A strong performance at its performance fibres business has boosted sales at Rayonier. The US-based company, involved in the timber, real estate and performance fibre markets, posted increased sales of $329 million for the fourth quarter 2006—up from $312 million in the third quarter and $316 million in fourth quarter 2005. Sales for the full-year year also increased to reach $1.2 billion—4% higher than in 2005.

Whilst sales fell at both its timber and real estate units, its Performance Fibers business, which produces high-value specialty cellulose, posted sales of $196 million—$33 million above the third quarter. The significant increase in sales was attributed to increased volume.