U.S. – Arauco, a global producer of wood products, conducted on April 12th the ground-breaking ceremonies for its new, state-of-the-art, USD 400 million particleboard plant located in Grayling, Mich. The facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2018.

The plant will become the most modern particleboard plant in North America and the largest of its kind globally. Once completed, the plant will feature North America’s largest single continuous particleboard press (170 ft.) and will be one of the most productive in the world. The plant’s main structure will measure 820,000 ft2 with an annual capacity of 452 million ft2 (800,000 m3).

Particleboard produced at the Grayling plant is expected to benefit ARAUCO’s customers in the largely under-served Midwest market area. Its geographic location will improve the logistics of the entire chain of production, and support anticipated customer growth in the region. The world-class, particleboard products produced at the plant ultimately will be used in commercial and residential furniture, fixtures and cabinetry.

The Grayling plant’s raw fiber needs are going to be 100% supplied by residual wood sourced from nearby sawmills, logging operations and low-grade wood fiber traditionally left on the forest floor. The improved use of these resources will promote a healthier forest, a more efficient use of forest resources and support sustainable forest management practices in Michigan. All Arauco North America composite panel plants operate in a safe and environmentally sound manner and meet international standards along with federal and state requirements to drive product and environmental best practices and to keep employees and contractors safe. The Grayling plant will meet these same performance standards, as well as meet or exceed the permit requirements from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Grayling Charter Township.