Weyerhaeuser has extended its operations in the southern hemisphere by acquiring a two-thirds share in a Brazilian hardwood mill.
The Aracruz Produtos de Madeira SA mill in Bahia will produce lyptus lumber, a eucalyptus hybrid, in a joint venture with Aracruz Cellulose SA, which retains a one-third share in the business.
Ouput will be used in furniture, flooring, cabinetry and other applications, for the Brazilian domestic market, as well as North America, Asia and Europe. Northwest Hardwoods and Weyerhaeuser Building Materials are handling the distribution.
Weyerhaeuser president and chief executive Steven Rogel said: “Our experience in Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay has shown that the southern hemisphere contains ideal operating environments for us.”
The company’s operations in the southern hemisphere include the management of more than 315,000ha of forestland in Uruguay, as well as manufacturing units in Australia and New Zealand.
