Andromeda, set up in 1998 and owned by Juma Mohammed Al Naboodah, supplied timber to the Al Shoala Complex. In mid-1999, the company opened what is claims to be the most modern sawmill in the region located in the Al Quoz Industrial Area of Dubai, UAE.

"At the outset, it was decided to set up a saw mill with machines and layout that would result in a very high-quality end-product," says chief executive officer Tony Stroud. "Andromeda, is now famed throughout the lower Gulf for the quality of its white wood - which is supplied accurately cut and in carefully sorted bundles."

Initially dealing in New Zealand white wood, Andromeda's management decided that Australian pine would be more suitable for the Gulf market as it is denser and has lesser and smaller knots, thus allowing greater strength and workability, he adds.

The company now specialises in Australian Radiata pine, which has fast become accepted by the construction industry as a superior product and is much in demand, according to Stroud.

"The company's reputation keeps growing and it now serves customers throughout the lower Gulf, Iran and Africa," he says. "Andromeda's white wood bundles are easily recognised by the Kangaroo logo on each bundle.

"Not resting on its laurels, Andromeda is proceeding on an expansion and further modernisation programme so that the benefits of an ultra modern saw mill are enjoyed by a greater and growing base of customers. No longer does a customer need to programme requirements many months in advance. In today's market, this is a necessary service that Andromeda provides. Our customers are never overstocked and never out of stock. They can reduce costs associated with carrying a bulk item like white wood. They can now access the best quality of white wood locally - our customers are the sure winners in every situation," he says.