Monday, April 13, 2026
In the heart of Willows, California, a facility once hailed as the vanguard of sustainable woodworking is preparing for a new chapter. For those in the panel processing and industrial manufacturing sectors, the upcoming online public auction of the former CalPlant Facility represents more than just a sale—it is a rare chance to acquire some of the most sophisticated MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) production technology ever assembled in North America.
Hosted by Rabin Worldwide and Onyx Asset Advisors, the auction will take place online from May 1 – 6. On the block is a complete, state-of-the-art production line that, until recently, was the only one of its kind: a plant designed to transform post-harvest rice straw into a premium, formaldehyde-free product known as Eureka MDF.
Launched in 2020 with a staggering $280 million investment, the facility was built with a “no expense spared” philosophy. The backbone of the operation is the world-renowned Siempelkamp MDF line. For woodworkers and plant managers, the Siempelkamp name is synonymous with precision and longevity.
The centerpiece of the auction is undoubtedly the ContiRoll 10’ wide x 117’ Generation 9 continuous press. As the ninth iteration of this industry-standard technology, the Gen 9 press offers unparalleled pressure distribution and thermal control. Supported by Büttner natural gas-fired heaters, the line was engineered for high-volume, high-efficiency output that meets the strictest environmental and structural standards.
The auction catalog reads like a “who’s who” of industrial machinery. To achieve the fine fiber consistency required for high-grade MDF, the plant utilized Pallmann 3500 kW High Voltage Refiners and Pallmann 400kw VFD controlled hammermills. This heavy-duty prep equipment ensures that the raw material—whether traditional wood fiber or agricultural residue—is processed to the perfect micron level.
Once the boards leave the press, the downstream finishing is equally impressive. The facility features a Steinemann Coarse & Finish Sanding System, a brand widely considered the gold standard for achieving that “glass-smooth” MDF surface. The finishing line is rounded out by Cut-to-Sheet systems and automatic strapping stations, ensuring the product is market-ready the moment it leaves the floor.
For facility managers looking to upgrade their existing infrastructure, the auction offers critical peripheral assets that are often difficult to procure on short lead times. This includes:
The woodworking industry is currently at a crossroads, balancing the need for increased production with the push for sustainable material sources. While the CalPlant journey was unique in its focus on rice straw, the equipment itself is versatile and represents the pinnacle of modern MDF manufacturing.
“Launched in 2020, this State-of-the-Art Production Facility… was designed to process post-harvest rice straw into medium density fiberboard known as Eureka MDF. The entire MDF line was installed by Siempelkamp.”
For a manufacturer looking to expand capacity or a newcomer aiming to skip the multi-year lead times of a new build, this auction is a “plug-and-play” dream.
Bidding is set to open on May 1 and will conclude on May 6. Given the scale of the investment and the quality of the Siempelkamp and Steinemann installations, global interest is expected to be high.
Interested parties can view the full equipment catalog and complete their bidder registration by visiting www.rabin.com. Whether you are looking for a single high-voltage refiner or a complete finishing line, the Willows auction is the premier industrial event of the season.
Tags: CalPlant auction, MDF production equipment, Siempelkamp ContiRoll press, woodworking machinery auction
