Major industrial transformations do not begin in a production plant, but in a laboratory. That is where ideas become knowledge, knowledge becomes technology, and technology becomes solutions capable of changing the way an industry produces, innovates, and faces the challenges of the future.
With that vision, CMPC inaugurated its renovated Research, Development, and Innovation Center, located at the Santa Fe Plant in Nacimiento, infrastructure that will strengthen applied research, accelerate the development of new technologies, and drive bioeconomy projects for the company's industrial operations in Chile and Brazil.
Specialized analysis
The center constitutes one of CMPC's main scientific hubs. From this space, specialized analyses, laboratory tests, process validations, and studies are developed that support decision-making at industrial plants in the pulp, paper, and wood areas. It also participates in projects seeking to generate new uses for forest resources, optimize production processes, and create solutions that add value from renewable raw materials.
For Felipe Alcalde, vice president of Industrial Operations at CMPC, the new center represents one of the company's most significant investments in knowledge and innovation: "This Industrial Research and Development Center is one of CMPC's most relevant investments in knowledge and innovation. From Nacimiento, technologies and solutions are developed that strengthen the company's global competitiveness, also promoting collaboration with universities and the training of local talent to generate development and quality employment in the region."
The renovation responds to the significant growth that research has experienced within the company. In recent years, the team grew from 17 to 52 professionals, consolidating a multidisciplinary ecosystem where researchers, engineers, and specialists work collaboratively to transform industrial challenges into innovation opportunities.
The project incorporated more specialized laboratories, collaborative spaces, a modern reagent warehouse designed under high safety standards, new common areas, and a comprehensive reorganization of the building that will increase productivity, accommodate more research initiatives, and leave available capacity for future technological investments.
Operational continuity
During the renovation, CMPC maintained the laboratory's operational continuity through temporary facilities and the relocation of equipment and functions, ensuring that research projects never stopped. Once the work was completed, the center fully resumed its operations, incorporating better conditions for scientific work and infrastructure prepared to respond to the challenges of the coming years.
The regional presidential delegate of Biobío, Julio Anativia, valued the impact that this type of initiative has on the country's productive development and job creation: "The inauguration of this CMPC Industrial Research and Development Center reflects the value of innovation, the retention of local talent, and public-private collaboration to drive the region's development. As a Government, we believe that investing in research and innovation is key to generating quality employment and strengthening the country's sustainable growth."
Meanwhile, the mayor of Nacimiento, Carlos Toloza, highlighted the importance of this type of investment being developed in the commune: "This new CMPC Innovation Center is a very relevant investment for Nacimiento, because it drives technological development, strengthens the value of our main productive activity, and opens opportunities to generate more and better jobs. We want the commune to be recognized for its contribution to innovation and the growth of the forestry industry."
With this inauguration, CMPC strengthens infrastructure that not only supports the present of its industrial operations but will also accelerate the development of the solutions that will mark the future of the company and of an increasingly sustainable, competitive, and innovation-driven industry.
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