Unilin to rationalize particleboard production in Belgium following takeover of SpanoGroup, plans to dismantle one plant in Wielsbeke, invest €40M in remaining lines at Wielsbeke and Oostrozebeke; total capacity will remain unchanged

Wendy Lisney

OOSTROZEBEKE, Belgium , July 3, 2014 (press release) – Following the takeover of SpanoGroup, with its important chipboard activities in Oostrozebeke, Unilin is now ready to take the next step in the long-term establishment of the chipboard industry in West Flanders.

In the coming months, the Unilin Group is investing more than € 40 million in two of the Panels division’s three chipboard-producing facilities, this in order to cut production costs.

Production in one of the Panels division plants in Wielsbeke will gradually be dismantled whereas the production rate in the two remaining facilities (Wielsbeke and Oostrozebeke) will be stepped up accordingly. The total production capacity will remain unchanged.

The increased production in the two remaining plants together with the other plants of the Unilin group in the Wielsbeke region generates more than enough jobs so there will be no negative impact on employment.

The new production range of Unilin’s Panels division was proposed on 2 June. It is a full range of innovative timber solutions for construction and interiors, a complete package for the customer.

UNILIN Panels belongs to the UNILIN Group, a full subsidiary of the listed American company MOHAWK Industries Inc. The UNILIN group is an industry leader in the creation and manufacturing of aesthetic and user-friendly quality products for the construction and furnishing of private homes.

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