Company investing $30 million to upgrade particleboard mill
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Arauco, a global leader in sustainable forest products, is expanding its existing particleboard operations in Marlboro County. The $30 million investment is expected to result in expanded capacity for the company’s Bennettsville, S.C. facility.
Established in 1967 as Industrias de celulosa Arauco S.A. in Chile, Arauco has grown tremendously since its inception. The company began operating its first wood pulp mill in January 1972, and today serves clients in more than 75 countries worldwide. With five main business areas – forestry, wood pulp, sawn timber, panels and energy – Arauco is committed to sustainable resource management and employs certified production processes ensuring minimal environmental impacts.
Expansion of the company’s Marlboro County facility, located at 582 Willamette Road, Highway 912 in Bennettsville, S.C., will allow the plant to grow the capacity of its particleboard and thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) operations. The particleboard expansion will increase by 60 million square-feet annually; to expand TFL production, Arauco is investing in a next generation fast-cycle press. These investments will allow the company to meet the growing demand for particleboard and broaden its TFL design offering in the region.
The TFL and particleboard expansions are expected to start-up in the fourth quarter of 2015, and first quarter of 2016 respectively.
For more information on Arauco, visit www.arauco-na.com.
QUOTES
“This investment further positions our team to add capacity that will translate into improved accessibility and value for our customers, it will also generate additional long-term jobs as we continue to invest in the future of this complex and the community at large.” - Michael Rosso, VP of Manufacturing
“Today, we celebrate Arauco’s decision to invest another $30 million in its Marlboro County particleboard mill. It’s always exciting when a company decides to expand its operations in one of our rural counties. This investment is a big win for the Bennettsville community and entire state of South Carolina.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“South Carolina’s reputation for a positive business climate continues to make its way around the world. I’m always pleased when a foreign-based firm, like Arauco, decides to establish and then expand their operations in our state. I look forward to supporting Arauco as they continue to grow in South Carolina and worldwide.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt
“Arauco’s announcement regarding the expansion of the Marlboro County facility is proof positive of the pro-business environment in our county. We appreciate the economic impact Arauco makes in our community and the jobs it provides our citizens.” –Marlboro County Council Chairman Ron Munnerlyn
“This announcement is a big win for Marlboro County. Arauco's $30 million investment in Bennettsville not only shows the company's commitment to our county, but also serves as another indication that Marlboro County's business climate is encouraging growth among our existing businesses.” –Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership Chairman Charles Paul Midgley, Jr.
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Arauco is expanding particleboard operations in Marlboro County.
- $30 million investment to upgrade particleboard and thermally-fused laminate (TFL / melamine) operations.
- Arauco was founded in 1967 in Chile.
- The company’s Marlboro County facility is located at 582 Willamette Road, Highway 912 in Bennettsville, S.C.
- Arauco serves clients in more than 75 countries worldwide.
About Arauco
Based in Santiago Chile, ARAUCO, a global leader in the development of sustainable forest products, manufactures a wide range of composite and thermally fused laminate panels, plywood, millwork, lumber and pulp that are procured from company-owned and managed forests throughout South America. Arauco's North American headquarters are located in Atlanta, GA. For more information on Arauco, visit www.arauco.cl and www.arauco-na.com.