Arauco, Santiago, Chile, reports that it will combine all sales and operations in the U.S. and Canada under one company name—Arauco North America, which will handle products including standing timber, round wood, and panels, effective August 1. Kelly Shotbolt has been named president of Arauco North America. 

 

Shotbolt previously served as president of Flakeboard, and brings many years of leadership and experience to this market in his new role. Francisco Figueroa, who served as president of Arauco Wood Products since 2009, has been appointed to a senior management commercial role in Chile. During the past five years, Figueroa's leadership resulted in many significant accomplishments for Arauco in the North American market. He will return to Chile by the end of 2014 but assist in the transition during this period. 

"The primary objective of this reorganization is to position for growth and provide comprehensive solutions to our customers using a more effective and efficient operating platform. We will continue to build relevant synergies to those that exist today, and to expand on these through this new structure," said Gonzalo Zegers, SVP of Arauco International.