OSB Plant Planned by Huber Engineered Woods

Charlotte, NC— Huber Engineered Woods LLC subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation will build a new oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Cohasset, MN. The new facility will produce premium Zip System and AdvanTech structural panel products used in roof, wall and subfloor assemblies for home construction and multi-family projects.

Demand for OSB in new construction has been on the rise. In February 2019—well before the supply chain effects of the COVID-19 pandemic—Huber inked a contractual manufacturing agreement with Roseburg Forest Products to increase availability of OSB products, with Roseburg producing plywood sheathing for Huber Zip System at its softwood plywood facility in Dillard, OR.

The new manufacturing facility is projected to provide over 150 direct new jobs to Itasca County and surrounding areas, while contributing growth opportunities in adjacent local industries including timber and trucking.

“We look forward to being an integral part of the community and a key partner in the future success of the county and the state. We are pleased and excited to bring this new investment and set of employment opportunities to Itasca County and the surrounding areas,” says Huber Engineered Wood President Brian Carlson. “It is our desire for our new Minnesota operations to be a shining example of our company’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.”

Contingent upon site acquisition, approval of certain legislative initiatives and financial assistance from additional state entities, the Cohasset location will be HEW’s sixth mill in the United States and its first presence in Minnesota. The new mill will expand HEW’s current production footprint of five mills located in Georgia, Maine, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Virginia. HEW’s manufacturing operations support the growing needs of single-family, multifamily and commercial builders along with select OEM industries. Product distribution is supported through a nationwide network of leading building products dealers and distributors.

“In addition to the successful launch of several new products at the 2021 International Builders’ Show, this is yet another example of HEW’s commitment to supporting our brands and our growing base of customers nationally,” said HEW President Brian Carlson. “We’ve seen a strong start to 2021 and are optimistic for continued growth of our specialty products in the coming years. We are pleased to share our plans for increased production to help keep pace with the growing demands of our customers for ZIP System and AdvanTech products, as well as future innovative solutions that we strive to deliver.”

The new HEW manufacturing facility will be located on more than 400 acres and will feature some of the most advanced processes and technologies available for sustainable, manufacturing operations. The mill will produce a wide range of products and will significantly increase HEW’s ability to service the Western and Midwestern housing markets.

“This new chapter of growth for our company is the result of tremendous collaboration between our organization, Governor Walz and the state of Minnesota including DEED, IRRRB, and MPCA, and the local community, the city of Cohasset, Itasca County and Minnesota Power” said Carlson.

OSB production has a long history in the state of Minnesota. HEW’s parent company, J.M. Huber Corporation, was founded in 1883 and has grown to be one of the largest family-owned privately held businesses in the U.S. with a global footprint of approximately 4,000 employees across 20 countries.

“I support and recognize the significance of this project, as does my leadership team,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Minnesota’s state government commissioners are making the success and expedition of this project a top priority. Huber is an innovative and unique leader in the building products industry, and we are excited they are joining the successful companies that operate and thrive in northeastern Minnesota.”

The project coming to the State of Minnesota and the Boswell site is contingent upon financial assistance from state funding agencies and local authorties, Huber said in a statement.

About Huber Engineered Woods

Building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods LLC has a reputation built on consistent product performance and commitment to people. Fueled by on-the-jobsite analysis and building science principles, AdvanTech® subflooring, ZIP System™ building enclosure and EXACOR™ product solutions have changed the way construction teams build better buildings. Each solution in the product portfolio helps streamline installation, while providing dependable performance as critical components of quiet, stiff floors and weather-resistant, tight building envelopes. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the company has manufacturing facilities in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee and Oklahoma and dedicated R&D facilities in Commerce, Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Visit huberwood.com to learn more.

J.M. Huber Corporation, headquartered in Edison, New Jersey (US), operates a diverse portfolio of companies: CP Kelco, Huber Engineered Materials, Huber Engineered Woods and Huber Resources Corp. With locations around the world, our businesses create products used in a broad range of applications including personal care, food and beverage, agricultural nutrients and adjuvants, building materials, flame retardants and smoke suppressants, as well as sustainable forestry services. Founded in 1883, Huber is one of the largest family-owned companies based in the U.S.

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