Apremdo (W/R), Aug. 5, GNA - The Dupaul Wood Treatment Company based at Apremdo near Takoradi, has started processing matured coconut trees into lumber for the manufacture of ceiling panels.

Dr Paul Dufuor, Managing Director of the company made this known to Professor Dominic Fobi, Minister of Lands and Forestry when he visited the company's premises as part of his two-day official tour of some sawmills in the Shama-Ahanta Metropolis on Monday.

Dr Dufuor, who showed samples of ceiling panels and furniture manufactured from treated coconut lumber, said it is as durable as any other treated hardwoods and could last for years.

He said his company, which was originally established to process teak for wooden electric poles, had also branched into the manufacture of furniture and ceiling panels for export.

In addition, the company also processes hardwood for the construction of wooden bridges.

He said DuPaul was also undertaking forestation and a nursery project in the Ashanti Region.

Professor Fobi commended the company for its foresight and innovative efforts and hoped other sawmills would emulate it. The Minister also visited Intex sawmill at Apowa near Takoradi. The management of Intex said the major problem facing the company was lack of timber logs for processing.