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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Arauco Invests $30 Million To Expand Particleboard Mill in Marlboro County, South Carolina

03/09/2015
Arauco, a global leader in sustainable forest products, is expanding its existing particleboard mill operations in Bennettsville, South Carolina. The $30 million investment is expected to result in expanded capacity for the company’s Marlboro County facility.

Expansion of the company’s Marlboro County facility, located at 582 Willamette Road, Highway 912 in Bennettsville, South Carolina, will allow the plant to grow the capacity of its particleboard and thermally-fused laminate 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.

“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,” said Michael Rosso, Vice President of Manufacturing.

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.

“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,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“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. added.

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