Arauco forestry industry developments and expansion

The Chilean forestry group Arauco has received regional recognition for its leadership and strategic performance. Executive Cristián Infante was named ‘CEO of the Year 2026 in Latin America’ by Fastmarkets, and the company was identified as a leader in talent attraction and retention in Chile.

Parallel to these industry recognitions, Arauco is progressing with its US$ 4.6 billion Sucuriú cellulose project in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The company has commenced logistical preparations, including the receipt of the first batch of railcars intended to transport production to the Port of Santos. To support this industrial expansion, the concessionaire Caminhos da Celulose has initiated road recovery works across 870 kilometers of highways in the region. The Sucuriú factory is projected to reach an annual production capacity of 3.5 million tons by late 2027.

Logistical infrastructure development has intensified with the arrival of the first batches of railway wagons and tritrem sets manufactured by Randon. The contract includes 721 Sider FLT railway wagons designed to transport cellulose to the Port of Santos, featuring moisture-blocking technology and anti-vandalism steel mesh covers. These wagons have a net capacity of 98 tons each. Additionally, 350 tritrem sets will be utilized to move wood from cultivation areas to the factory. Deliveries are expected to continue through late 2027, with the full fleet of wagons anticipated by November 2027 and the tritrem sets by January 2027.

To address the growing demand for skilled labor in the region’s expanding forestry and logistics sectors, Arauco is launching a professional qualification program in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. In partnership with Sest Senat, the company is offering free training for 200 drivers to prepare them for the forestry market. The initiative includes upgrading driver licenses and provides a bonus equivalent to one minimum wage upon completion.