Jan 02, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. The production of the first plywood panel marked the start-up of Arauco’s new Nueva Aldea plywood mill. The mill was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed by the fire that affected the area and, in particular, the company’s Nueva Aldea Industrial Forestry Complex in January 2012. This initiative required an investment of about $190 million. The new mill’s annual production capacity will be 350,000 cubic metres, its products are to be sold to the primary export markets and annual sales are estimated at $100 million, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Cristián Infante, Arauco’s COO, stated, “We are very proud to re-inaugurate this mill and fulfill the commitment we acquired a few days after the fire. This mill represents an important source of employment and with its start-up we expect to continue leading the way in international markets, always taking the challenge to grow well”.

The mill’s start-up and operation requires a work force of about 660 people, of which 350 are already hired, trained and working.