T&B Group designs, premanufactures and builds resorts in exotic places.
By Joy Crane
Forty-one years ago, a small company was established in Knysna to manufacture handcrafted log homes. Today, the T&B Group’s prefabricated building systems remain in demand in South Africa and, through savvy management and product and marketing innovations, are sought after as a turnkey construction partner for exotic tourist destinations such as Mauritius, the Maldives and the Caribbean islands.
Founded in 1985 by John Tanner, T&B Log Homes was one of the first construction companies in the Southern Hemisphere to develop premanufactured timber building systems. John invented and patented a method for compressing solid logs under downward pressure to produce premanufactured construction elements.
Enter Dave Simpson, who has been involved with T&B Log Homes for most of its existence. Over 20 years ago, he took over running the company from the Tanner family and, more recently, has been the hands-on CEO.
He is a straight-talking, seasoned South African entrepreneur who has repositioned the company as the T&B Group, integrating patented timber-frame solid-log home products with the innovative REVO post-and-beam and laminated timber infill panels system.
Hilton Amingiri Resort, Maldives.
World-leading company
“We are still happy to design and construct a traditional log home, but the secret to our longevity and success is our ability to innovate and embrace changes in demand, which has made us more flexible and adaptable to every possible situation”, says Dave.
“Few companies can match our experience in designing and pre-manufacturing timber buildings in our own factory, managing bulk export logistics, and constructing on-site while providing technical support for timber-based buildings in remote areas. We have always stayed ahead of the competition”.
Read the full story here – https://www.woodbizafrica.co.za/july-2026-issue-61/#july-2026-issue-61/4/