Manufacturing
Forging ahead in South Louisiana
Significant manufacturing operations in South Louisiana – located in South Central Louisiana along the Gulf of Mexico – take advantage of its robust logistics infrastructure which ships cargo by air, freight train, and port around the world every day. The region’s major employers include a diverse mix of industry from healthcare to construction. Major manufacturing investments in the region include:
CCI Piping Systems
Louisiana-based industrial contractor and manufacturer CCI Piping Systems provides custom piping systems, welding, maintenance, and construction support for large industrial facilities across the Gulf Coast region. Supporting the manufacturing workforce and strengthening the region’s industrial supply chain, CCI Piping contributes to Acadiana’s reputation as a hub for industrial fabrication and energy-related services.
First Solar
Making history in 2023 as the largest private capital investment in Acadiana, First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and one of the largest manufacturers of photovoltaic solar panels in the United States. The $1.1 billion facility located in New Iberia spans approximately 2.4 million square feet with over 800 employees, strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Ice Industries
Marking the company’s first venture in the state, industrial manufacturer and supplier Ice Industries began operations in Jeff Davis Parish in 2025. By employing a process called roll forming – converting sheet metal into engineered shapes using consecutive sets of mated rolls – the facility manufactures steel back rails for PV solar panels, supplying critical components for First Solar in Iberia Parish.
Noble Plastics
Headquartered in St. Landry Parish, Noble Plastics is a next-generation injection molder that produces plastic parts and assemblies. The woman-owned, family business utilizes a technology-forward, scientific approach to deliver high quality parts to the energy, consumer, industrial and defense industries – expanding in 2025 to support First Solar.
Stuller, Inc.
Matt Stuller founded Stuller, Inc., one of the largest jewelry setting manufacturers in the world, over 40 years ago. Its manufacturing and administrative headquarters in Lafayette employs approximately 1,600 people who provide next-day delivery of more than 200,000 different items to 40,000 jewelry professionals worldwide. Due in large part to Stuller’s business model, both FedEx and UPS have significant cargo operations at Lafayette Regional Airport providing top-notch logistics capabilities to manufacturers around Acadiana.
Check out the advantages businesses like these enjoy:
- Our Quality Jobs Program which provides cash rebate to companies that create well-paying jobs and promote economic development
- Access to robust logistics infrastructure of air, freight train, port, and road
- Ability to recruit and retain plentiful talent from industry-focused educational institutions like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College
- Availability of industrial sites for expansion
Bold Incentives
South Louisiana values its agribusiness industry and aligns state and local resources to provide customized incentive packages for businesses looking to grow. A couple standard incentives are outlined below. You can find a full list of available incentives here.
High Impact Jobs Program
Louisiana’s High-Impact Jobs Program (HIP) offers qualifying companies up to five years of reimbursable grants for the creation of new jobs that pay above the parish (county) average wage, based on the parish where the project is located.
Industrial Tax Exemption Program
The Louisiana Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) offers an 80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years on a manufacturer’s new investment.
Ready to Learn More About South Louisiana’s Manufacturing Industry?
“Louisiana’s ability to deliver the talent we need stood out, thanks to its extensive workforce development initiatives and the presence of academic institutions such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette…”
– Mark Widmar
CEO
First Solar
