LP Begins Conversion of Houlton, Maine Mill to Produce Siding & Trim Products

Louisiana-Pacific Corp (LP) announced that on Tuesday (6-8-21), it had broken ground on a $150 million conversion project at their mill in New Limerick, Maine (commonly known as LP Houlton) to turn out the LP siding and trim products. LP spokesperson Breeanna Straessle told Mainebiz via email that the company had received it building permits for the project on Monday, and it now has all necessary permits in hand. Initial work will include demolition and construction at various places around the property. “We’ve mobilized many contractors to help, including several local teams,” Straessle said.

The conversion will allow the facility to increase production of LP’s flagship product, an engineered wood trim and siding called LP SmartSide. The products are marketed under the name LP Building Solutions. The conversion aims to supply growing demand for SmartSide and better penetrate the new home construction and repair and remodel markets along the East Coast. The investment and conversion are expected to increase the company’s consumption of local and sustainably sourced fiber by an estimated 30%, which is expected to benefit providers across the supply chain, including local businesses. It’s expected the facility will be back online as a SmartSide mill in early 2022, Straessle said.