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will drive the demand for plywood and oriented strand board over the five years from 2oll to 2015, according to business research and forecastine firm BIS Shrapnel.

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LoutsAm-PActFtc, Nashville, Tn., is the largest OSB manufacturer in the U.S., but that fact didn't shield it from a tough market. Late last year, LP indefinitely curtailed production at its OSB mills in Thomasville, Al., and Chambord, P.Q.

"Our results for second quarter (201 1) reflect significantly lower 0SB pricing and decreased volume of shipments in all product lines compared to the same quarter last year," said c.e.o. Rick Frost. "Demand continues to be weak."

He added that the "focus in this product line is low-cost manufacturing, while producing to our customers' needs. Additionally, we aim to grow value-added 0SB products."

To this end, LP has added a new product to its line of FlameBlock fire+ated OSB sheathing. "ln much of the country,7116 LP FlameBlock panels are particularly well-suited for roof decks in multifamily buildings with multiple fire walls," according to Judy Musgrove, 0SB marketing manager. "The availability of these panels provides a cost-effective way for builders to meet code requirements while also offering design flexibility."

Outside the U.S., LP South America acquired the remaining 25% equity interest in its joint venture with Masisa S.A., an OSB plant located in Ponta Grossa, Parana, Brazil, that opened in 2003 and has annual production capacity of 390 million so. ft.

"The completion of this purchase is an important next step in our strategic focus on growing business in South America," said Rick Olszewski, LP's executive vice president of sales and president of LP South America. LP SA also owns two OSB mills in Chile with a combined annual oroduction capacity of 290 million sq. ft.