U.S. – On January 26 Surteco North America sold its Suddekor paper treating facility in Biscoe, North Carolina to Arauco North America.

Surteco will concentrate treating operations at its East Longmeadow, Massachusetts facility which recently expanded capacity.

The acquired asset gives Arauco the ability to impregnate decorative paper with melamine based resin, which is used for the manufacture of thermally fused laminate panels (TFL). The Biscoe plant will supply the internal needs of Arauco’s five laminating facilities located in Albany, OR; Bennettsville, SC; Moncure, NC; Sault Ste. Marie, ON and St. Stephen, NB. 

“The investment in treating decorative papers provides us with the opportunity to better manage an important part of our supply chain,” remarks Kelly Shotbolt, President of Arauco North America, “It’s part of a vertical integration strategy that will further develop our TFL program by enhancing our ability to deliver new and innovative products to our customers,” he added.