The Warburton
Saagmeule Story
WSM began its journey as a traditional bush sawmill in 2000. Initially focusing on wet off saw products, we weathered the 2008 timber industry recession by installing an additional band saw production line imported from Brazil. In 2012, we marked a significant milestone with the establishment of our first kiln, allowing us to produce our first finger-jointed Black Cross products.
Since then, we have expanded our facilities to include more kilns and improved automation, enabling us to enhance product quality. Our current capacity is 120,000 tons of wood per annum, with a diverse product range that includes industrial wood, kiln-dried timber, and more. Our successful operations are supported by our own plantations, meticulously managed through our sister companies.
WSM is a family-run business owned by Braam Steenkamp and his wife, Marinda. Braam has been honored multiple times with Sappi Forests’ Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Group Scheme Farmer of the Year award. As a commercial tree farmer specializing in pine and eucalyptus, he values the award as a testament to his passion and the dedication of his team. Braam believes FSC certification not only enhances business efficiency but also fosters strong relationships with employees, neighbors, and the community, securing a stable market and job security for his team.
Management includes Braam’s sons, Ignis Steenkamp and Petri Cronje, contributing to the company’s continued growth and family legacy.
Certification and compliance
WSM is accredited by African Certification and Testing (ACT), which, similar to SABS, ensures compliance with South African National Standards (SANS). WSM’s timber products adhere to standards including:
• SANS 1783-1: General requirements for sawn softwood timber
• SANS 1783-2: Structural timber and frame wall construction
• SANS 1783-4: Brandering and battens
• SANS 10096: Finger-jointed structural timber manufacturing
This compliance allows WSM to display the ACT mark, demonstrating conformity to certification conditions under Certificate No. WAB/02. The mill and boiler plant also fully comply with all legal and safety regulations.
Our Mission
At WSM, our mission is to continuously improve our production processes to deliver the highest quality products and services. We prioritize creating a positive working environment to keep our staff motivated and proud to be part of the WSM team. We are committed to maintaining strong relationships with our customers and ensuring on-time delivery of top-quality products.
Our Vision
Our vision is to diversify our product range and expand into new markets, striving to compete with the best in the industry. We aim to remain a self-supporting entity that prioritizes sustainability, ensuring our business processes are feasible for future generations. We envision WSM as the best sawmill for our clients to do business with and for our staff to work for.
The WSM Value System
At Warburton Saagmeule, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner. Our core values—integrity, trust, honesty, self-discipline, and accountability—guide our actions and decisions. We expect all staff members to uphold high moral standards and ethical values while working in a safe and pleasant environment. Our clients are not just customers; they become part of our family.
