Louis du Plessis, director at New Century Sawmill Solutions and CEO of Southern Cross Forestry Developments, has been in the sawmill and timber industry for more than 10 years. Holding a National Diploma in Building Sciences, he started his career in the building industry in 1997 becoming Project Manager for various industrial and commercial developments. Following his passion Louis joined New Century Sawmill Solutions in 2004, and using his skills in project management, led the company in some varying and ground-breaking projects in the sawmilling industry. The company is now involved in turnkey sawmill projects, specialised biomass reforestation, commercial afforestation in Africa, project development and feasibility studies as well as biofuel power generation. His passion is the development of turnaround strategies for forestry and sawmilling plants, to secure a sustainability and commercial viability for the future.