ARAUCO to End MDF Production at Bennettsville, SC

ARAUCO announced that it would be closing its medium density fiberboard (“MDF”) production facility in Bennettsville, South Carolina, as of May 18, 2020. ARAUCO will continue to support customers from its other MDF facilities. The Bennettsville mill is currently offline related to market conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made to close the facility permanently based on a broader assessment that the older manufacturing platform is no longer competitive in the prevailing MDF market compared to the company’s other more advanced MDF platforms.

“The decision to close this mill was a difficult one,” said Pablo Franzini, president of ARAUCO North America. “We are working diligently to provide options for affected employees to help them through a difficult transition. We are committed to meet all of our customers’ needs from our other facilities.”

About ARAUCO

ARAUCO is a global manufacturer of forest products, including the industry’s most comprehensive selection of composite panels, premium plywood, millwork, lumber and wood pulp. With roots in sustainable forestry and innovative product development, ARAUCO brings more than a half-century of manufacturing and supply chain excellence to the North American market. The company operates multiple production facilities in both North and South America and ships to more than 3,500 destinations throughout North America.

Contact:

Leslie Schworm – Media Marketing Manager – leslie.schworm@arauco.com – (404) 754-2387

Source: ARAUCO North America, Inc.