Flat file to Excel....but it's got more than 255 columns!

VFP9SP2/Win7Pro/SDF fixed width file

I've got a flat file that needs to be translated to an Excel file. Traditional program put it into a cursor and then via automation did copy/paste into Excel. Problem is now that there are more than 255 columns (410 to be exact) so using a VFP cursor/table won't work. I was just doing direct string manipulations and insertting right to the Excel cells, but it's a SLOW process. It works, but I'm always looking for a better way.

Suggestions for approach?

tia!