Given the slow down with exporting companies, Pacific Timber Engineering Limited (PTEL) retained a strong market share in saw milling upgrades and timber processing technology, resulting in a very successful year for 2003.

Sawmillers and timber processors feeling the export pinch, recognised the necessity to address timber handling efficiencies, conversion factors and accuracy issues to ensure they keep their heads above water during the soft market conditions.

Consequently PTEL was engaged in the following:

Upgrading carriages from conventional bunk slides to dual chrome round slide ways and tong log dogging that not only increases accuracy but also reduces maintenance costs dramatically.

Supply and fitting of Hydraulic Rope Tensioners to carriage winch systems to eliminate rope damage through shock loading and extending the service life of wire ropes generally.

Complete refurbishment and installation of an imported twin bandsaw to replace a circular bench saw.

Supply and installation of an edger pre-positioning infeed system.

The timber processing side of the industry saw PTEL supply and commission packet infeed systems including tilt hoists, decks, unscramblers, board dealers into two re-processing systems, and also a chop saw line for a finger jointing operation.

Maintenance programs at various sawmills also kept our company busy during the year, resulting in ring debarker overhauls, carriage rail replacements, carriage wheel replacements, bandsaw wheel grinds and alignments and general maintenance of machinery including, bearings, chains, wear strips etc.

In conclusion 2003 has been a very satisfying year, we were proud of our involvement in the many mills we are engaged in from time to time and have enjoyed immensely working on the various sites and are appreciative of the opportunity to do so.

All at Pacific Timber Engineering Limited take this opportunity to extend our best wishes and good fortune for this 2004 Year.

The Directors, Pacific Timber Engineering Ltd.