Dargle Poles is a shining example of a well-run timber treatment business – a reputation bolstered even further by their recent signing of the Dolphin Bay Quality Pledge.
Based in the Dargle Valley in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, close to Midmar Dam, Dargle Poles is owned and operated by husband and wife Craig and Julia Rees.
“We decided to sign the Quality Pledge because it aligns directly with our core philosophy: delivering a reliable, quality product that customers can trust,” said Julia. “The timber treatment industry faces challenges with sub-standard treated timber, which damages the overall reputation of CCA poles. Joining the Quality Pledge is another way of proving our commitment to quality and social responsibility, and maintaining our reputation in the market.”
“There aren’t many ladies in our industry, and Julia Rees is really a marvellous example,” said Dolphin Bay’s Mark Duckham. “Whatever Dargle Poles does, from A to Z, they do it properly – whether it’s production, health and safety, environmental requirements, or sales.”
The Quality Pledge is a platform where timber treatment companies can commit to excellence and receive recognition
The Quality Pledge confirms this. A Dolphin Bay initiative, it is a platform where timber treatment companies can commit to excellence and receive recognition for being reputable operations producing high-quality poles. To join the Quality Pledge, your operation does not need to be compliant from the start, as working towards quality is what the Pledge is all about.
The Pledge focuses on six principles: compliance with the law; meeting quality standards; environmental impact; operational processes; quality controls and monitoring; and harvesting timber from sustainable forestry.
“It covers everything needed to ensure that the product you sell has met all the industry requirements,” Mark explained. “Our Quality Pledge programme is as close as one can get to a complete quality guarantee.”
“Recognition by a third party”
Julia believes that signing the Quality Pledge will confirm Dargle Poles’ own strict standards. “Our business is based on integrity, and when this is recognised by a third party it simply strengthens our brand,” she said. “It also ensures that we as a company are always striving for excellence and not simply ticking legislative boxes.”
“With the constant struggle against illegally treated or inferior poles, we should use every avenue at our disposal to protect our reputations, brands, and that of certified CCA poles in general. This will only serve to strengthen the industry.”
Julia acknowledges that the legislative and administrative requirements for timber treatment businesses can be overwhelming, involving huge amounts of paperwork and red tape. Her advice? “Do the work. Keep badgering government departments until your submissions and enquiries are all up to date and always comply with the various government department rules. Eventually, this makes it much easier, more sustainable, and less stressful to run your business.
“Developing relationships with trusted partners that have experience in the various fields is crucial, especially for small businesses where the admin, HR, and finance ‘departments’ are often only one or two people!
“We had to learn everything from scratch and over the years appreciated the involvement, honesty and partnership from Dolphin Bay.”
“We were complete newcomers to the timber and treating industry 12 years ago, and Dolphin Bay has been an integral part of our journey,” said Julia. “We had to learn everything from scratch and over the years have appreciated the involvement, honesty, and partnership from Dolphin Bay. We also enjoy their innovative approach and forward thinking, keeping ahead of the game and taking advantage of new developments in terms of technology and AI.”
Bertus said that Dargle Poles is the perfect customer to join the Quality Pledge. “Dargle Poles is proof that you don’t have to be a huge corporate to take quality seriously,” he said. “They’re a niche operation and focus on quality products and on the bigger picture.
“They certainly belong in the Quality Pledge programme.”
Businesses interested in joining the Quality Pledge can find more information here or contact Dolphin Bay directly.
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