Steel fabricator invests $25M to expand manufacturing facility in Louisiana 

Steel fabricator invests $25M to expand manufacturing facility in Louisiana 

Nov. 20, 2024
The expansion will include 100,000 square feet of production space and the acquisition of cutting-edge welding technology

Southland Steel Fabricators Inc. has announced plans to expand its production plant in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. The company, which specializes in steel fabrication, will invest $25 million into the project, generating 80 new jobs in the process. The expansion will include 100,000 square feet of production space and the acquisition of cutting-edge welding technology. The company believes that the expansion will increase robotic welding capacity by 50% and double material processing capabilities. The expansion project will begin in 2025 and continue through 2026.   

To aid the project, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) provided Southland Steel an incentives package that included a $2.5 million reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Award Program. Additionally, the company is eligible to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs. 

What people are saying

In a recent quote, Southland President and CEO Joey Lombardo said, “Southland Steel Fabricators is thrilled to kick off this next phase of growth at our original Greensburg facility. LED’s support is greatly appreciated as we continue to invest in the community we have been a part of since 1986. As a proud Louisiana company, the ability to continuously improve our existing operations reinforces our mission to be a positive force for employment and broader economic growth and development of Greensburg and the state at large.” 

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois added, “Southland’s second expansion project announcement this year says a lot about this company’s commitment to our state, and about what ways manufacturing projects ripple through our economy. We thank them for continuing to create economic opportunity in our rural communities by reinforcing Louisiana’s robust supply chains for essential consumer and industrial goods.” 

Manufacturers investing in Louisiana

Steel fabricator invests $3.2M to expand Louisiana manufacturing plant 
The project will add 5,600 square feet of advanced fabrication space at FSP’s facility.

Manufacturer invests $17M to add 2 blown film extrusion lines to its Louisiana plant 
The expansion will include the installation of two new blown film extrusion lines to support growing demand.

Ice Industries invests $6M to open manufacturing facility in Louisiana to support solar supply chain 
The new 150,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in 2025 and will focus on roll forming steel back rails for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. 

Investing in American manufacturing in 2024

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

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