Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Technology Associates President and CEO Anil Raj announced the company will expand its presence at the University of New Orleans with 70 new jobs focused on marine engineering. With the expansion, the firm will add 70 new direct jobs with an average salary of $85,000, plus benefits. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 93 new indirect jobs, for a total of 163 new jobs in Louisiana’s Southeast Region. Technology Associates also will retain 16 employees.
Technology Associates Inc, or TAI, will relocate to 10,000 square feet of office space in the Advanced Technology Center Building at the University of New Orleans Research and Technology Park. The company will move into the new office immediately, and is expected to be completely moved in by end of July 2019. Hiring for the new positions is currently underway.
“Thanks in part to Louisiana’s long and storied past of ship designing and manufacturing, we are once again a prime location for a strategic expansion in the field of marine engineering,” Gov. Edwards said. “I congratulate Technology Associates on the company’s expansion and success in securing a major new contract from the U.S. Coast Guard. Technology Associates does not shy away from challenges, and uses the latest in state-of-the-art design technology to develop the high-tech vessels of tomorrow. We are proud to have this innovative company in Louisiana, and we celebrate their growth and success.”
The company provides maritime engineering solutions to both commercial and governmental clients. Incorporated in 1993, TAI is known for its innovative maritime solutions. The company works with the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department at the University of New Orleans to develop state-of-the-art designs and manufacturing technology.
“Technology Associates established its offices in Louisiana because the state has a rich history in boat and ship building,” said Anil Raj, P.E., who also is the founder of Technology Associates. “Our recently won contract with the U.S. Coast Guard is proof that Louisiana remains a leader in maritime engineering. This win will bring significant growth and employee job security to our company and also help deliver large subcontracts to Louisiana companies that will support the vessel construction.”
The company prides itself on establishing partnerships with ship builders that specialize in complex ships. For example, Technology Associates recently secured an engineering contract with the U.S. Coast Guard for up to $90 million to develop next-generation heavy icebreakers. Working with European companies with extensive experience in icebreaker technology, the new contract means that Technology Associates will design the first icebreaker in Louisiana in the past 25 years.
“We are continuing to create high-quality jobs and making it possible for emerging high-technology businesses to prosper in New Orleans,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Technology Associates Inc.’s expanding their presence and partnership at the University of New Orleans will help incentivize local graduates to stay in our city, while also creating advanced career opportunities for those who are interested in marine engineering and technology. We are empowering our local workforce and furthering economic development for the city and Louisiana’s Southeast Region.”
Louisiana Economic Development began working with Technology Associates Inc. on the potential project in May 2019. To secure the company’s expansion in Louisiana, the state offered TAI a competitive incentive packages that includes the comprehensive workforce solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s No. 1 state workforce development program for nine consecutive years. Additionally, the company is expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs Program.
“We congratulate Technology Associates for their continued growth and commitment to New Orleans and the region,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “We are encouraged by the opportunities we see between the region’s legacy maritime industry and the emerging technology market. As our homegrown companies continue to embrace technology and innovation, they will create good-paying jobs for the people of the greater New Orleans region.”
“This is a perfect example of the economic growth New Orleans is enjoying: retaining current companies, adding high-wage jobs in traditionally strong sectors, and underscoring our emergence as a technology hub while creatively leveraging our strong higher education partners,” said President and CEO Quentin L. Messer Jr. of the New Orleans Business Alliance. “We are delighted that Technology Associates has provided our city and her residents with this vote of confidence. When entrepreneurs, government and education work together, New Orleans wins and is positioned for sustainable growth.