Munksjö, a leading international manufacturer of decor paper, announces the successful start-up of its modernized PM7 paper machine at the Caieiras plant, in the São Paulo metropolitan region, Brazil. This milestone marks the culmination of three years of work and the largest investment the company has ever made in the country: BRL 190 million (approximately €30 million).

The upgrade is part of the Expandecor project, which aims to double the plant’s production capacity and strengthen Munksjö’s position as the only producer of decor paper in Latin America. With this expansion, the company is now prepared to meet 100% of the Brazilian market demand and further support customers across other Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Mexico.

The first jumbo roll from the new PM7 was successfully produced on April 15, 2025. In the coming weeks, the team will monitor the performance of the machine and continue preparing the operation to deliver at full capacity with excellence. The official inauguration event will take place in early June 2025.

“This expansion significantly strengthens our regional presence and enables us to serve our Latin American customers with highest quality standards and service levels,” says Dr. Manfred Bracher, CEO of Munksjö. “As the demand for decor paper continues to grow, the investment ensures that Munksjö is ready to support the increasing volume in this very important market.”

The project includes the full modernization of the PM7 for the dedicated production of solid colors and print base paper — a core material used in decorative surfaces for furniture and laminate flooring. Civil works were also carried out to upgrade the plant’s infrastructure and accommodate the new technology.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and backed by centuries of papermaking expertise, the modernized PM7 enhances both efficiency and product quality. “Our mission is to deliver the highest standards of decor paper — in terms of surface properties, technical performance and width — while remaining cost-competitive,” explains Richard Pino, VP LATAM and General Manager of Munksjö Brazil.