Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards highlighted the announcement by Stupp Corp. that the company will invest $22 million to upgrade its two steel pipe manufacturing plants in Baton Rouge. Stupp Corp. is a family-owned company that has operated in north Baton Rouge since 1952. The company provides custom pipe for the transport of oil and natural gas, along with other services for the energy industry.
The expansion project will create 128 new direct jobs at an average annual salary of $60,567, plus benefits, while retaining 338 existing jobs at the Baton Rouge facility. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project also will result in 296 indirect jobs, for a total of 424 new jobs for East Baton Rouge Parish and the Capital Region. Stupp estimates the expansion activity will support 93 construction jobs.
“This $22 million expansion is welcome news for north Baton Rouge, for the Capital Region and for the state,” Gov. Edwards said. “To be successful, Louisiana’s energy industry relies on quality products and performance by the oilfield services sector. Stupp Corp. has a long and respected history of providing products and services for the oil and gas industry for many years. As the company looks to improve its efficiency in this competitive sector, this expansion will create 128 good-paying jobs. Louisiana’s positive business climate and our talented manufacturing workforce are helping to make this possible.”
LED began working with Stupp Corp. on expansion opportunities in October 2018.
“Stupp Corp. and our parent company, Stupp Bros. Inc., are proud to announce this package of capital investments at our Baton Rouge facilities,” Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development Chip McAlpin said. “We believe that this program of targeted investments will position us well as we prepare to enter our seventh decade of operations in the Capital Region. These investments are a further commitment by the company to make the highest quality steel line pipe in the nation at the lowest cost and in the safest work environment in the industry.”
To secure the project, LED offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart®, the No. 1 state workforce development program in the U.S. In addition, the state offered a performance-based grant of $500,000 to offset the cost of roadway improvements for increased truck traffic that the expansion will create. The company also is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.
“We are thrilled that Stupp Corp., a longstanding economic and community partner, has decided to expand their business in Baton Rouge,” Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said. “The number of direct and indirect jobs created will add substantial value to our city and reaffirms that Baton Rouge is a great place to grow and build businesses. We were happy to partner with BRAC and lend our support to push this investment over the finish line.”
“Stupp Corp. has been a part of the Baton Rouge community for nearly 70 years,” Baton Rouge Area Chamber President and CEO Adam Knapp said. “Our team was pleased to help coordinate this project through the decision-making process and is thrilled to celebrate with them today, bringing 128 new, high-paying jobs to the region.”