Gov. Bobby Jindal and CB&I CEO Philip Asherman announced the centralization of 400 jobs from out-of-state locations to the company’s Government Solutions operating group in Baton Rouge. The project will retain 180 existing Government Solutions group employees at the CB&I Plaza in Baton Rouge, and the 400 new direct jobs will pay salaries averaging $68,000 to $78,000 per year, plus benefits. LED estimates the project will result in another 434 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 800 new jobs in the Baton Rouge area. LED also estimates the project will bring an economic impact of more than $500 million to the Capital Region economy over the next 10 years.
CB&I will expand the Baton Rouge operations of its Government Solutions group, one of four major operating groups of CB&I and one of two based in Baton Rouge.
Gov. Jindal said, “When we first learned of CB&I’s planned acquisition of The Shaw Group last year, we recognized the tremendous growth opportunities the deal might represent for the Baton Rouge area and our state. We immediately engaged company executives to explore potential growth opportunities in Louisiana, and today’s announcement is a direct result of those discussions. This partnership will produce 400 outstanding new professional career opportunities in Baton Rouge and more than 800 total jobs, building on the important work we’ve done in the past to help grow CB&I and its workforce in Louisiana. CB&I continues to invest in our state because of our infrastructure, our strong business climate and our quality, skilled workers.”
CB&I will complete the centralization of its employees in Baton Rouge by early 2014. Many positions will be filled by existing CB&I employees moving to Baton Rouge from locations outside Louisiana, but the project will also create new professional job opportunities for Louisiana citizens who don’t currently work for CB&I. The 400 new direct jobs will cover a diverse set of corporate functions, such as health, safety and environment, engineering and procurement.
“With more than 1,500 employees in Baton Rouge, CB&I already has a major presence in Louisiana,” said Chip Ray, president of CB&I’s Government Solutions operating group. “Strengthening Government Solutions’ workforce in Baton Rouge allows us to create a more dynamic and competitive organization and offer new and exciting career paths for our employees. We believe Louisiana offers an exceptional business environment to further develop our business function professionals and engineers who manage projects throughout the world. Our Louisiana workforce is a critical component of CB&I’s overall business, and we are committed to growing our presence here.”
LED began working with CB&I on potential growth opportunities in Louisiana in mid-2012. To secure the project, LED offered a performance-based grant of $3.3 million to reimburse relocation and recruitment costs, along with the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart® – ranked the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program. In addition, CB&I is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs program.
Within CB&I, the Government Solutions group leads high-profile programs and projects for federal, state and local governments, as well as work for commercial clients that interact with those governments. Government Solutions delivers program management, design-build services for marine and transportation projects, and military base and facilities management. Other services include remediation and restoration of contaminated sites, emergency response and disaster recovery.
In addition to Government Solutions, the company’s Fabrication Services group is based at CB&I Plaza in Baton Rouge. CB&I’s other two major operating groups are Technology and Engineering and Construction & Maintenance.
“We are thrilled to have CB&I deepen its commitment to Baton Rouge by centralizing more of their operations here,” said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden. “Our area has the potential to lead the country in growth, especially with companies that specialize in world-class engineering, fabrication and construction. Today's announcement is proof that CB&I is not only here to stay, but here to grow, and that Baton Rouge is a fantastic place to do business.”
“This is a great win for the Baton Rouge area,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “Technical research and consulting is a major growth industry for us, in particular when it comes to top-notch engineering, and the commitment from CB&I is a testament to that. We proudly welcome this announcement and look forward to an expanded presence of CB&I in our region.”
Prospective job applicants who would like to stay informed about future employment opportunities at CB&I should visit www.cbibatonrouge.com for more information in the future.
About CB&I
CB&I is the most complete energy infrastructure-focused company in the world and a major provider of government services. Drawing upon more than a century of experience and the expertise of approximately 50,000 employees, CB&I provides reliable solutions while maintaining a relentless focus on safety and an uncompromising standard of quality. As one of the most complete providers of a wide range of services including design, engineering, construction, fabrication, maintenance and environmental services, CB&I tackles projects of every magnitude. Timely and cost-effective solutions not only satisfy the needs of CB&I customers, but also improve the quality of life for people around the world.