Metso Panelboard to supply equipment for a new MDF plant to Masisa S.A.'s operations in Chile

Mar 03, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Masisa once again selects Metso Panelboard as major supplier to MDF project Metso Panelboard has been selected as a major supplier of equipment for a new fiberboard plant to Masisa S.A.'s operations in Cabrero, Chile. The new plant is scheduled for start-up in early 2007. The delivery includes equipment for debarking and chipping, silos for dosing and storing of raw material, chip washer, ClassiCleaner™ cleaner for saw-dust and two Defibrator™ P62 fiber preparation systems for chips and saw-dust. Metso Panelboard will also supply a glue kitchen, drying equipment including single-stage dryer, scrubber system and a Z-Sifter™. In addition, the scope of supply includes an energy plant with a capacity of 55 Gcal/h and process automation for systems and equipment from Metso. Engineering services, such as installation and start-up supervision, will also be provided. The new MDF plant, on which construction will begin in early 2006, will have an annual production capacity of 340,000 cbm. The line will be built at Masisa's site in Cabrero, Chile. The order placed with Metso Panelboard amounts to about EUR 17 million and is included in order book for the fourth quarter of 2005. Masisa is one of the main forestry groups in Latin America with modern industrial capacity and a solid commercial strategy for its operation in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, United States, Mexico and Venezuela. With an installed capacity of 2.3 million cbm per year, Masisa is also the largest producer of panelboards in Latin America. It also plays an important role in the value-added solid-wood products business. Masisa sales are widely diversified, with exports to more than 43 countries in Latin America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Masisa earlier selected Metso as a main supplier of equipment for its two plants in Argentina and its two plants in Chile. Masisa's plant in Brazil also operates with Metso Panelboard equipment.