U.S. – During the last days of September Arauco North America announced the appointment two new members of its sales organization: Al Murray as National Sales Manager – Particleboard and Geri Freeman has as Regional Sales Manager – Western Region.

In his new role, Al Murray will have sales responsibilities for Arauco’s three US particleboard mills located in Albany, OR; Moncure, NC; and Bennettsville, SC; as well as the Grayling, MI, particleboard and thermally-fused laminate (TFL) operation, scheduled to be online toward the end of 2018.

Mr. Murray joined Arauco in 2009 and most recently served as National Sales Manager – MDF. “This is an exciting time to be with Arauco as we continue to modernize and enhance our operations,” he said. “We are always listening to our customers to understand what we can do to help them in their success. Especially with the Grayling plant coming online, we are prepared to meet the growing demand for wood composites in this country.” Mr. Murray will report directly to Kevin Shotbolt, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Arauco.

Geri Freeman, Arauco’s new Regional Sales Manager – Western Region has a long career in the industry. Most recently, Ms. Freeman worked with Plum Creek/Weyerhaeuser as a Technical Sales Representative for MDF Panels in 13 western states, Mexico and western Canada. And prior to that, she was General Manager of four locations of California’s Pacific MDF.