Supply and Installation of Double Track Lumber Drying Kilns NEW

The South African Forestry Company SOC Limited (SAFCOL) is seeking a service provider to supply, deliver, install and commission three batch-type double track kilns at its Timbadola Sawmill on farm Lisbon 12 LT in the Entabeni plantation, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province. The project forms part of a sawmill overhaul to increase throughput, improve drying quality and efficiency, add value to finished products, and remove an existing bottleneck between the wet yard and the kilns. The kilns must dry SA pine lumber from a green moisture content of over 50% down to 12% in line with SANS structural timber codes, using 38mm boards, at a drying rate of about 1mm per hour. Each kiln must hold six stacks and achieve a minimum throughput of 24,000m³ per year, with a combined minimum of 70,000m³ per year across the three kilns. Detailed throughput calculations must be provided.

The scope covers a full turnkey solution. Key requirements include rust-resistant steel and aluminium frame construction with a design life of at least 20 years, modular insulated panels, pneumatically controlled roof vents, heat exchangers and booster coils, humidification by misting or steam baths, and steam supply manifolds and valves that connect to the existing boiler steam line. The bid also covers hot water return and condensate systems, a PLC with variable speed drives for energy savings, sensors for temperature, humidity and non-invasive moisture measurement, and a SCADA system with an HMI, web-based scheduling, data export and a 24/7 mobile monitoring app. Safety features include automatic shut-off on excessive temperature, alarms, and lockable isolation switches. The provider is also responsible for civil works, steel supply and structures, electrical installation, cold and live commissioning, development of three drying recipes per kiln, operator and artisan training, and freight, customs and transport under DDP Incoterms 2020. After-sales support must include a minimum 12-month warranty, technical support within 8 hours for remote calls and 12 hours for on-site visits, and a stock of critical spares held by the mill.

Bidders must attend the compulsory Microsoft Teams briefing on 13 November 2026 (11:00 to 12:30), as non-attendance leads to disqualification. Eligibility requires a South African footprint, which for overseas manufacturers means a ratification letter from the original equipment manufacturer naming the bidder as local agent. Bidders must also hold a valid COIDA letter of good standing, CSD registration, a tax compliance status, and a B-BBEE certificate. Evaluation proceeds in phases: administrative compliance, mandatory requirements, then functionality scored out of 100 (experience with signed referral letters 40 points, commissioning and project schedule 40 points, after-sales support plan 20 points). A minimum of 70 functionality points is required before price and specific goals are assessed, on an 80/20 preference point system. The contract follows the NEC4 Supply Contract. Bids are hand-delivered or couriered to SAFCOL's Nelspruit office, and enquiries go to the SCM contact, Ms. Lungile Moeketsi.