PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Long-term silviculture, harvesting and timber operations
Chen Jianguo has managed forestry operations associated with Sun Paper in Laos over an extended period, initially undertaking land clearance work and later expanding into plantation establishment, silviculture, harvesting and timber transport.
The work developed into a large-scale forestry operation covering both plantation establishment and timber production activities. At peak operating scale, annual planting reached approximately 1,000 hectares and annual harvesting approximately 100,000 m³.
Project facts
Client
Sun Paper
Period
From 2009 – Land clearance and plantation operations
From 2018 – Harvesting and expanded plantation operations
Contracting identity
Chen Jianguo / Hui Ying
Location
Savannakhet and southern Laos
Annual harvesting
Approximately 100,000 m³
Annual planting
Approximately 1,000 ha
Peak workforce
Approximately 600 people
Field teams
Approximately 20 teams
Main species
Eucalyptus
Scope of work
Silviculture and plantation operations
Land and site preparation, planting, replanting, weeding, fertilising and pruning across commercial eucalyptus plantation areas.
Harvesting and log handling
Manual chainsaw felling, timber extraction, in-field log stacking and excavator loading as part of the harvesting operation.
Transport and road work
Coordination of timber transport together with construction and maintenance of access roads required to support harvesting and timber movements.
Operating at scale
The Sun Paper operations developed into a large forestry contracting programme covering both plantation establishment and timber production. At peak operating scale, annual planting reached approximately 1,000 hectares and annual harvesting approximately 100,000 m³.
The operation involved approximately 20 field teams and a peak workforce of around 600 people. Chen’s role included coordinating the silvicultural and harvesting teams, equipment, log handling, transport and supporting field operations required to deliver work at this scale across multiple locations.
Long-term operational involvement
Chen’s involvement with these plantation operations extends back to 2009. His earlier work began during the period of Birla Lao Pulp & Plantations and continued as the plantation operations subsequently became part of Sun Paper’s investment in Laos.
Over time, Chen’s role developed from land clearance and plantation establishment into a broader forestry operation incorporating silviculture, harvesting, timber handling, transport and supporting road work. This long-term involvement provided continuity of practical operational experience through different stages of plantation development and ownership.
Project gallery
Silviculture and plantation operations
Selected photographs from Sun Paper land preparation, plantation establishment and silvicultural operations managed by Chen Jianguo.
Harvesting and timber transport
Sun Paper operations also included large-scale eucalyptus harvesting, log handling and timber transport. Project photographs will be added when suitable images are available.
