ARAUCO Newsletter - 2026 Q1

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A Message from Matt Swinnie, VP of Operations, ARAUCO North America

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Dear Valued Customer,

In today’s market, agility is no longer optional—it’s essential. At Arauco North America, we remain focused on adapting quickly, operating efficiently, and delivering consistent value for our customers, even as market conditions continue to evolve. Our teams across North America are aligned around one priority: ensuring we are responsive, reliable, and easy to do business with.

Operational excellence is at the core of that commitment. From continued investments in automation and manufacturing efficiency to smarter, more resilient supply chain practices, we are working every day to strengthen performance while maintaining the quality and service our customers expect. These efforts allow us to respond faster, minimize disruption, and deliver with greater consistency.

At the same time, we are continuing to expand our portfolio of value-add products - solutions designed to help our customers differentiate, simplify installation, and meet evolving design and performance needs. By combining operational discipline with product innovation, Arauco is well positioned to be a long-term, trusted partner. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to supporting your success in the months ahead.

Best,
Matt Swinnie
VP of Operations,  ARAUCO North America

 

 

A Smarter Line, Working Hand in Hand
 

On our packaging line, innovation has found a new set of helping hands. We’ve recently introduced collaborative robots—known as cobots—to support our team with key automation tasks while working safely alongside our people.

Designed with low-power technology, these robot arms enhance efficiency without changing what matters most: the skilled employees who keep our operation moving.

In action, the cobots bring precision and consistency to repetitive steps in the process. One arm carefully loads runners into the strapper, while another applies labels to finished board units, keeping everything moving smoothly and accurately. The result is a streamlined packaging flow that helps reduce manual strain and supports quality every step of the way.

This is a great example of people and technology working together. By automating select tasks, cobots free up our team to focus on higher‑value work, safety, and continuous improvement—helping us deliver reliable products to our customers, day after day.

 

CLICK HERE to see the Cobots in Action! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When Thin Panels Need to Do More: Why Manufacturers Choose Arauco Fibrex® 

In manufacturing, the smallest details often make the biggest difference. Thin panels must be strong without adding weight, consistent without slowing production, and versatile enough to support evolving design demands. That balance isn’t easy—but it’s exactly where Arauco Fibrex® High Density Fiberboard (HDF) delivers.

Fibrex was developed for manufacturers who need precision and reliability in thin applications, without sacrificing efficiency or sustainability. Engineered using continuous press technology, Fibrex provides a uniform, high-density panel that performs consistently from sheet to sheet - helping customers reduce variability, minimize rework, and maintain confidence on the production line.

For applications like cabinet components, drawer bottoms, furniture parts, and decorative panels, consistency is critical. Fibrex offers a smooth, stable surface and tight thickness control that supports clean machining, accurate routing, and dependable finishing. That reliability allows manufacturers to push designs further while maintaining throughput and quality standards.

At its core, Arauco Fibrex is about making thin panels work harder for manufacturers, designers, and for the environments they serve. By combining precision engineering, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainable practices, Fibrex continues to be a trusted solution for customers who need materials they can rely on every day.

 

 

A Faster, Simpler Way to Pay: Invoices Made Easy in the ARAUCO Customer Web Portal

 

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Managing invoices shouldn’t slow down your business. With the ARAUCO Customer Web Portal, customers now have a faster, more convenient way to stay on top of payments -anytime, anywhere. Instead of juggling emails, paper invoices, or manual follow-ups, the portal brings invoices and payment tools together in one secure, easy-to-use platform.

Through the portal, customers can view open invoices, select what they want to pay, and submit secure online payments directly, helping reduce administrative effort and improve visibility into account status. This self-service capability is designed to eliminate friction, streamline cash flow, and give customers more control over how and when payments are made—without needing to contact sales or billing teams.

As part of ARAUCO’s continued investment in digital customer experience, the Customer Web Portal is built to make doing business easier—supporting faster transactions, clearer account management, and a smoother overall experience from order to payment.

Want access to the Customer Web Portal? Request access with your Inside Sales Rep or visit na.arauco.com/en/login 

 

 

 Arauco Impact in Action: Building Community Through Cycling 

Arauco Impact empowers employees to support the causes that matter most to them—strengthening the communities where we live and work. One meaningful example is the work of Pablo Mardones, Moulding Optimization Manager at Arauco North America, whose passion for youth development led him to champion the NICA Hot Springs Thoroughbreds through the Arauco Community Champion Grant.

The NICA Hot Springs Thoroughbreds is a volunteer-run youth development nonprofit that uses mountain biking to build confidence, character, and community for students in grades 5–12 across the Hot Springs, Arkansas area. As part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), the program is intentionally inclusive—no tryouts, no bench, and no one left behind. Every student rides, sets personal goals, and learns the value of teamwork, perseverance, and outdoor stewardship.

With support from Arauco Impact, the Thoroughbreds are expanding access to trail maintenance training and essential gear for youth riders and volunteer coaches—helping young people develop leadership skills while giving back to the trails and communities they call home. Pablo’s involvement reflects the heart of Arauco Impact: turning employee passion into purpose and creating lasting, positive impact—one ride at a time.

Click Here to Watch the Video

 

 

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We teamed up with DIY and design duo Cathy Poshusta and Garrett Poshusta of The Grit and Polish to bring timeless character to a home renovation using our Radiata Pine Nickel Gap Ship Lap.
 
In their latest Instagram Reel, they share how Arauco shiplap helped transform the space—adding warmth, texture, and classic detail that feels right at home in both historic and modern interiors.
 
Click Here to check it out on Instagram for a closer look at the finished space and installation inspiration!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arauco at IWF 2026: More to Come   

We’re excited to confirm that Arauco North America will be exhibiting at IWF 2026, one of the industry’s leading events for woodworking and manufacturing professionals.

As plans continue to take shape, we’ll be sharing more details closer to the event including what to expect, where to find us, and how you can connect with our team while onsite. Stay tuned for updates!

 

 

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