Cotopaxi plans to install continuous MDF line at its plant near Quito

The family-owned firm's parent group Gem Corp is in discussion with the two main German equipment suppliers to purchase a new fibreboard line of up to 250,000m3/year. It will also add new melamine low pressure laminating capacity.

With an investment of nearly US$80m, the group is aiming to launch its first continuous MDF line in Ecuador by late 2015, Gem Corp's executive director Federico Arteta told WBPI recently.

"We are almost ready. We are in the last phase of negotiation with Siempelkamp and Dieffenbacher to buy a state-of-the-art continuous MDF line. We will probably also invest in a new sawmill," said Mr Arteta.