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In a strategic move to enhance its presence in the U.S., Empresas CMPC SA has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Heritage Millworks, which does business as Powell Valley Millwork in Lexington, Ky.
“This is a fundamental step in the history of CMPC,” said chairman Luis Felipe Gazitúa. “Although our products have been marketed in the United States for decades, we will now be able to produce them here, drawing on the experience and know-how of a specialist company like Powell Valley Millwork.”
A global corporation with more than 100 years of history providing sustainable solutions to its customers, CMPC has long been an innovator in the marketing of wood, cellulose, packaging products, sanitary products, non-home products, and tissue paper. The acquisition will add a leader in domestic millwork manufacturing to a global company with industrial and business activities in a dozen countries across the world.
“This investment decision is an important step in our strategic growth plan in the United States and brings us closer to our customers in North America which is a fundamental pillar of our strategic plan,” said Francisco Ruiz-Tagle, CEO of CMPC. “At CMPC, we are convinced that natural fiber-based products are the mainstay of the economy today and especially in the future.”
Radiata pine holds a significant position as one of the most consumed millwork products in the U.S. market. The Powell Valley facilities have the production capacity to supply volume programs across North America plus the location to provide streamlined logistics with robust customer service.
Juan Pablo Pereira Sutil, managing director, CMPC Wood Products, notes, “By combining our production capabilities, we aim to secure a larger market share and introduce a broader range of products, including radiata pine and poplar offerings, while serving our customers with a much stronger value proposition.”
“The decision to partner with CMPC marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Powell Valley family and I am glad to share the news with our team, customers, and vendors,” said Jimmy Thornberry, president of Powell Valley Millwork.
Powell Valley Millwork has a strong history in manufacturing dating back to the early 1990s when Jimmy and his father, Jim Thornberry, began at their Jeffersonville, Kentucky location. With nearly three decades of industry experience, the company has maintained growth in market share and profitability by introducing new programs while keeping a commitment to customer service.
“When my father and I began in this industry in 1993, we had a mission to produce a tangible and sustainable product working with talented folks from central and eastern Kentucky,” Thornberry continued. “As we have grown over the years, I am proud that we have been able to strategically position ourselves in the market while maintaining our core values. CMPC has an impressive history of more than one hundred years providing sustainable solutions for their customers and we are eager to join the team.”
CMPC and Powell Valley have aggressive growth plans in the United States and will begin expanding the assets at both production sites to maintain their existing poplar programs and facilitate the introduction of radiata pine manufacturing and distribution from Kentucky. Powell Valley currently employs more than 200 with immediate demand for hiring skilled positions.
