Sep 26, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Vietnam's woodwork industry has in recent years recorded robust growth buoyed by increasingly strong exports. Local wood processors now ship their goods to 120 countries and territories, especially those in Norh America and Europe. Statistics put the nation's total wooden furniture shipments in the first eight months of this year at an impressive $1 billion. But the lack of wood for processing constrains the industry’s strong growth. Many processors have regretfully walked away from big orders for fear that they do not have sufficient material to fulfill them. Given this situation, a number of companies, especially Tan Dang Khoa, have actively been searching for various sources to meet the need of processors. HCMC-based Tan Dang Khoa Co. is importing replanted forest wood from other countries, particularly the United States and France. Le Nguyen Khang, director of the company, says replanted forests in America and Europe are under strict control and that only trees that are 40 years old or so can be chopped for wood. The quality of wood exploited from these forests is always good. Tan Dang Khoa is now an exclusive distributor of oak, ash, beech and maple wood supplied by U.S. firm P&J Lumber. These types of wood are all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Pan European Forest Certification organization (PEFC). "These certificates are the passports for finished wooden items to enter selective markets where environmental protection is top priority", Mr. Khang says. Major wood processors like Hoang Nguyen, Tan Thanh, TTT, TCT and Villa are among Tan Dang Khoa’s key customers. A number of big furniture companies abroad, including from Malaysia, China and Hong Kong, also buy wood from Tan Dang Khoa. Mr. Khang says his company’s monthly sales average is VND 3 billion ($188 800). In particular, Tan Dang Khoa imports logged wood from America and uses American processing technology to supply low-cost wood for local furniture producers. Mr. Khang says: “We can assure that the price of our wood is 15-20% lower than normal market levels and those quoted by American suppliers. This is because we have an effective yet simple management machinery and applies advanced technology to forest exploitation, so production costs are reasonable". For example, pinewood is normally priced at more than VND 3 million ($188.8) per cubic meter while the on-exploitation site price quoted by Tan Dang Khoa is around $140 (VND 2.2 million). Tan Dang Khoa is looking to expand its distribution network to establish a widespread presence in the country in a bid to contribute to the effort to quell forest destruction. "Imported wood is of high quality but low-priced. We expect our stable wood supply will help woodwork producers focus on production and relieving themselves of worries over the lack of material", Mr. Khang says. His company has invested heavily to grow 700 hectares of forest in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai so that it can reduce dependence on imports and at the same time, ensure the availability of wood for its customers at all times. To make its image more popular in the local market, Tan Dang Khoa has registered two booths at Expo 2005, an international handicraft and furniture exhibition organized by the HCMC Service of Trade at the HCMC International exhibition and convention center from October 3-7. “We are taking firm steps to make our plan to become a major wood supplier in the country a reality", Mr. Khang says.