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Seamus O'Reilly joined LP
in 1980 to introduce and
to promote osb products
as both an economical and
structural alternative to plywood.
Since then, he has taken part in
several new product launches and
currently manages the western
region for LP with an expert field
sales staff, promoting LP products
to the entire supply channel from
manufacturing to the builder.
Builder and Developer: How old is
Louisiana Pacific Building Products, and
what is it doing to grow?
Seamus O'Reilly: LP was established
in 1976. The company is known for
developing innovative products to
support the new single-family residential
construction segment. LP was at the
forefront of the development of osb,
engineered wood products and most
recently in the development of TechShield
Radiant Barrier. Our newest entry
to the market is LP FlameBlock that
was developed primarily to meet the
requirements of the CA WUI initiative.
B&D: Which green building programs can
builders gain points for certification by
using LP products?
SR: There are numerous green
organizations with varying numbers of
points available to help the builder attain
green status. A complete list is available
on our website at www.lpcorp.com.
B&D: LP continues to design products,
such as FlameBlock and TechShield
Radiant Barrier, that are over the required
green and sustainable codes. How much
time does the company put into reasearch
and development (R&D)?
SR: We put a lot of time into research and
development, particularly on products
designed to help builders meet new
Energy Code and Fire Code requirements.
LP will continue to work to make more of
these products available.
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B&D: In creating eco-friendly products
and whole-house solutions for builders,
why is it important for LP, and other
companies, to use products certified by
the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)?
SR: LP uses SFI-certified forest
management and procurement systems
to help ensure its wood supply comes
from well-managed forests. SFI programs
integrate the perpetual growing and
harvesting of trees with the protection of
wildlife, plants, soils and water. We are
committed to producing products that are
engineered to provide the sustainability
benefits that builders and homeowners
are asking for today and can be delivered
to end users at competitive costs.
B&D: What are LP's plans for the rest of
the year?
SR: We had a very strong first half of the
year. We have ample capacity to ramp
up production to meet demand for our
products as the housing market recovers.
B&D: What are your overall thoughts on
green building?
SR: Green building is important to the
consumer and to the builder and is
obviously here to stay. We have to pay
attention to their needs and to provide
products that customers and builders
want. It will be difficult in the short term
to know what green programs will be
around for awhile. We see some coming
to the forefront and expect to see a much
clearer picture emerging in the next
couple of years.
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