BRAZIL (WBPIOnline).-Eucatex is the latest Brazilian wood panels manufacturer to express an interest in investing in forests and board production in the fast developing north-east region of Brazil. The São Paulo-based industrial group, which produces medium and high-density fibreboard (MDF/HDF) and medium density particleboard (MDP), is reported to be targeting the small northern state of Piauí for development. Initially, Eucatex is seeking forest land in Piauí, a virtually landlocked north eastern, largely agricultural state, with a view to setting up a panel making plant, revealed Paulo Maluf, a federal Brazilian congressman and senior member of Eucatex's owning family.Mr Maluf added that Eucatex is looking at a substantial investment project which would include constructing a local plant to produce MDF and MDP panels, according to the regional press reports. "The new investments are still dependent on many conversations with the government, but [we] will mount an investment," said Mr Maluf.