Gov. Bobby Jindal and ClearEdge Wholesale Glass owners Brian and Dana LaBorde announced the expansion of the company’s manufacturing operations in Louisiana. The company is investing $2.65 million to renovate a 41,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Baton Rouge, where it will relocate its current manufacturing operations from a 14,000 square-foot site in New Orleans.
ClearEdge will create 120 new direct jobs at the new facility, with an average salary of $39,300, plus benefits. Additionally, the company is retaining all 20 employees from its New Orleans facility, with all existing employees agreeing to move to the Baton Rouge location. Louisiana Economic Development estimates this project will result in 113 new indirect jobs, for a total of more than 230 new jobs in the Capital Region and surrounding parishes. The company estimates the project will generate 20 construction jobs.
Gov. Jindal said, “ClearEdge Wholesale Glass is a prime example of the growth and job creation we are seeing across Louisiana. As a result of our top-ranked business climate, more and more Louisiana companies are outgrowing their old facilities and expanding their operations to grow their businesses and provide more jobs for our people. Additionally, our world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce are giving businesses in Louisiana the confidence they need to continue to invest in our state. Today’s announcement is more proof that Louisiana continues to be one of the best places in the nation to do business, and we’re proud that ClearEdge is joining the long list of companies that continue to expand here in Baton Rouge.”
ClearEdge Wholesale Glass was founded in 2009 in New Orleans. Using state-of-the-art glass fabrication machinery, ClearEdge provides quality glass products to glass shops across the South. The new facility will provide nearly three times the area for the company’s manufacturing operations, allowing the company to keep up with customer demand and conduct new fabrication techniques. The Baton Rouge facility will allow ClearEdge to temper glass, providing value to in-state and out-of-state customers.
“Above and beyond the glass industry, our dream is to create the best company in the world for customers and employees alike,” Brian LaBorde said. “This means a company that provides the best quality, service and well-being for everyone who does business with us. We strive every day to make ClearEdge that company, and our new facility allows us to achieve this goal. Louisiana is our home state, and we are proud to continue our tradition of producing great products made in Louisiana by Louisianians.”
In addition to owning ClearEdge Wholesale Glass, the LaBordes also own Standard Glass and Mirror Company. In 2006, Brian purchased Standard Glass and Mirror Works from his father, Terry LaBorde. Established in 1915, Standard Glass is a longstanding retail establishment in New Orleans. Upon taking ownership of Standard Glass and Mirror Works, Brian and Dana LaBorde recognized the need for a quality glass producer with strong customer service at the wholesale level, and they were inspired to develop ClearEdge.
LED began working with ClearEdge in June 2014. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1-ranked state workforce development program. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“ClearEdge Glass will be an asset to Baton Rouge,” Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden said. “This Louisiana-based business has seen the merits of our region and chosen Baton Rouge as its first point of expansion. We are proud to see this growing business establishing operations in our city.”
“BRAC is pleased to welcome ClearEdge to the Baton Rouge area,” said President and CEO Adam Knapp of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “This expansion is a prime example of the strength and attractiveness of the region, especially in the manufacturing sector. BRAC is pleased to have worked with ClearEdge to help grow jobs in the Capital Region.”
About ClearEdge Wholesale Glass
ClearEdge Wholesale Glass is a professional glass wholesaler that supplies customers with quality materials at competitive prices in a timely manner. ClearEdge is family owned and operated locally, with local decision-making enabling changes to happen rapidly and easily companywide. ClearEdge continues to grow to fulfill the needs of customers and to expand the company’s service area. The organic growth allows ClearEdge to continue to provide quality materials and services at the high standards they have set and customers have grown to expect. For more information, visit www.clearedgeglass.com.