MoistureShield expands production in Springdale

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) 1,572 views 

MoistureShield will expand its Springdale plant to double its manufacturing capacity.

The MoistureShield plant in Springdale is undergoing an expansion that will double its manufacturing capacity, allowing the wood composite decking company to add a new product line and expand another.

MoistureShield, formerly AERT, is a division of outdoor living products manufacturer Oldcastle APG and operates a more than 150,000-square-foot plant at 914 N. Jefferson St. The plant expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter and follows a project completed in 2021 to increase by up to 50% the production of capped composite decking.

Chris Jones, vice president and general manager, MoistureShield, Oldcastle APG, said the expansion will allow the plant to produce the new Meridian capped composite decking and support the Elevate line of capped composite decking. The mid-priced Meridian product line includes the TruTexture surface that provides the look of natural hardwoods and is available in three colors, Jones said.

“The market has seen an increased demand for outdoor living products with high-end aesthetics and performance at a reasonable price level,” he said. “The expansion will enable access to Meridian in additional geographic regions.”

The 2021 expansion also increased the production capacity of the Elevate line, which the plant started manufacturing in late 2019. This product line offers the capped composite decking at an introductory price, he said.

“It’s important to note that our Solid Core manufacturing process is at the heart of all MoistureShield products,” he added. “Because our products do not include exposed wood fibers, there is no need to worry about rot, insect damage, warping or splinters.”

Jones said the expansion will be made within the plant’s existing footprint and be completed by “local trade professionals.” The company declined to provide employee or project investment numbers.

Another expansion that’s planned for later this year is expected to upgrade existing lines producing the Vision with DiamondDefense coating.