ABOUT US
PRINGLE SAWMILLS
OUR MISSION,
HERE AT PRINGLE
Our team endeavours to uphold our family tradition of exceptional craftsmanship and unwavering quality. We are committed to providing superior timber products and sawmill services, guided by generations of wisdom and a passion for excellence.
We value attention to detail, creative thinking, and premium service, ensuring that every product and interaction reflects our dedication to excellence and innovation.
SAWMILL SERVICES
Looking to cut some wood?
Sawmilling is the process of cutting logs into usable lumber and timber products through the use of specialised saws. At Pringle Sawmills, we operate five portable infield sawmills that expertly cut local hardwoods including Saligna, Jacaranda, Oak, Cypress, and SA Pine. This intricate process begins with felling trees, which are then debarked and precisely cut into planks, beams, and other forms. From here they are transported, dried and treated - ready to be used within the construction, furniture and paper industries.
Discover the precision and care that define our sawmilling services at Pringle Sawmills.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
THE PRINGLE HISTORY
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The Pringle Sawmills legacy began in 1934, when James Scott (Jimmy) Pringle and Major Peter Rattray purchased land in Kwanbo Nambi, Zululand, after World War I. Here, Jimmy worked with Major to establish and develop the Saligna industry into a viable and profitable market. This marked the beginning of a family business that would grow and thrive for years to come. However, it would not be without its own difficulties.
As the Saligna began to mature later on, it became apparent that there would soon be a suplus of top-tier timber with insufficient outlet support for the raw material. The seemingly only solution was to build a paper mill to dispose of the large volumes of timber. However, just as the funding was secured, the plans had to be shelved due to the outbreak of the second world war.
During these years, the Saligna industry experienced it’s worst performing period in history to date. As such, Major’s son, Loring, established a Saw-milling industry with the Saligna timber, which had not previously been done on a commercial scale.
Luckily for Loring, Jimmy had gained considerable experience in sawing and curing Saligna timber, albeit on a small scale. Two men engaged in lengthy discussions, weighing the advantages and disadvantages. Jimmy's insights and solutions proved invaluable. Beyond his technical knowledge, Jimmy had already designed and built specific saws to accommodate the jamming that resulted from processing wet Saligna.
In 1985, Doug Pringle, the second generation, relocated the business to Alverstone, Durban. This move was necessitated by the growing influence of major companies like Mondi, Sappi, and Shell, which were transforming the timber industry for pulp and paper production. Doug shifted the focus to milling hardwoods, starting with Blackwood and eventually expanding to include Kiaat, African Mahogany, Chamfuta, and various other African hardwoods sourced from Mozambique and Zambia.
Richard Pringle joined his father Doug in 1992, bringing fresh energy and a modern perspective to the family business. Under Richard's leadership, Pringle Sawmillshas continued to evolve while maintaining the high standards set by his grandfather and father. Today, Richard is the current business owner and director. His passion and leadership go beyond the success of the operation. He has gained valuable knowledge and experiences from the generations before him. Doug and Jimmy Pringle's legacies live on forever.
Pringle Sawmills has grown significantly over the years, now operating five portable infield sawmills that process local hardwoods such as Saligna, Jacaranda, Oak, Cypress, and SA Pine. The harvested hardwoods undergo a meticulous kiln-drying process at the Pringle Sawmills facility, ensuring the highest quality for their wide range of products, including solid and engineered wooden flooring, laminated beams, timber decking, and live edge wooden products. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques has solidified Pringle Sawmills' reputation for excellence in the timber industry.
1934
Jimmy Pringle and Major Rattraybuy land in Kwanbo Nambi, Zulu-land (current day KZN) after the1st World. Together they establishand develop the Saligna Industry.
1985
Doug Pringle, son of Jimmy, relocates to Alverstone, Durban, whilst Mondi, Sappi, and Shell begin to talekover the timber industry for Pulp and Paper.
1987
Douglas Pringle begins milling Hardwoods, starting with Black-wood and then Kiaat, African Mahogany, Chamfuta and many other African hardwoods.
2024
Today, Pringle Sawmills has 5 Portable infield sawmills and a kiln for the drying and treatment of timber. The family-run business continues to grow.