10th September 2024
WOODBOIS LIMITED
("Woodbois," the
"Group," the "Company")
Corporate
Update and Strategic Developments
Operational and Strategic
Reorganisation
Woodbois Ltd, a leading player in the international
sustainable timber industry, is pleased to provide a comprehensive
update on its ongoing operational and strategic reorganisation,
following previous announcements on 28 June 2024, 21 August 2024,
and 2 September 2024.
Our Group-wide reorganisation continues to progress with
significant strides made in streamlining global operations. These
initiatives have delivered a leaner, more cost-effective structure,
resulting in substantially reduced
operational costs and improved
profitability. This has not only enhanced
operational efficiency but has also positioned the Company for
long-term growth. As part of this reorganisation, we continue to
attract top-tier talent to drive performance and support our
strategic goals.
As previously communicated, we have divested our
operations in Mozambique, allowing us to further optimise our
international structure with the support of tax specialists. This
rationalisation includes the closure of two additional
international offices and the elimination of several subsidiaries.
Looking ahead, Woodbois will centralise its administrative efforts
across three strategic regions: Guernsey (AIM listing and corporate
oversight), Gabon (sustainable timber production), and Dubai
(global trade operations). The establishment of our Dubai office is
nearing completion, with operations expected to commence within the
next two weeks.
Gabon Leadership Appointment
We are delighted to announce the appointment of
Jean-Claude Martin as Directeur General of Woodbois Gabon.
Jean-Claude has been a consultant to the Company since January 2024
and brings over 30 years of management experience in the timber
industry within the Equatorial Congo Basin. His leadership will be
pivotal in strengthening our Gabonese operations and expanding our
export activities.
To support our ongoing growth, we are establishing an
upgraded administrative office in Mouila, the location of our
production facilities, which will enhance communication and
operational efficiency across the Group. Additionally, the office
in Libreville will relocate to a more compact facility near the
port to streamline logistics and customs-related
activities.
Operational Enhancements and Production
Update
As part of our ongoing investments in production
capabilities, all key equipment has been upgraded and is being
meticulously maintained. In September, we began ramping up
production levels, targeting 50 containers per month (each
container typically containing 45 m3-50m3 of
timber). Year-to-date (YTD), our production
volume has reached 160 containers of sawn timber and veneer, with
all of this production already sold. This highlights the continued strong
demand for our products, with several customers committed to
purchasing all we can produce.
In addition to increasing production, we are doubling our
drying capacity this month by installing new kilns at our Mouila
site and adding two new saw lines to further boost factory output.
We have procured an additional 20,000m³ of logs, and together with
our own harvesting operations, we are well-positioned to maintain
high production volumes, even during the rainy season.
Payment Terms and Cash Flow
Management
We have successfully renegotiated payment terms with many
of our customers, resulting in a significant improvement in cash
flow management. Previously, payments were delayed until products
were delivered to their final destinations. Under our new
agreements, Woodbois will now receive full payment within 10 days
of vessel departure, which will significantly enhance liquidity.
Our focus remains on the sale of high-quality timber
produced by our own operations, which offers superior margins and
reduces financial risk. As at 31 August 2024, we have a forward
order book of over USD 7 million in
contracts across the Middle East and Asia, which we
expect to fulfil and recognise as revenue over the next 12 months.
Our veneer production is fully pre-sold under agreed-term
contracts. Additionally, we have resumed hardwood cutting for
species such as Dabema, with a notable contract for export to the
UAE, and are observing increasing interest from new markets in the
Caribbean and South America.
Strategic Growth and Third-Party
Trading
In light of the inherent risks associated with third-party
timber trading, such as upfront costs and uncertain payment
collection, Woodbois has implemented stricter controls. Moving
forward, such transactions will only be pursued under clearly
defined conditions, with a primary focus on cash flow and margin
protection.
While we continue to drive organic growth through enhanced
production and expanded markets, we are also actively exploring
opportunities for strategic partnerships
and potential acquisitions. These initiatives align with our
ambition to further scale the business and diversify revenue
streams.
Outlook
The Board remains highly optimistic about Woodbois' future
prospects. With a solid foundation now in place,
reduced operational costs,
and growing production levels, we are well-positioned to pursue
sustainable
growth,
deliver increasing profitability, and capitalise on our strategic
initiatives. As we prepare the release of our half-year interim results, which will be
published very soon, we remain confident in our ability to generate
strong returns for our stakeholders.
We extend our gratitude to our stakeholders for their
continued support as we advance towards our strategic objectives
with renewed focus and purpose.
Woodbois Limited
Guido Theuns, Executive Chair &
CEO
Johannes Bloemen, CFO
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+ 44 (0)20 7099 1940
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Canaccord Genuity (Nominated
Advisor and Broker)
Henry Fitzgerald O'Connor, Harry
Pardoe
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+ 44 (0)20 7523 8000
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Novum
Securities (Joint
Broker)
Colin Rowbury, Jon Bellis
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+44 (0) 20 7399 9427
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Axis
Capital Markets Limited (Joint
Broker)
Ben Tadd, Lewis Jones
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+44 (0) 203 026 0449
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About
Woodbois:
Woodbois is a Guernsey-based company at the
forefront of the timber industry, committed to delivering quality
products and sustainable solutions. With a legacy of innovation and
a vision for the future, it strives to set industry standards and
exceed expectations. Please follow the Company
on X: @WoodboisLtd