U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Lillian Salerno recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Lawson Cryogenic Manufacturing & Repair, a leader in the repair and maintenance of cryogenic and industrial gas equipment. Salerno, alongside Acting Nebraska State Director for Rural Development Joan Scheel, congratulated Lawson Cryogenic on their new manufacturing facility in Gretna, made possible by a nearly $10 million Business and Industry (B&I) loan guarantee.
Salerno has a long history of advocating for small businesses. “This USDA Rural Development investment in a rural business will help generate jobs, create new income and strengthen communities. We are privileged to be part of this new venture in Gretna.”
The 5,530-square-foot office building and 36,834-square-foot manufacturing facility will be located at 15130 S. 205th Ave. Gretna, NE 68028. Lawson Cryogenic will focus on producing cryogenic transport trailers.
The project is estimated to be completed by August 2025 and will create 35 new jobs in the local Gretna area. Lawson Cryogenic will partner with local trade schools to help recruit new employees.
B&I Loan Guarantees Help Rural Businesses
The B&I Loan Guarantee program is streamlined under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/onerdguarantee. This program offers loan guarantees to lenders for their loans to rural businesses.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.