US-based LP Building Products is strengthening its focus on the UK and European markets, with new product releases and growth of its distribution network.
The next new product launch, due in the UK in coming months, will be a prefinished engineered wood cladding product, treated with the SmartGuard process for anti-fungal and insect resistance.
One of the UK distributors, Hawthorn Timber, predicted it would get a good response.
“In the current market, what customers are looking for is something that is reliable, quick and easy to use,” said a spokesperson. “This ticks all the boxes.”
LP has two UK wholesale distributors for its existing pre-primed SmartSide cladding and trim.
The company began distributing LP SolidStart engineered wood products in the UK in 2010. Since then it has built up a sales network of three distributors and 31 merchants for its LP SolidStart LSL Rim Board, the Simply Better 225i I-Joist, and the latest addition to its UK range, the SolidStart LSL Loft Joist.
LP, which will have a major presence at the upcoming Ecobuild show, has also revealed ambitions for growth across Europe.
“With investment in EU approvals, we plan to use a strong UK presence to drive introduction of our products throughout Europe,” said Al Huber, EWP international sales manager for LP Building Products.
“We have just added two Belgian distributors, van Hoorebeke Timber and Spano Group, and are looking for new partners in France and Germany.”
