The producer of cellulosic fibers, Lenzing AG, Lenzing/Austria, and Duratex S.A., São Paulo/Brazil, one of the largest producers of industrialized wood panels, announce that they will build a 500,000 t dissolving wood pulp plant in the State of Minas Gerais, near São Paulo.The start-up is planned for the 1st half of 2022. In the joint venture, Lenzing holds a 51% and Duratex a 49% stake. The expected industrial capital expenditure will be approx. US$ 1.3 billion. The project is financed through long-term debt. The corresponding financing contracts are expected to be concluded at the end of the 1st quarter of 2020.
In planning the new production facility, particular importance was given to sustainability aspects. The plant will operate among the highest productive and energy-efficient in the world.