Huber says new Minnesota facility is a no-go

Huber Engineered Woods (HEW) announced that it no longer plans to develop a new oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Cohasset, Minnesota.

The building products manufacturer attributed the decision to delays in developing the project. HEW also said it is committed to meeting the growing market demand while determining that a new location is the company’s best option.

A new facility, which would be HEW’s sixth mill, will increase the company’s production of ZIP System and AdvanTech structural panels.

“Over the past year, we have been working closely with state and federal entities to scope and permit a new oriented strand board mill in the City of Cohasset, Minnesota,” said HEW President Brian Carlson. “This sixth mill in HEW’s operational footprint will be one of the most efficient and sustainable plants in the industry and will meet or exceed all regulatory requirements in its construction and operation.”

But Carlson added that  “due to delays that jeopardize our ability to meet product demand deadlines, we will pursue development of our sixth mill in another state.”

At this point, HEW is seeking a new location that is “consistent” with HEW’s environmental and social commitments, the manufacturer said.

Huber did not provide specifics regarding why the project has not moved forward in Minnesota.

“We have worked closely over the last year with many wonderful people across the City of Cohasset and the state of Minnesota,” Carlson said. “The Huber team looks forward to maintaining a constructive relationship in the state as we will continue to provide exceptional home building products to the citizens of Minnesota.”

HEW currently operates manufacturing locations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma along with a research and development facility in Commerce, Georgia. The company is based in Charlotte N.C. and is a subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation.