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Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Nashville, Tn., has proposed building a $157-million prefinishing plant in North Branch, Mn.
LP wants to construct the 250,000- to 350,000-sq. ft. facility on a 120-acre site. The project would be eligible for up to $10 million in grants and loans from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development‘s Minnesota Forward Fund, which could be forgiven if certain goals are met.
The project is expected to create 100 jobs within five years.
LP currently manufactures OSB-based siding and trim about 135 miles away in Two Harbors, Mn. Unpainted products could be shipped by trucks or rail to the North Branch facility for prefinishing, creating finished Smartside and “ExpertFinish products.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development referred to the operation as a new “flagship site” for LP.
Pending approvals, construction could begin next year or as early as late this year.
