(Aroostook County, ME) – The LP Houlton Mill in New Limerick is slated to receive an investment of approximately $150 million to convert part of the facility to manufacture SmartSide, an advanced engineered wood strand siding.

The parent company, Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions, a Tennessee-based manufacturer of engineered wood building products, says the expansion will mean an increase in their need for locally sourced fiber by about 30%.

Senator Trey Stewart: “This is a great deal for our region. Louisiana Pacific needs the raw materials and strong work ethic that Aroostook County can provide, while our local workforce needs stability and longevity. A diversified product line and a major investment in the mill provides the workers at LP Houlton with both.”

“I stand at the ready to help secure these jobs for The County and ensure more stability in Maine’s critical forest products industry. With the explosion and reduced production at the Pixelle mill in Jay, the wood products industry is struggling. This is some welcome good news.”