Forest Technology Group selected to provide MeadWestvaco’s forest information services

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – March 4, 2002 – Forest Technology Group has been selected by MeadWestvaco (NYSE: MWV) as the supplier of forest information services for its 3.5 million acres of forestland in the United States. The services include forest inventory and geographic information systems (GIS) along with other forestry planning and decision support.

Forest Technology Group delivers both PC-based and Web-based geographic information systems, including training and support, for forestry and natural resource managers. These systems are designed with easy-to-use interfaces, making them highly accessible and useful, even to those with limited technical skills. The company provides a broad spectrum of consulting services to complement its information systems.

MeadWestvaco, formed by the merger of Mead Corporation and Westvaco Corporation, will use Forest Technology Group’s products and services for assessment and planning in its wood supply and forest management operations. Prior to the merger, Westvaco relied on Forest Technology Group for similar services on its 1.3 million acres of forestland.

“We are delighted with the opportunity to provide services to the new company–MeadWestvaco,” said Gene Kodama, Forest Technology Group’s CEO. “Westvaco has been a major client, and we believe this expansion of our role is a vote of confidence in the reliable, cost effective information technology we have been providing.”

In the coming months, data from the former Mead and Westvaco forests will be integrated into a single format, usable with a common information system throughout the company. Foresters and other managers will be able to easily access and overlay forest data, maps and aerial photographs using Forest Technology Group’s Web-based geographic information system–WebFRIS. This system will enable managers to view their data, and perform timely and consistent analyses over all or parts of the forestland base.

“We need reliable information that’s consistent across our holdings and easy to access and use,” said Gene Parker, MeadWestvaco’s Forestry Division President. “Having a vendor provide these services allows us to stay focused on our core business. Based on past experience, we believe Forest Technology Group is best prepared to meet our present and future needs.”

For more information on Forest Technology Group, visit the company’s Web site at www.ftgrp.com or contact Guerry Doolittle, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Forest Technology Group, 125 Crosscreek Dr., Summerville, S.C., 29485. Telephone: 843-832-4195. E-mail: [email protected].