Southland Steel Fabricators Invests $25 Million to Expand Production in Louisiana, Boosting Capacity and Job Creation!

Southland Steel Fabricators Inc. is making a significant investment of $25 million to expand its St. Helena Parish facility in Louisiana. The expansion will add 100,000 square feet of production space and incorporate advanced welding technology, positioning the company to meet the growing demand for fabricated steel driven by large industrial projects in the region.

The expansion is set to increase robotic welding capacity by 50% and double material processing capabilities, enabling Southland Steel to keep pace with the surging steel needs in Louisiana. This development underscores the company’s commitment to growth and modernization as it continues to play a crucial role in supporting the state’s infrastructure projects.

In addition to the expanded capabilities, the project is expected to create 80 direct new jobs with an average salary of $60,000 over the next three years, while retaining 340 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) estimates the expansion will result in 117 indirect jobs, bringing the total number of new jobs in the Capital Region to 197. This significant job creation further solidifies Southland Steel’s impact on the local economy.

Having been family-owned and operated for over 35 years, Southland Steel has seen rapid growth, including the opening of a second facility in Amite in 2020. The company’s expansion efforts continued in July 2024, with its subsidiary, Southland Industrial Coatings, announcing a new fireproofing facility in St. Landry Parish.

The St. Helena Parish expansion, located at 251 Greensburg St., is expected to begin construction by mid-2025, with completion scheduled for 2026. The project has been supported by a competitive incentives package from LED, which includes a $2.5 million reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Award Program for site development and equipment, subject to approval by the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation board. Additionally, Southland Steel will participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.

This expansion will help Southland Steel continue to meet the growing demands of the fabrication industry while significantly contributing to Louisiana’s economic growth.