MEXICO – Arauco’s acquisition of Masisa’s forestry assets in Mexico announced in December 2017 and finalized in January this year – after being modified – includes the purchase of two industrial complexes located in Durango and Zitácuaro at a price of USD 160 million.

The operation positions Arauco as the world’s second producer of wood panels, with an annual 10 million m3 and as the primary producer of panels in Mexico.

In terms of production, both Mexican 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”.

With the new acquisition agreement, Masisa will maintain the ownership of its production plant in Chihuahua consisting of a particleboard (PB) line with an installed annual capacity of 220,000 m3, melamine coating lines with a total installed annual capacity of 76,000 m3 and three lines of finishes (foils, veneers and kitchen covers).