division was established to assist our clients with the financing required to grow and expand their enterprises.

We understand that each client is unique and consequently has their own unique financing needs.

The Financing division strives towards professional, quick and quality service to all our clients. We provide a range of products which includes seasonal facilities, monthly accounts, forestry loans and asset finance.

The Credit Department strives to deliver a world-class service that reflects professionalism and effectiveness to all our TWK clients.

The following range of products are available:

• Month Facility

Monthly accounts are offered to qualifying clients for the purchase of products at any TWK Trading branch. Such purchases are interest-free provided that accounts are settled within 30 days from the date of statement.

• Production Facility (Seasonal Facility: Winter & Summer)

The Credit Department offers winter and summer facilities to qualifying clients for a maximum period of one year. The facility is granted for the purchase of production resources, insurance premiums (provided that the insurance is arranged by TWK), and services rendered.

• Deferred Payment Arrangement Facility

This is an interest-free facility offered to qualifying clients extended over a maximum of a six-month period. It allows clients to purchase selected products like fertiliser at TWK branches at current prices, while payment is made at a predetermined future date.

• Forestry Loan Facility

Forestry loans are designed to assist qualifying clients with the establishment, re-establishment and conservation of plantations. The loan can be granted for periods ranging from one year to a maximum period of 10 years.

Insurance:

TWK’s Insurance division was established in 1978 to provide supporting services to clients, especially crop insurance. Over the years these products and services have expanded to complement the growth and development of the company’s diverse client base. Today, TWK Insurance has service points in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Western and Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng.

The main products offered are Personal, Commercial, Agri, Crop and Life Insurance, and Alternative Risk Transfer. In addition, we offer specialist services like assessment of crops after damage and assistance with medical aids. We also provide a 24-hour emergency service, through the TWK Connect cellphone application. Short-term Long-term

Motors:

At TWK Motors, our main focus is to go the extra mile, providing you with excellent service and product satisfaction at competitive prices. TWK Motors operates a number of motor dealerships and motor-related businesses.

TWK Motors initially started its business with a Total garage and the Piet Retief Toyota dealership. The business has grown over the years and today includes one Total garage, two Toyota dealerships, a Hino truck dealership, car rental, automotive parts services, a 4x4 outlet and an auto body repair outlet.