Huber plans new Minnesota mill
Huber Engineered Woods LLC (HEW), a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation, announced that it will build a new oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Cohasset, Minn.
The plant will increase the company’s production of ZIP System and AdvanTech structural panels. The 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,” said HEW President Brian Carlson. “We are pleased and excited to bring this new investment and set of employment opportunities to Itasca County and the surrounding areas. 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.
“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,” Carlson said. “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 company said. The mill will produce a wide range of products and will significantly increase HEW’s ability to service the Western and Midwestern housing markets.
The new HEW manufacturing facility will produce HEW’s premium panel products that have revolutionized the way homes and multi-family projects achieve air and water management in roof, wall and subfloor assemblies.
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 Gov. 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.”
This project coming to Minnesota and the Boswell site is contingent upon financial assistance from IRRRB, State of MN, DEED, City of Cohasset, Itasca County and MN Power, HEW said.