by Rudo Saungweme

Timber production is one of the business sectors that have remained viable in Zimbabwe against all odds. Harare Post had a round-up visit of the exhibitors on that last day of the show where timber companies expressed satisfaction with their market, both local and international.

Mutare Wattle Company was amongst the companies showcasing their products. The company which was established in 1935 has 42 000 hectares of pine plantation, 12 000 hectares of gum tree, 15 000 hectares of wattle plantations. All these plantations are found in the Eastern Highlands.

An officer manning the Wattle Company stand said that the company sold four major products which are, pine sawn timber, treated gum poles, wattle extract and charcoal. Wattle Company is based in Mutare but it has some retail branches in Harare that is Msasa and Southerton. It also has its retail branches in Bulawayo, Kwekwe and Masvingo.

Wattle Company was exhibiting roof trusses at Harare Agricultural show and timber that can be used to make furniture.

TN Harlequin Luxaire was also show-casing their furniture which is made from teak wood. Harlequin representative told Harare Post that they get their wood from Lupane. He said that the wood will then be cured in Bulawayo where they will make their furniture.

People were showing interest in their products. They said that the TN Harlequin Luxaire furniture was stronger than those from outside Zimbabwe. The two companies promised to extend their retail branches to all the provinces in Zimbabwe.