Arauco taps MDF manager Al Murray for role of National Sales Manager - Particleboard
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MARKHAM, Ont.- Arauco North America today named Al Murray National Sales Manager - Particleboard, according to Kevin Shotbolt, VP sales and marketing for the company.
 
Shotbolt, who is based in Markham, Ontario, said that in his new role, Murray will have sales responsibilities for Arauco's three US particleboard mills located in Albany, Ore.; Moncure, N.C.; and Bennettsville, S.C.; as well as the highly anticipated Grayling, Mich., particleboard and thermally-fused laminate (TFL) operation, scheduled to be online toward the end of 2018. 
 
Murray has led many strategic initiatives since joining Arauco in 2009, including a critical SAP platform implementation where his knowledge of supply chain and logistics was invaluable to the project's success. Most recently, he served as National Sales Manager - MDF, at Arauco, the largest MDF producer North America. 
 
"Al has done an outstanding job in helping Arauco progress in its goals to drive value for our customers," said Kevin Shotbolt, Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Arauco. "His most recent involvement in our particleboard strategic initiatives and planning processes will further enhance the company's product development and service model to the industry, especially as we gear up to meet increasing market demand for composite panels." 
 
Arauco North America manufactures a wide range of sustainable forest product solutions, including a comprehensive selection of composite panels, premium plywood, millwork, lumber, and FSC-certified wood pulp. 
 
Arauco produces composite wood panels at nine mills across the United States and Canada, and imports Arauco plywood, pulp, moulding, lumber and other products through 12 major ports of call. These products are distributed to more than 2,800 destinations throughout North America. In late 2018, Arauco will open its 10th mill, at a new particleboard facility in Grayling, Michigan. The Grayling operation will be the largest "continuous" single-line particleboard press in North America.
 
 
 
 
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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.