New Uruguay sawmill opens

Kluntex Lumber, based in the Uruguayan department of Rivera, opened in February and is producing clear lumber for the European market, as well as for the furniture and packaging sectors in the Latin American market. 

The sawmill, back by US and Chilean capital, comprises two plants - one on a larger scale located in Rivera and the other in Tranqueras. 

The monthly production will be 7,000m3 (or 84,000m3 a year), with the initiative generating 200 direct jobs.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, Walter Verri; the Mayor of Rivera, Richard Sander; the CEO of Kluntex Lumber, Ernesto Wagner; the investors in the project, Dan Qandt and Walter Benadof; the Executive Director of Uruguay XXI, Sebastián Risso and other relevant players from the private sector, attended the inauguration of the plant after touring the facilities. 

The Undersecretary highlighted the importance of the venture to continue adding value to wood beyond the pulp industry already consolidated in the country. He also highlighted the dynamizing role of the forestry sector in the northern region of Uruguay, with important sawmills already installed and to be installed.

The North American directors of the company said that they chose Uruguay because of its stability and the certainties it offers. 

Kluntex joins other large exporting companies in the northern part of the country, including those producing plywood and mass timber products such as CLT and glulam.