The dismantling of the acquired machine in Germany is underway and shipment to the Villeta paper mill in Paraguay is scheduled for mid-2026.
Sept. 10, 2025 - The WEIG Group announced that Yaguarete Papeles (Kartotec SA), a member of the Group, has acquired a modern paper machine for the production of liner for plasterboard and other paper grades.
Kartotec, located in Villeta, Paraguay, manufactures testliner, corrugated board and plasterboard.
The paper machine, designated "KM9", will come from Heinzel Group's paper mill in Raubling, Germany. Heinzel closed the mill at the end of 2024. The mill had the capacity to produce about 240,000 tonnes per year of containerboard on two paper machines.
According to WEIG, the dismantling of the acquired machine is underway and shipment to the Villeta paper mill is scheduled for mid-2026.
The goal of the paper machine project is to meet growing demand, particularly in Central and South America, especially in the plasterboard market, WEIG Group said.
"The investment is part of a long-term growth strategy to strengthen the industrial performance of the WEIG Technical Liner business unit," the company said. "The plant was selected based on its technical suitability, regional market requirements, and security of supply. It does not replace existing production, but rather expands available capacity."
Bernd Stibi, Managing Director of Tecnokarton and WEIG Technical Liner, explained, "With the KM9 project, we are taking an important step toward strengthening our presence in Latin America. The investment will enable us to reliably supply our customers with high-quality plasterboard while supporting sustainable growth in the region."
Andreas Neufeld, CEO of Group Yaguarete, added, "The KM9 project is a significant step for WEIG and for the further expansion of our production capacities in Latin America. We are proud that such a groundbreaking investment is being prepared in our region. For our team and the entire region, KM9 represents both a strong signal of confidence and an important opportunity to strengthen Latin America's role in the global plasterboard market."
KM9 will use recycled paper as its primary feedstock.
Based in Mayen, Germany, WEIG is a family-owned business group in the international paper and cardboard industry with 1,900 employees across locations in Europe and South America. With a turnover of 730 million euros, the Group's activities include the production and marketing of paper and cardboard, as well as cardboard products like folding cartons and plasterboard. The Group is also involved in paper recycling.
SOURCE: WEIG Group