North America’s first wood fibre insulation manufacturer TimberHP has been in the news a lot so far in 2025.
It originally started production of loose-fill wood fibre insulation in 2023 – becoming the first US company to do so at the time. A team of like-minded entrepreneurs revitalised a shuttered paper mill in Madison, Maine, to build the landmark plant.
It had taken years to reach the stage. Flexible batts followed, and finally a third product has come off the production line – rigid wood fibre insulation board.
It’s been a long journey for the US$125m project, which was originally announced back in 2015, and the company recently came out of Chapter 11 proceedings, securing new investment to kick off the next stage in its development and secure the next phase in its operations.
Much of the production equipment at Madison was originally sourced from the European wood fibre board producer Homanit in Berga, Germany and shipped to the US. The equipment had originally been installed by Dieffenbacher at the latter in 2009.
Dieffenbacher supported the company in financing the relocation and planning of its re-installation. Dieffenbacher has also modernised the plant and installed new equipment, including a gluing system and dryer.
TIMBERBOARD LAUNCH
The latest big news was the start of production of TimberBoard on September 5 – 4ft x 8ft square-edge sheet, available in multiple thicknesses. Though untreated, its density offers inherent flame resistance, earning a Class B rating under ASTM E84.
TimberHP said the long wait for the product was worth it, with the product being another first of its kind to be made and sold in the US.
“This milestone has been years in the making, and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this high-performance, sustainable solution to the market,” it said.
The rigid boards are composed of softwood fibre, PMDI adhesive and paraffin. TimberHP is utilising the dry manufacturing process – a popular production method used in Europe.
The rigid TimberBoard product is designed as a vapour open, continuous insulation with a stable R-value, high heat capacity and high compressive strength.
TimberHP says because there’s no precedent for a product like TimberBoard in North America, it was now entering a rigorous testing and certification phase with the International Code Council (ICC). Earlier this year, ICC published the acceptance criteria that will guide this process, setting the stage for TimberBoard’s full market entry.
The company said TimberBoard wasn’t just another insulation product – it was a breakthrough for the US building industry.
“TimberBoard is a carbon-storing insulation that helps turn buildings into longterm carbon sinks. It delivers the durability and compressive strength of rigid foam or mineral wool while remaining vapour-open, allowing assemblies to manage moisture safely and naturally,” the company explained.
TimberBoard highlights:
- Thicknesses ranging from 1in to 9.25in
- Vapour-open continuous exterior insulation with high compressive strength
- Price competitive with rigid foam and mineral wool
- Carbon-storing, made from abundant wood residuals
- High-performing, sustainable, and affordable
RESTRUCTURING
The company has been through some changes in 2025, when it reported in the spring that it had run into financial difficulties from delays and unexpected costs retrofitting its mill.
The filing was expected to eliminate debt and allow the company to continue as usual, retaining its 54-person workforce and even creating an additional 66 positions when it gets back up to speed.
The company announced in June that it had successfully exited Chapter 11 with a strengthened balance sheet, and a roadmap for long-term financial stability and growth.
The company emerged with US$21m in new working capital; and its contractor Cianbro remobilised on-site for the completion of the TimberBoard manufacturing line.
Exiting reorganisation, the company has officially reincorporated as TimberHP Inc and has retired the previous corporate name, GO Lab Inc.
“The change of legal name symbolises an exciting fresh start for the company, with a strategy that calls for rapid execution across key areas of TimberHP operations,” the company said.
“We are very grateful for the broad support that we have received from creditors, financial partners, the Finance Authority of Maine and other lenders, which has enabled us to successfully complete our restructuring with an exciting opportunity for growth moving forward,” said Matthew O’Malia, TimberHP CEO.
“Our team demonstrated incredible commitment and resilience through this transition period, and our improved liquidity and balance sheet provide the chance to execute on our plan to make TimberFill, TimberBatt and TimberBoard mainstream insulations of choice for residential, light commercial, and multi-family development projects.”
Sales of TimberFill and TimberBatt, continued uninterrupted during the Chapter 11 court process and are projected to grow substantially post-exit, as TimberHP ramps up production with recently improved products, and the company uses its improved financial position to implement its marketing plan and build out its sales force across the north-east and mid-Atlantic regions.
For TimberHP customers, its products will be easier to find, specify, and install as it actively builds out its sales team and executes a refreshed marketing strategy focused on improved communication and support.
“It’s time to move forward and deliver the future of wood fibre insulation for highperformance, sustainable, and safe building construction, and we’re thrilled to have you on this journey with us,” the company said.
TimberHP has been building up its sales network and last year saw a new partnership with Saint-Gobain for distribution of its wood fibre insulation in North America.
The deal sees CertainTeed distribute TimberHP’s wood fibre insulation products in North America, including as the exclusive distribution partner in Canada.
This is executed in close collaboration with NOVA by Saint-Gobain, the company’s venture arm.
Julie Bonamy, chief executive officer, Saint-Gobain Canada, said the exclusive partnership was driven by the Group’s purpose of “Making the World a Better Home”.
“This exclusive partnership with TimberHP enhances the sustainable solutions we are bringing to our stakeholders throughout Canada,” said Ms Bonamy.
“This is a welcome addition to Saint-Gobain Canada’s light and sustainable construction portfolio, which will further our vision to provide a full offering of building materials and solutions to our customers.”
TimberHP, grew out of a partnership between two entrepreneurs – Matthew O’Malia, an award-winning architect with a reputation for developing high-performance, cost-competitive designs; and Dr Joshua Henry, a materials chemist with years of experience elevating solutions to conserve energy and produce renewable energy.
