LP Building Solutions Begins Construction of New SmartSide ExpertFinish Manufacturing Facility in Minnesota
LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, has officially started construction on a new LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding manufacturing facility in North Branch, Minnesota. The groundbreaking marks a major step in LP’s continued expansion of its manufacturing network and highlights the company’s confidence in the growing demand for its premium exterior building products.
The new facility will span approximately 350,000 square feet and will be developed on a recently acquired 120-acre site in North Branch. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to create approximately 125 new jobs and is scheduled to begin production in the first quarter of 2028.
The investment represents LP’s commitment to strengthening its SmartSide ExpertFinish product portfolio while improving its ability to serve customers across key markets. The facility will become the largest and most efficient ExpertFinish manufacturing location within LP’s network, supporting the company’s strategy to increase production capacity and meet rising demand for ready-to-install siding solutions.
“This investment reflects the strong momentum behind the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish portfolio and our confidence in its future,” said LP CEO Jason Ringblom. “The North Branch facility expands our manufacturing network, strengthens our ability to serve customers, and reinforces our long-term commitment to Minnesota.”
The North Branch facility will be LP’s fourth ExpertFinish manufacturing location and the second facility specifically designed for ExpertFinish production. The expansion follows the opening of LP New York in 2023, which was built to support the growing popularity of LP’s prefinished siding products.
Strategically located near important new construction and repair and remodeling markets throughout the Midwest, the new facility will play an important role in supporting customer needs. The plant will receive siding manufactured and primed at LP siding mills before applying one of 22 available prefinished colors to create finished exterior products.
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products are designed to provide homeowners, builders, and contractors with durable, attractive siding options that reduce installation time and remove the need for painting after installation. By expanding production capabilities, LP aims to improve product availability and provide more efficient service to customers throughout the region.
The new development also strengthens LP’s long-standing presence in Minnesota. The company has operated in the state since opening its Two Harbors siding mill in 1985. With the completion of the North Branch facility, LP will expand its footprint to include its 12th siding facility and 22nd manufacturing facility across North and South America.
Minnesota officials welcomed the project as an important investment in the state’s manufacturing sector and local economy.
“Today we celebrate the public-private partnership that helped bring LP Building Solutions to North Branch,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek. “We’re invested in LP’s success and grateful for their commitment to Minnesota.”
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together company executives, government officials, and community leaders to celebrate the beginning of the project. Speakers included LP CEO Jason Ringblom, representatives from the Office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, DEED Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon, North Branch Economic Development Authority Chair Sara Paul, North Branch Mayor Kevin Schieber, and City Administrator Matthew Hill.
Local leaders highlighted the positive impact the facility is expected to have on the North Branch community through job creation, economic growth, and continued investment in the region.
“The addition of the 120-acre LP SmartSide ExpertFinish manufacturing facility is a welcome development for the North Branch community,” said Mayor Schieber. “Along with creating best-in-class building products, I’m impressed by LP’s strong commitment to high-quality jobs and its focus on long-term employee retention. The City of North Branch continues to see strong growth, and our proactive investments in infrastructure position us well to support this new facility.”
The project reflects LP’s broader focus on innovation, manufacturing excellence, and sustainable growth within the building products industry. By investing in advanced production capabilities and expanding its workforce, LP Building Solutions continues to position itself as a key supplier for builders, contractors, and homeowners seeking reliable, high-performance exterior solutions.
The North Branch facility is expected to become an important part of LP’s future manufacturing operations, helping the company meet increasing demand while contributing to economic development in Minnesota for years to come.
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