Partnership with Natural Resources Research
Institute at University of Minnesota
Duluth signals commitment to innovation and sustainability
and fuels product pipeline
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 22,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LP Building Solutions (LP), a
leading manufacturer of high-performance building products,
announced the grand opening of the LP Innovation Center. The
facility, located at the Natural Resources Research Institute
(NRRI) at the University of Minnesota
Duluth, marks a significant milestone in LP's commitment to
growth, innovation and sustainability, emphasizing its focus on
driving future growth through new product development.
In this unique industry-university collaboration, the LP
Innovation Center seeks to advance the use of sustainable
technology in engineered wood products and applications to move the
building materials industry forward. The facility provides a
controlled environment for rigorous evaluation and testing in
partnership with NRRI's building science and engineering teams,
enabling LP to achieve its ambitious roadmap of future LP®
SmartSide® Trim & Siding and LP Structural Solutions products
slated for release within the next five to 10 years.
"We firmly believe that our products, coupled with responsible
forest management, have the power to enhance carbon storage and
contribute to the shift towards a lower carbon economy," said LP
Executive Vice President and General Manager of Siding Jason
Ringblom. "Equally important to us is cultivating strong
relationships with the communities in which we reside and operate,
which includes the team at NRRI. Together, we can build a
sustainable future and positively impact both the environment and
the communities we serve."
The center features a full-scale mock house, display wall, and
small-scale fabrication shop, allowing LP to evaluate and optimize
installation and application methods for engineered wood
home-building products. Additionally, the center is designed to be
a collaborative environment for LP's team, NRRI scientists and
engineers, and key customers to develop new products.
"NRRI and LP have been working together over the last few years
on individual projects, so it's very exciting to take this next
step in the relationship," said NRRI Director of Partnership
Development Tim White. "As an
applied research institute focused on commercializing technologies
to improve Minnesota's economy,
NRRI believes this Innovation Center is the perfect opportunity to
work collaboratively with LP to continue to innovate."
By establishing the LP Innovation Center at NRRI, LP can
leverage the scientific and engineering expertise of NRRI's
professionals. Additionally, the center benefits from the local
knowledge of the LP team, given its proximity to LP's SmartSide
siding mill in Two Harbors,
Minnesota.
"The LP Innovation Center provides a distinct platform to
demonstrate how our cutting-edge LP Structural Solutions and
SmartSide products can be combined to protect homes in new and
innovative ways," said LP Executive Vice President and General
Manager of OSB Jimmy Mason. "By leveraging the collaborative space,
we can conduct research, develop solutions-driven products, and
showcase the exceptional performance that our portfolio delivers to
the market."
The LP Innovation Center opened its doors on June 21 at a grand opening event featuring LP
Vice President of Siding Operations Tony
Hamill, University of Minnesota
Duluth Interim Chancellor David
McMillan, NRRI Executive Director Rolf Weberg and others.
About LP Building Solutions
As a leader in
high-performance building solutions, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation
(LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX) manufactures engineered wood
products that help meet the demands of builders, remodelers and
homeowners worldwide. LP's extensive portfolio of innovative and
dependable products includes Siding Solutions (LP® SmartSide® Trim
& Siding, LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding, LP
BuilderSeries® Lap Siding and LP® Outdoor Building Solutions™), LP
Structural Solutions (LP® TechShield® Radiant Barrier, LP
WeatherLogic® Air & Water Barrier, LP Legacy® Premium
Sub-Flooring, LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated Sheathing, LP NovaCore™
Thermal Insulated Sheathing and LP® TopNotch® 350 Durable
Sub-Flooring) and oriented strand board (OSB). In addition to
product solutions, LP provides industry-leading customer service
and warranties. Since its founding in 1972, LP has been Building a
Better World™ by helping customers construct beautiful, durable
homes while shareholders build lasting value. Headquartered in
Nashville, Tennessee, LP operates
22 plants across the U.S., Canada,
Chile and Brazil. For more information, visit
LPCorp.com.
About NRRI
The Natural Resources Research Institute
(NRRI) is an applied research and economic development engine for
the University of Minnesota research
enterprise. NRRI employs over 130 scientists, engineers and
technicians to deliver on its mission to deliver integrated
research solutions that value our resources, environment and
economy for a sustainable and resilient future. NRRI collaborates
broadly across the University system, the state and the region to
address the challenges of a natural resource-based economy. NRRI's
role is as an impartial, science-based resource that develops and
translates knowledge. Projects include characterizing and defining
resource opportunities, minimizing waste and environmental impact,
maximizing value from natural resources and maintaining/restoring
ecosystem function.
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SOURCE LP Building Solutions