Gov. Bobby Jindal and Tony Harper, president of Jogler LLC, announced that the company will relocate its liquid level gauge manufacturing and headquarters facility from Houston to Baton Rouge. The relocation will create 60 new direct jobs with an average salary of $59,300 per year, plus benefits. LED estimates the project will result in an additional 79 new indirect jobs, for a total of 139 new jobs in the Capital Region.
Jogler, which manufactures liquid level indicators, sight flow indicators, magnetic level indicators, level controls and other accessories for all process industries, is investing more than $1.1 million in its relocation. The company is leasing a 17,000 square-foot facility in the Industriplex Boulevard area on Siegen Lane and is currently making upgrades to the site to support its manufacturing lines.
Gov. Jindal said, “Today’s announcement is another great win for the Capital Region and for our entire state. For years, our residents and our businesses were leaving Louisiana for job and investment opportunities in other states. But since 2008, we’ve worked hard to reverse that trend by overhauling our ethics laws, streamlining our workforce development programs, reining in government spending and taxes and enacting landmark education reform. By pursuing these reforms, we’ve made Louisiana one of the best places in the world for businesses to invest and create jobs. Companies are now leaving other states to invest in Louisiana and create opportunities for our people.”
The company plans to move into the Industriplex facility in November, and commercial operations will begin immediately thereafter. Hiring is also expected to begin this month, with all 60 positions filled in the next 10 years.
“We plan to build Jogler LLC into a market leader through technological advancement, increased operating efficiencies and superior customer service with the help of our workforce in Louisiana,” said Jogler LLC President Tony Harper. “The workforce in Louisiana is hard-working, loyal and dedicated. Additionally, Louisiana is a great place to live, work and play. We did not realize how much we had taken life in Louisiana for granted until we relocated to Texas with the purchase of Jogler.”
Harper purchased the 50-year old company in June 2013. Jogler was founded in Houston. To secure the project, Louisiana offered the company the services of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1-ranked state workforce training program. Jogler is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“For those who get a taste of it, the quality of life in Baton Rouge is unforgettable, and the opportunities for doing business here are limited only by one’s drive and ingenuity,” Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden said. “We are so glad that Tony Harper recognized this and decided to come home and bring Jogler to East Baton Rouge, where he will have access to a great workforce and a broad variety of markets.”
“We are seeing very strong growth in the manufacturing sector covering many critical components of the supply chain – from fuel to materials, chemicals and equipment,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “The development of precision gauges at Jogler is a great example of this. Thanks to a great business environment and quality talent, chances are most of your everyday products were touched by the Baton Rouge area somewhere in the manufacturing process.”
About Jogler LLC
The mission of Jogler LLC is to furnish the highest-quality level gauges, sight flow gauges and accessories available to its customers while providing a safe, pleasant and secure work environment to its employees and adequate returns to its owners and investors. Jogler LLC has as its goal to become the premier supplier in its industry. For more information, visit www.jogler.com.