Despite world recession, Brazil’s panel makers are completing major capacity expansion schemes, among them Fibraplac Chapas de MDF Ltda which is building its first MDP (medium density particleboard) line in Glorinha, Rio Grande do Sul state.
The company, which already runs two Siempelkamp ContiRoll MDF lines with a combined capacity of more than 500,000m3/year, is in the process of erecting a new 500,000m3/year continuous line from the same supplier to make MDP.
Most attention in the Brazilian panel industry is currently on its southernmost state, Rio grande do Sul. That is where the bulk of its expansion projects are now being completed.
Others include Masisa do Brasil’s 750,000m3/year MDP unit currently due for start-up in the town of Montenegro and Satipel’s 700,000m3/year MDP line in Taquari, due to launch this month (June).