Stella-Jones's revenue rises 46%

Stella-Jones, the Canadian joint venture company between James Jones & Sons Ltd and Stella International SA which specialises in treated lumber products specialist, has reported a 46% rise in net income for the first quarter.

The company said demand held up in its core product categories and with further efficiencies helped move net income ahead to C$8.5m from C$5.8 a year before. Sales were up 31% to C$133.4m.

Stella-Jones specialises in railway sleepers, utility poles, industrial lumber products for construction and treated consumer lumber products for the residential market.

A spokesperson said that while demand for utility poles was driven by special projects, "we expect railway tie demand to grow in 2011. In response to an improving global economy, freight volumes are rising in North America. Operators seeking optimal line efficiency are investing in their continental rail networks".