Arauco Panels USA, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Arauco Wood Products, entered into an agreement to purchase Uniboard USA's medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard manufacturing facility in Moncure, N.C., the company announced Dec. 29. The transaction is expected to close before Feb. 15, the date Arauco plans to begin operations at its new facility.
The facility is considered one of the largest of its type in the United States with the capacity to annually produce 330,000 cubic meters of MDF and 270,000 cubic meters of particleboard. The facility can also produce thermofused melamine, which Uniboard said in its press release will be licensed by Arauco in its Southeast market under the Uniboard Melamine brand.
"This acquisition shows our commitment as a long-term supplier of sustainable, high-quality forest products to the North American market," said Charles Kimber, Arauco's corporate affairs and marketing director. "We are very excited about the prospects ahead as we blend the talents and technology of Arauco, Arauco Panels USA, and the Moncure facility. Out focus is on delivering industry-leading products to our customers."
Arauco Panels USA and Arauco Wood Products are subsidiaries of Santigo, Chile-based Arauco, which manufactures a wide range of forest products including plywood, millwork, lumber, and pulp. The company also manages forests throughout South America.
Uniboard USA is a subsidiary of Pfleiderer AG, a German manufacturer of engineered wood. Its products are sold to retailers, distributors, and finished goods manufacturers.
