Advanced Manufacturing
North Louisiana’s assets continue to foster a thriving manufacturing industry. New and existing companies leverage our region’s robust multimodal transportation infrastructure, reliable and affordable utilities, and highly skilled workforce to enhance productivity and increase their competitive advantage in national and global markets.
Contact the Expert
Sheena Bryant, CEcD, EDFP
Business Development Strategy Vice President
- Phone: 318-677-2558
- Phone: sbryant@nlep.org
Target Advanced Manufacturing Subsectors
Petrochemical/Chemicals/Plastics
- Number of Establishments: 79
- Regional Employment: 2,509
- Average Earnings per Job: $118,632
- Regional Projected Growth Rate: 9% (U.S. 6%)
Primary & Fabricated Metals
- Number of Establishments: 44
- Regional Employment: 3,246
- Average Earnings per Job: $82,896
- Regional Projected Growth Rate: 19% (U.S. 4%)
Machinery Manufacturing
- Number of Establishments: 34
- Regional Employment: 1,302
- Average Earnings per Job: $84,247
- Regional Projected Growth Rate: 11% (U.S. 6%)
Transportation Equipment
- Number of Establishments: 28
- Regional Employment: 491
- Average Earnings per Job: $106,567
- Regional Projected Growth Rate: 9% (U.S. 4%)
Major Employers
Workforce
Workforce programs such as FAME, North Louisiana Manufacturing Month, Jump Start, and technical high schools support the industry by training a skilled labor pipeline directly aligned with manufacturing needs. Educational institutions offer programs beneficial to manufacturing, including Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics, Welding, Engineering, and many other technical programs. The presence of Barksdale Air Force Base provides access to exiting airmen who possess technical skills and a strong work ethic.
“My company has been based in North Louisiana for decades and we continue to thrive. We love the diversity of our regional economy, offering a good mix of manufacturing, oil and gas, defense, and healthcare companies. Our easy access to multiple markets makes it appealing for our distribution business. Shreveport is a great location for sustained growth, and we are glad to be here.”
Alex Kennedy
CEO, Red Ball Oxygen Company
Industrial Gases & Welding Supplies Distributor
“The expansion in Louisiana makes the most sense for our business. We have added 180 direct and 100 subcontractor jobs in the past 15 months, and all of those people are building for projects across the country. Our ability to automate and scale with quality is only possible because of the employees we have in north Louisiana.”
Graham Walker
President and CEO, Fibrebond
Mission-Critical Modular Structures
“We selected the Northwest Louisiana site due to its proximity to some of our largest customers, our ability to expand business into Central and South America, and most importantly the training opportunities that are available to our potential workforce. The teams at LED and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership made us feel incredibly welcome and were instrumental in making this project a reality. Louisiana’s hospitality – and the skilled and loyal workforce – convinced us to establish this new facility in Sarepta.”
Jim Williams
President, E.I. Williams
Industrial Silencers