LP Building Solutions held on June 21 a grand opening ceremony at its new LP Innovation Center. The facility, located at the Natural Resources Research Institute 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.