…to introduce waterproof plywood
One of Guyana’s leading players in the forest and manufacturing sectors, Barama Company Limited (BCL) has invested more than $1 billion to revitalise its factory operations at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, and the timber supply chain.
Dubbed the Strategic Reinvestment and Plywood Expansion initiative, this capital injection has funded the addition of critical machinery and the integration of advanced processing technologies, which has seen a massive expansion of the company’s plywood production facilities.
According to a statement from BCL on Friday, the expansion triggered a 50 to 70 per cent increase in production capacity, depending on prevailing market conditions, thus ensuring that Barama remains the primary source for high-quality, tropical hardwood plywood.
“The company has transitioned from a period of restructuring to full-scale recovery, significantly improving the conversion rate of logs to finished plywood by over seven per cent. By optimising its recovery processes, Barama is maximising the value of every cubic metre of timber harvested, aligning with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS),” the missive detailed.
It went on to note that during the reinvestment phase, the company managed to introduce weather and boil proof (WBP) plywood as a new product which meets the current construction demand for such plywood.
Going forward, BCL said it will be introducing other plywood products to further enhance its product line.
In fact, to ensure the long-term viability of the local plywood industry and protect existing jobs, Barama said it is seeking the government’s collaboration to address current raw material shortages and an erosion of the market integrity.
“These proposed measures, including certain concessions on specialised manufacturing inputs, are intended to stabilise production levels and overcome immediate threats to the future of plywood manufacturing,” the company posited.
As a result of the current market situation over the last eight months, there has been a slowdown in production loss by approximately 2000 cubic metres, valued at $330 million; the loss of some 300 man-hours; and a manpower loss of approximately 50 employees due to reduced operation.
Nevertheless, BCL said this strategic $1 billion reinvestment is part of the “Barama 3.0” transformation plan and reinforces the company’s 34-year commitment to Guyana’s industrial growth, value-added manufacturing, and sustainable community development.
“Local First”
In fact, central to Barama’s expansion is its “Local First” sourcing strategy. To meet the increased demand for raw materials, the company has deepened its engagement with rural and riverine communities, thus empowering local loggers.
“Barama sources approximately 95 per cent of its manufacturing inputs indigenously. By partnering with small-scale loggers and community forestry associations in remote areas, the company has invested in vital capital equipment needed to support the rural economy.”
“This model provides rural producers with a consistent market for their logs, fostering long-term economic stability in regions that depend on the forestry sector. This expansion project will relate to a 50 per cent increase in timber supply needs and an improvement in the timber specifications in favour of our suppliers,” the company stated.
Furthermore, as a testament to its operational excellence, Barama recently received re-certification for the fourth consecutive year of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) “Made in Guyana” Standards Mark. This certification covers its diverse range of plywood, including regular, grooved, and water-resistant types, ensuring that local consumers and international export markets receive products that meet world-class benchmarks.
Meanwhile, the expansion of BCL’s plywood division has led to a significant surge in employment. Not only has Barama grown its headcount from 200 employees to now 415 employees, but it is fundamentally changing the demographic of the forestry workforce. It continues to foster a safe and healthy work environment along with above-standard welfare practices, with the possibility of being the only unionised company in the forestry sector.
Additionally, BCL has also broken traditional forest industry norms, with over 40 per cent of its workforce comprised of women. “From the factory floor to specialised technical roles and management, the company is committed to gender parity and providing high-skill manufacturing opportunities for Guyanese women,” Barama noted.
Minister within the Housing Ministry, Vanessa Benn; Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat; and Guyana Forestry Commissioner, Edward Goberdhan, visited Barama’s Land of Canaan location on Friday to officially launch the $1 billion Strategic Reinvestment and Plywood Expansion initiative.
Delivering remarks, Minister Benn encouraged more individuals and businesses to support local, noting that purchasing locally produced goods directly sustains livelihoods, strengthens families, and contributes to broader national development.
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