For the first time in its history, the African continent will produce ThermoWood®. By establishing a new production site in Cameroon, LDCwood is bringing thermal modification closer to the forest resource and opening a new chapter for the timber industry.

This development is based on a strategic partnership between LDCwood, RTT Houtimport and Sefeccam, a leading Cameroonian sawmill that will host the continent’s first ThermoWood® production facilities.

«We bring the production facility to the timber, rather than the timber to the facility. This is a fundamentally different way of working. We reduce transport, lower CO₂ emissions, create more value in the country of origin and, at the same time, build a stable supply chain for PEFC-certified fraké. »
 Mike Lemahieu (General Manager, LDCwood)

" This partnership marks a turning point for the Cameroonian timber industry. For the first time, advanced technology that until now has been reserved for European industrial sites is being installed at the very heart of our forests. We are proud to combine the century-old know-how of Lemahieu Group, LDCwood’s technological excellence and RTT Houtimport’s in-depth knowledge of European markets with Sefeccam’s commitment to responsible forest management. Together, we are demonstrating that African timber can be processed in Africa according to the highest international standards, for the benefit of our teams, our communities and our customers around the world.”
Wael Omaïs (Commercial Director, Sefeccam)

A new brand for an international market

Three Jartek kilns will be built at Sefeccam’s production site in Douala. The locally sawn fraké will be thermally modified there and subsequently exported worldwide by LDCwood under the new brand SanghaWood, for importers, distributors and agents.

The name SanghaWood refers to the Sangha River, which forms a natural border in the region where Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic meet — precisely the region where fraké grows. A name that carries the origin of the wood within it.

SanghaWood is positioned as a new international brand characterised by timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, performance certified under the ThermoWood® label, a stable supply secured through a partnership with Sefeccam, and a low environmental footprint.

The product range and services offered from LDCwood’s production site in Ostend remain unchanged.

Transforming wood where it grows

With this partnership, the companies are making a clear choice: to process the wood in its country of origin.

Local production reduces transport flows and retains a greater share of the economic value in Cameroon. It also enables a shorter, more controlled and transparent supply chain, with significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

Thermal modification gives the wood a warm, rich colour. It also makes the wood more dimensionally stable, durable and resistant to weathering, without the use of any chemicals. This makes it particularly well suited to façade cladding, decking and flooring, interior and exterior joinery, as well as high-end interior and furniture applications.

About Sefeccam

Since 1998, Sefeccam has been a key player in sustainable forest management in Cameroon. The company is committed to preserving natural resources and combines innovation with responsibility to address environmental challenges while supporting the development of local communities.

With more than 499,000 hectares under management, Sefeccam is working towards a harmonious future in which responsible forestry ensures the sustainability of forests for the benefit of present and future generations.

RTT Houtimport will remain Sefeccam’s strategic trading partner for the sale of non-modified hardwood.

About SanghaWood

SanghaWood is LDCwood’s new international brand for thermally modified fraké from Cameroon. The brand is built on the principle that sustainability starts at the source: the wood is harvested, sawn and thermally modified in the same location.

After thermal modification, fraké remains 100% natural (without chemicals), is dimensionally stable and has a long service life comparable to tropical hardwood, without the same ecological impact. The product is PEFC-certified and complies with the ThermoWood® standard of the International ThermoWood Association (ITWA).

SanghaWood is aimed at importers, agents and distributors worldwide.