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Advanced Manufacturing

Louisiana has emerged as a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing, bringing numerous benefits to the state and contributing to economic growth, job creation and tech advancement.

At the Forefront of the Manufacturing Renaissance

Decades of manufacturing expertise, the nation’s best workforce development program, and highly competitive incentives position Louisiana at the epicenter of the manufacturing renaissance. Strategic investments in site identification, robust GIS-mapping technology and a pro-business climate have attracted industry leaders including Nucor, Benteler Steel/Tube and Gardner Denver.

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Fueling Louisiana's Economy: Manufacturing by the Numbers

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$40.28 billion

Total output from manufacturing in Louisiana in 2021

138,000

Louisiana residents employed in the manufacturing sector statewide in 2023

$97,389.93

Average annual compensation for manufacturing employees

$40.28 billion

Total output from manufacturing in Louisiana in 2021

138,000

Louisiana residents employed in the manufacturing sector statewide in 2023

$97,389.93

Average annual compensation for manufacturing employees

Louisiana is well situated for both inbound and outbound logistics.

6 Interstate Highways

in the state of Louisiana alone

6 Class 1 Railroads

Louisiana is one of only two states in the country where all six of North America’s class one railroads converge

6 Deep
Water Ports

in the state of Louisiana

7 Primary Highways

running through Louisiana

6 Interstate Highways

in the state of Louisiana alone

6 Class 1 Railroads

Louisiana is one of only two states in the country where all six of North America’s class one railroads converge

6 Deep
Water Ports

in the state of Louisiana

7 Primary Highways

running through Louisiana

Low Utility Rates & Competitive Business Climate for Manufacturers

At the core of Louisiana’s competitive manufacturing advantages is the strength of its business climate. Louisiana now ranks in the Top 10 states for business climate in the U.S., according to Area Development, Development Counselors International and Site Selection.

Low Utility Rates

A location in Louisiana can reduce company costs because of the state’s low industrial electricity rates — 2023 rates were the lowest in the nation, approximately 37 percent below the national average.

Highly Competitive Natural Gas Rates

Louisiana’s industrial natural gas rates are also highly competitive, with the state’s 2022 rates averaging approximately 13 percent below the national average.

A Workforce Manufactured for Success

From engineers to assembly line workers, skilled tradespeople can secure gainful employment with competitive wages in this sector.

Specialized Education Fuels 22,000+ Manufacturing Graduates Annually

New investors in the state can rely on Louisiana’s commitment to workforce growth through strategic investments in higher education. The majority of the state’s research universities have specialized institutes or programs in manufacturing, producing over 22,000 relevant graduates annually according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Millions Invested in Training Facilities and 72% Enrollment Growth

Additionally, Louisiana’s investments in community and technical schools ensure the statewide availability of highly skilled workers. From 2007 to 2012, the state dedicated over $250 million to new and upgraded training facilities. In 2013, an additional $250 million was allocated for workforce projects. Enrollment at these institutions also increased by 72% from 2007 to 2012 according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Supporting Industry and Community with Advanced Training Centers

Louisiana collaborates with the private sector for tailored education and training investments, such as specialized centers at community colleges for companies like Benteler Steel/Tube and Sasol. These centers, equipped with the latest technology, support recruitment, assessment, and training, benefiting both the company and the community. After company services ramp down, these facilities will open to other students in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

Workforce Development Customized for Manufacturing

LED FastStart creates tailored workforce solutions at no cost to eligible companies. The team collaborates closely with a company’s experts to identify specific skill requirements. They then use traditional and innovative methods to recruit and train qualified talent, preparing them for immediate productivity and long-term success. These programs improve learning curves, boost productivity, and bolster a company’s bottom line. Post-employment classes help integrate new team members, and LED FastStart’s world-class training benefits companies across various sectors, including Fortune 500 firms like Gardner Denver Thomas, Lockheed Martin, Nucor, Northrop Grumman, Crest Industries, and Union Tank Car.

Bold Business Incentives for Advanced Manufacturing Companies

Louisiana’s competitive incentives support manufacturers with the Quality Jobs program (up to 6% cash rebate for new jobs), Industrial Tax Exemption (property tax abatement), and Research and Development Tax Credit (up to 40% on research expenses).

View all Incentives arrow-small

Certified Sites

When it comes time to find the best location for your operation, Louisiana has an extensive selection of development-ready sites searchable in its Site Selection Center. The LED Certified Sites program further qualifies industrial sites based on zoning restrictions, title work, environmental studies, soil analysis and surveys.

A Hub for Advanced Manufacturing in New Orleans

Of particular interest to many manufacturers is NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Now a multi-tenant facility for high-tech industries including advanced manufacturing, the main facility has:

43 acres under one roof

An extensive overhead crane network

A deepwater port with access to highway and rail

400k square feet of available manufacturing space

43 acres under one roof

An extensive overhead crane network

A deepwater port with access to highway and rail

400k square feet of available manufacturing space

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