Unilin lays foundation stone for new laminate flooring plant in Brazil to drive Quick-Step expansion in Latin America
.jpg "Inauguration of the first stone with, from left to right, Carlo Rego (General Manager Brazil), Ruben Desmet (President of Unilin Flooring), Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior (Governor of the State of Paraná), and Maicon Grosskopf (Mayor of Piên).")
- Piên, Brazil - Unilin, a global leader in interior and construction products, announces a €11 million investment in a new laminate flooring production plant in Piên, Brazil. In the presence of Governor Ratinho Júnior of the state of Paraná, the first stone was unveiled. The company’s flagship brand Quick-Step offers high-quality laminate with an easy click system. Set to become operational in January 2026, the plant is the cornerstone of Unilin’s strategy to accelerate growth in the Latin American market. The cutting-edge facility will produce up to 10 million m² of laminate flooring annually and will cater to local needs with innovative, sustainable and market-specific designs.
.jpg "Herwig Bernaert (General Manager Laminate), Maicon Grosskopf (Mayor of Piên), and Ruben Desmet (President of Unilin Flooring) shake hands.")
A strategic investment for growth
The new plant in Brazil is a strategic move to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable laminate flooring in Latin America. Quick-Step, Unilin’s flagship brand, is renowned for its innovative designs and durability, making it an ideal choice for the growing market. The facility will allow Unilin to localise production, reducing logistical costs and better addressing the specific needs of Latin American customers.
“Latin America is a dynamic region with immense growth potential,” said Wim Messiaen, Unilin CEO. “With this investment, we are not only strengthening our foothold in Brazil but also building a hub that can serve the entire Latin American region. Quick-Step’s combination of design, performance, and sustainability aligns perfectly with the preferences of local consumers.”
Laminate as the floor of the future
The laminate flooring products produced at the new facility are driven by a clear mission: to elevate the quality of available flooring in Latin America and push the entire category to a higher standard. By combining European innovation with local market insights, Unilin aims to set a new benchmark for flooring in the region.
Sustainability is at the heart of Unilin’s mission, and this new facility will align with the company’s environmental goals. Laminate flooring is an eco-friendly choice, as it uses wood from sustainably managed forests. Wood is a renewable raw material that retains CO2.
“Laminate flooring is the flooring of the future,” added Herwig Bernaert, General Manager Laminate. “It combines style, durability, and affordability while being an environmentally responsible choice. Our investment in Brazil underscores our belief in the long-term potential of laminate in creating a more sustainable flooring industry.”
A strong foundation in Brazil
The new Piên facility underscores Unilin’s confidence in the Brazilian market, built on a decade of strategic growth. In 2012, Unilin entered the region through a joint venture with Arauco, a Chilean wood panel producer, which highlighted the market’s potential. By the end of 2020, Unilin took full ownership of the joint venture while continuing its operations in Arauco’s facilities. Now, just 5 kilometres from the former site, Unilin is taking the next step with its own state-of-the-art plant. The new facility will capitalise on the skilled local workforce and infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition to fully independent operations.
.jpg "Team photo of Unilin Flooring Brazil.")
.jpg "Inauguration of the first stone with the Brazilian Unilin team.")
“This new facility marks an exciting new chapter for us,” explains Carlo Rego, General Manager Brazil. “Our experience in Brazil has proven the market’s potential. With the Piên plant, we are reinforcing our commitment to the region, creating opportunities and driving innovation to better serve Latin America as a whole.”
Sander Laridon