LP Innovation Center inside UMD’s NRRI will focus on the future of building materials

LP Building Solutions is leasing space at UMD’s Natural Resources Research Institute.

Inside is a full-scale mock house, a display wall, and a light manufacturing shop.

It’s called the LP Innovation Center, and will showcase siding and structural product innovations to stakeholders. It will give LP a chance to really test products and test the assembly.

“There’s a tremendous amount of science and chemistry in engineered wood products that we warranty for 50 years. It starts with sustainable wood harvesting. And put on quality coatings to last and look beautiful,” explained Tony Hamill, LP Vice President of Siding Operations. “We can’t stand still. We have to innovate.”

They’ll also be able to collaborate with NRRI on future building product innovations.

Rolf Weberg, Executive Director of NRRI, said, “We started talking about this several years ago. And it’s grown into a true partnership. We haven’t had a house in a house before. And this is the way we work with partners, how we can help them do what they need to do.”