Lincoln Foodservice Equipment, a Welbilt brand company that produces commercial-grade foodservice equipment, announced it is establishing a new U.S. operations center at Welbilt’s existing site in Caddo Parish.
The $2.3 million investment will allow the company to create 99 direct new jobs with average annual salaries of more than $50,000. Louisiana Economic Development estimates that the project will result in 137 indirect new jobs, for a total of 236 potential new jobs in the Northwest Region.
“The new Lincoln Foodservice Equipment operations center in Shreveport is a welcome addition not only to Louisiana’s manufacturing sector but also to our world-renowned food culture,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “I applaud Welbilt for recognizing Louisiana’s unique advantages for business, especially our skilled manufacturing workforce. My administration is committed to growing the economy in all areas of our great state, and more than 200 jobs resulting from this project is just the start of more great things to come in northwest Louisiana.”
The project will add 35,000 square feet of manufacturing space to Welbilt's current Caddo Parish facility, which manufactures foodservice products for its Frymaster brand. The additional space will support the production of Lincoln Foodservice brand ovens for industry customers nationwide.
“Expanding on our established presence in this region with the Frymaster brand, we eagerly anticipate continuing our legacy with the introduction of another esteemed brand to this community,” Welbilt CEO Kevin Clark said. “Our location of the production facility is a strategic move aimed at amplifying our capacity while optimizing lead times to better cater to our customers’ needs in a more agile and responsive manner.”
The company hopes to commence commercial operations by the end of the first quarter of this year.
“Lincoln Foodservice's decision to locate in Shreveport is a testament to the appeal of our community and the collaborative spirit that defines us,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “The Shreve Park Industrial Campus, situated within our city limits, will be the proud host of this new venture, breathing life into our industrial landscape.”
To secure the project in Shreveport, the state of Louisiana offered Lincoln Foodservice a competitive incentives package that includes the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
“When we see expansions of existing industries, it tells us that a community has the means for success,” North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon said. “The growth of Welbilt in Caddo Parish, first with Frymaster and now with Lincoln Foodservice Equipment, is a substantial contribution to the manufacturing base continuously building in north Louisiana. We welcome Lincoln’s notable impact and are proud to serve a region suitable for this great brand.”