Southland Steel Fabricators Inc. is investing $25 million to expand its facility in Greensburg, Louisiana, by adding 9,290 square meters of production space and advanced welding equipment. This expansion will boost robotic welding capacity by 50% and double material processing capabilities, addressing the rising demand for fabricated steel due to industrial megaprojects in the region. The company expects to create 80 direct jobs over the next three years while retaining 340 current positions. Construction is set to begin by mid-2025 and continue through 2026.
The expansion project is designed to meet the increasing demand for fabricated steel driven by industrial megaprojects in Louisiana. This growth will enhance Southland's robotic welding capacity by 50% and double its material processing capabilities. The company anticipates creating 80 direct jobs over the next three years, with an average annual salary of $60,000, while also retaining 340 existing positions.
Construction and installation of the new equipment are scheduled to commence by mid-2025 and will continue through 2026. This strategic investment underscores Southland's commitment to bolstering its operations and contributing to local economic growth.
The expansion is expected to generate approximately 117 indirect jobs, bringing the total potential job creation in the region to 197. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois expressed gratitude for Southland’s ongoing investment in the state, highlighting the positive ripple effects manufacturing projects can have on local economies.
“Southland’s second expansion project announcement this year says a lot about this company’s commitment to our state,” Bourgeois stated. “We thank them for continuing to create economic opportunity in our rural communities.”
To facilitate this expansion, LED has offered Southland Steel a competitive incentives package that includes a $2.5 million reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Award Program for site development and equipment costs, pending approval from the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation board. The company is also expected to participate in the state’s Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs.
Founded over 35 years ago, Southland Steel Fabricators has established itself as one of the largest steel fabricators in the United States. The company operates under the leadership of President and CEO Joey Lombardo, who emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in operations as a means of fostering employment and economic development in Greensburg.
In addition to its expansion in Greensburg, Southland Steel recently opened a second fabrication facility in Amite in 2020 and launched a new fireproofing facility through its subsidiary, Southland Industrial Coatings, in St. Landry Parish.
