CHILE - The panels division of Arauco closed the third quarter of the year with an increase of 65% in sales compared to the same quarter of 2012 and a 62% in accumulated sales against the same period of 2012.

On the other hand, volume sales increased 73% compared to the third quarter of 2012, accumulating a 66% 9M/2013 growth. This strong growth over the previous year reflects the consolidation of Flakeboard in North America.

Compared to the same quarter of 2012, MDF volume sales showed a rise of 69% which is explained by an increase of supply from Flakeboard in North America and also to the start of the new MDF line in Jaguariaiva, Brazil.  Compared to the same quarter of 2012, particleboard sales volume increased 164%. This increase is mainly explained by the contribution of sales coming from operations in North America and by a higher volume of the Teno Plant in Chile. Sales of MDF moldings showed a higher demand in the North American market, which goes in line with the recovery of the Housing Starts Index.