PG 203 years: Sindimadeira-PG, more than six decades of history

Wood industry as a tool for the development of the city

The industrial history of Ponta Grossa is directly linked to the wood cycle, especially the exploitation of the Araucaria pine, a native species fundamental for the reinforced concrete constructions of São Paulo and, later, of Brasilia. It was in this scenario of strong demand that, on March 28, 1960, the Union of the Sawmill, Carpentry and Sanitary Industries of Ponta Grossa was born, created to organize and represent the regional logging sector.

In the decades that followed, the sector underwent major changes. The depletion of native araucaria, aggravated by forest fires in the 1960s, led to the prohibition of cutting this wood and the beginning of reforestation with pine trees, encouraged by the state government. Years later, eucalyptus also became part of regional production.

This transition required technical adaptation, as the pinus brought challenges such as the attack of fungi, overcome with technical events and exchanges of experience between states. The union expanded its activities to include carpentry, carpentry and the panel industry (MDF and OSB), accompanying the arrival of multinationals in the city.

Throughout its management, the entity has followed important moments: between 1986 and 1992, the consolidation of the exchange of native wood with exotic ones; between 1996 and 1999, the end of native exploration and partnerships with the State University of Ponta Grossa to map the potential of the handicraft furniture sector; between 1998 and 2007, changes in collective negotiations and professional qualification; between 2007 and 2012, the creation of courses with the Federa

Between 2012 and 2016, the union expanded agreements and closed collective agreements recognized as balanced at the state level. From 2016 to 2021, it faced the impacts of reforma trabalhista, which extinguished the mandatory union contribution, demanding financial reorganization. From 2021, the pandemic challenge came, followed by a strong recovery in exports, as well as issues related to logistics, costs and sustainability.

Historically, Sindimedeira-PG also dialogued with the labor union and articulated partnerships with Embrapa, Emater, Senai and FIEP in times of phytosanitary crisis and discussions on regional wage levels.

Today, Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais form one of the most complete timber poles of Paraná. After a 2024 of strong growth in exports to the US, 2025 brought sharp drops because of US tariffs, as 80% of regional production depended on this market, resulting in closures, layoffs and reduced shifts. Under the leadership of Álvaro Scheffer Júnior (2025–2027), the union seeks credit, tax equivalence and new markets, betting on engineered wood to boost domestic consumption and make the region a national reference in sustainable industrialization.

With more than 60 years of history, Sindimedeira-PG continues to be a key player in the generation of jobs, vocational training and economic development of Ponta Grossa, facing the challenges of raw material, forest sustainability and industrial competitiveness.

BOX OF THE PRESIDENT

Periodicity

President

1986–1992

José Airton Rodrigues da Luz

1996–1999*

Alcides Vieira de Araújo

1998–2007*

Laerte Bittencourt Son

ABC

Ivo Bremm

2012–2016

Joselito Przybzlovicz

the International Olympic Committee

Leonardo Puppi Bernardi

2021–2025

Álvaro Luiz Scheffer

2025 - current

Álvaro Luiz Scheffer Jr

Article by Sindimadeira-PG for the book: "PONTA GROSSA: From the Route of the Tropeiros to the Paths of Innovation"

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