LAC MEGANTIC, Quebec—Tafisa Canada has expanded capacity with the startup of its fifth TFL press line for producing two-sided embossed and in-register textured composite panels in 4-foot by 8-foot and 5-foot by 9-foot sizes.

The company said the new TFL (thermally fused laminate) press line represents an investment of more than $15 million for the Canadian panel producer. “Our fifth TFL press is yet another example of our company’s ability to provide unprecedented flexibility and impressive production capabilities attuned to the market’s growing demand for high quality, value added products,” said Louis Brassard, Tafisa Canada CEO.

Tafisa said the added production line will aid the production and on-time delivery of its new VIVA  panels, which utilize embossed and in-register (EIR) technology, "giving panels the look and feel of wood." For use in residential and commercial furniture and casework, VIVA is currently offered in three distinct wood structures: Elegant, Rustic and Planked Effect, and in 10 colors. The company also offers complementary products include high-pressure laminates, edgebandings, doors, 3D laminates and mouldings.

Tafisa announced the launch of its first VIVA textured panel in April. “I am very proud and impressed at how the Tafisa team pulled together to implement this new technology and achieve our objective of having Viva orders ready for delivery at the end of August. This marks a new milestone in our company’s history,” Brassard added.

Reportedly North America’s largest particleboard manufacturing facility, Tafisa said it has has quadrupled its production and increased its employee base from 60 to 325 since its founding in 1992, according to the company's website. Headquartered in Lac Megantic, Quebec, the company said it has invested more than $400 million in continuous process improvements. Tafisa is a subsidiary of the Sonae Industria Group.