Premier Concrete Products, Inc. announced it is investing up to $10 million to add a state-of-the-art precast concrete pipe production unit at its manufacturing facility in Livingston Parish. The expansion will allow the company to address the shortage of precast concrete products and support infrastructure and drainage projects across the southern United States.
The company is expected to create 33 new jobs over the next 10 years while retaining 90 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development estimates that the project will result in 50 indirect new jobs, for a total of 83 potential new jobs in the Capital Region.
“LED remains committed to supporting our established businesses as they continue to grow in size and success,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “We are grateful for Premier Concrete Products continued investment in and commitment to Louisiana and our world-class manufacturing workforce.”
The new facility will include a fully automated concrete batching system that can produce multiple pipes and structures simultaneously, high-level curing capabilities and overhead cranes to maximize efficiency. The new unit is expected to be complete and fully operational by the end of the year.
“We are excited about the partnership we have with the Livingston Parish community,” Premier Concrete Products President Cody Colvin said. “This expansion will add jobs and will serve to satisfy a shortage of precast concrete infrastructure that currently exists in Louisiana and the southern United States. We are very excited to work with Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte and the whole Livingston community. Livingston has been our home for many years and we want to continue to grow this community for years to come.''
Precast concrete products are made by pouring concrete into a mold at the manufacturing facility, instead of directly at the construction site. Once the concrete has set, the product is then transported to the construction site and installed as a finished material, reducing costs and improving reliability.
“Premier Concrete Products has called Livingston Parish home since 2000, creating jobs and tax revenue for the state and our great parish,” Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte said. “Livingston Parish is proud to have Premier Concrete Products as a respected and responsible corporate resident, and we were very happy to assist them as we continue to aggressively move the economy of Livingston Parish to greater heights.”
In 1996, Premier Concrete Products established a concrete products manufacturing plant in Houston and an administrative office in Louisiana. The company later opened its automated production facility on LA-16 in Denham Springs in 2000.
“Premier Concrete Products has demonstrated their commitment to Livingston Parish and to the people of Livingston Parish with this expansion,” Livingston Economic Development Council President and CEO David Bennett said. “Creating local jobs so that people can work closer to home contributes so much to our quality of life. We look forward to their continued success and to the economic benefits they will provide for years to come.”
To win the project in Denham Springs, LED offered the company a competitive incentives package including the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. The state has also offered Premier Concrete Products a $175,000 Economic Development Award Program reimbursable grant for infrastructure and building improvements, subject to approval by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation board. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
“We are delighted that Premier Concrete Products is expanding their presence in Louisiana’s Capital Region with a significant new investment," Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Lori Melancon said. “We appreciate the partnership of our colleagues at the Livingston Economic Development Council and look forward to Premier Concrete Products’ continued growth and success.”