About Us CUF GROUP
At Cameroon United Forest Group (CUF Group), we’re more than just a timber company; we’re a testament to sustainable growth, community empowerment, and uncompromising quality in the forestry sector. From our humble beginnings in 1991 to becoming a global leader, our journey is rooted in a deep respect for nature and a commitment to people.
Our Vision and Values
Our core belief at CUF Group revolves around a harmonious balance between robust commercial operations and profound social responsibility. We are deeply attentive to the social issues of local populations and actively participate in their socio-economic development. This isn’t just a philosophy; it’s woven into our daily operations. We promote the recruitment of employees directly from the communities in our operational areas, creating vital employment opportunities. Beyond that, we proudly finance local development projects, contributing to infrastructure, education, and overall community well-being. We believe that true success is shared success.
Our Story: From Local Roots to Global Reach
The Birth of CUF Group
In March 1991, Cameroon United Forest Group (CUF Group) was officially born. Our mission was clear from the outset: to excel in logging, wood processing, and trading. We started small, with a dedicated team of 15 forestry employees under the dynamic, itinerant management of one remarkable woman, Ngum Flora.
Our initial years saw us acquiring forests as a subcontractor, which enabled us to produce an impressive 2,500 m³ of wood per month in our very first year. Our dedication quickly bore fruit, as we secured our first sale of cut timber in 1992. That same year, our turnover soared to 250 million CFA francs, selling our entire production exclusively to the local market.
CUF Group Today
Fast forward to today, and CUF Group has transformed into a powerhouse in the timber industry. We proudly boast a team of 800 employees, strategically divided across our operations. This includes 7 thriving farmswe own in the South Cameroon region (5 directly owned, 2 in partnership), our state-of-the-art Ebolowa industrial sawmill, and our central Management office, strategically located in Douala.
Our growth trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal. In 2017 alone, CUF Group produced an astounding 220,000 m³ of logs, with our turnover exceeding 16 billion CFA francs. This remarkable achievement underscores our capacity, efficiency, and market leadership.
How We Operate: A Seamless Chain of Excellence
Our success is built upon a meticulously managed and integrated operational chain, ensuring quality and efficiency at every step.
1) Exploitation: Sustainable Harvesting
CUF Group owns 5 Forest Management Units (UFAs) in the rich South Cameroon region, complemented by two additional concessions from valuable partnerships. Spanning an impressive 352,534 hectares, we meticulously harvest approximately 10,500 hectares each year, adhering to strict sustainable forestry practices.
Our operations yield an average of 18,000 m³ of logs per month. Of this, a significant 60% is processed in our Ebolowa sawmill, while the remaining portion is expertly exported as logs or supplied locally to our esteemed partner companies. In 2017, our commitment to robust production saw us yield 220,146 m³ of wood.
2) Transport: Reliable Logistics
Getting our logs from the forest to the factory or port is a critical step, and we manage it with unparalleled efficiency. A fleet of 40 trucks diligently handles the delivery of logs to either our Ebolowa plant or the bustling ports of Douala and Kribi.
To ensure seamless operations, CUF Group maintains its own dedicated technical workshop at our Bonapriso premises. This allows us to perform systematic and thorough maintenance on all trucks between trips, minimizing downtime and maximizing reliability. Our Technical Department meticulously oversees logistics and truck monitoring across all forestry sites and at the Ebolowa plant, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted flow.
3) Transformation: Precision Processing
Our Ebolowa sawmill is the heart of our transformation process, equipped with 3 state-of-the-art sawing lines, the latest of which was installed in June 2016. This advanced setup boosts our production capacity to an impressive 5000 m³ of cut timber per month, with 80% dedicated to export.
A skilled workforce of 400 individuals meticulously transforms 42 species of exploited wood. The timber is expertly cut into planks, or precisely dried and planed, ready for diverse applications such as the construction of exquisite terraces, saunas, and more.
Global Reach of Our Products
CUF Group’s largest market is Asia, with strong partnerships in Vietnam, India, and China. Following closely is Europe, where our products find outlets in France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. We also serve markets in North America and the Middle East. Remarkably, CUF Group derives approximately 95% of its turnover from exports, a testament to our global presence and product demand.
Competitive Equipment & Value-Added Processing
We are proud to operate a 2nd transformation unit, enabling us to produce high-value finished products. This includes premium decking boards (Deck) and expertly planed S4S and E4E joists, which serve as robust supports for parquet floors, terraces, and various other constructions.
Furthermore, CUF Group boasts six advanced drying cells, three of which were commissioned in July 2016. These cells have a significant capacity of approximately 600 m³ of KD (Kiln Dried) or cycle-dried wood, equating to an impressive 1500 m³ per month. This ensures our timber meets stringent international moisture content standards, guaranteeing stability and durability.
Our sawmill also features its own dedicated stuffing service before transport to the Autonomous Port of Douala. This crucial provision significantly speeds up export procedures and the timely delivery of customer orders, showcasing our commitment to efficiency.
4) Trading: A Network of Trust
On the international stage, Cameroon United Forest Group works with more than 140 reputable companies, fostering strong, long-lasting relationships. Our main international partners include:
- BATIPLUS
- EXOTIC TIMBER
- F JAMMES
- INTERHOLCO
- KNOW GLOBAL
- NHG TIMBER
- SANGIORGI LEGNAMI
- TIMBERLINK
- 3T TROPICAL TIMBER TRADING
- TRABOIS
- GIVE IT
- And many more…
In the local market, our main buyers are equally distinguished:
- ALPICAM
- PROPALM
- SN COCAM
At CUF Group, our journey is ongoing. We continue to innovate, grow, and contribute positively to both the environment and the communities we serve. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to excellence and explore how our premium timber products can meet your needs.
