Arauco Purchases Wood Panel Mills in Mexico

ARAUCO is adding an important step in its internationalization process and strengthening its presence in the North American market by closing an agreement for the purchase of MASISA’s industrial assets in Mexico, which involves two industrial complexes located in Durango and Zitácuaro. The operation considers an investment of US$160 million, and positions ARAUCO as the world’s second producer of wood panels, with an annual 10 million m3.

In terms of production, both facilities combined have three particleboard lines with an annual installed capacity of 339,000 m3, an MDF panel line with an annual capacity of 220,000 m3, melamine laminate lines with an annual installed capacity of 309,000 m3, a chemical plant that produces resin and formalin, and treatment lines.

ARAUCO’s Senior Vice-President Commercial & Corporate Affairs Charles Kimber said, “we are very happy with this new purchase, which is set within our internationalization plan, aiming to position ARAUCO as a global company and market leader. With this acquisition, we will be extending our presence in the North American panel market, where we see very favorable signs of a rising trend regarding these types of products for the furniture and home industry.”

Source: Celulosa Arauco Y Constitucion, S.A.