The Chilean company Arauco has announced the “Alacrán Project”, a US$ 40 million investment aimed at expanding its factory in Durango, Mexico, and supporting its growth in North America. This project involves the construction of an impregnation and melamine center, which will supply its plants in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
The project presentation was attended by the Chilean ambassador to Mexico, Beatriz Sánchez, and the governor of Durango, Esteban Villegas Villarreal. Arauco Mexico’s General Manager, José Manuel Hernández Ayala, led the event and highlighted the importance of this initiative for the company. “We are kicking off the construction of this project, which we’ve named ‘Alacrán’ in honor of Durango”, stated Hernández Ayala.
Governor Villegas emphasized that this investment, equivalent to 773 million pesos, represents a significant boost to the state’s economic development. The project will be carried out by a local construction company, creating 600 jobs during construction, as well as 70 direct and 200 indirect jobs once completed.
During the plant tour, Ambassador Sánchez underscored the importance of sustainability and Arauco’s positive impact on the local community. She also praised Governor Villegas’ clear vision to harness the region’s forestry potential and attract foreign investments to strengthen this sector.
The “Alacrán Project” aims to integrate Durango’s production with Arauco’s eight production plants in the United States and Canada. The new impregnation complex, which will be the largest in Arauco’s global operations, will produce components to be shipped weekly to northern factories.
Marcelo Sobarzo Anento, Chile’s commercial director in Mexico, highlighted the importance of focusing on sustainability, congratulating both Arauco and the government of Durango for supporting business practices that contribute to climate change mitigation.
The plant tour was accompanied by local officials, including the head of Economic Development, Fernando Rosas Palafox, and the Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment, Claudia Hernández Espino.