In the past, non productive citrus trees were uprooted and then burnt. Mr Johan Barnard, a citrus farmer in the Letsitele area, recognized the quality of the citrus wood and began recovering the trunks. He established Barnard Houtwerke from very humble beginnings in 2005, with only two farm labourers. Through hard work, dedication, and in-house training, he today has a core group of 16 highly skilled artisans.
 
Citrus trees bear fruit for 30 to 50 years, and on reaching the end of their productive capacity, are replaced with young trees. It is these trunks that are recovered for use in the manufacture of furniture. The timber is treated and stack dried for 12 months before the manufacturing process starts. Each piece of furniture is handmade and uniquely identified by a crested serial number to reflect the quality, year of manufacture, and includes a product code. This serial number is recorded in a register, at the factory of origin, against which the buyers name is brought into record. Each item of furniture has the potential of becoming a collector's piece. The designs remain timeless and finishes are natural or stained; a genuine South African product.