Lake Charles, Louisiana - Specialty industrial mechanical contractor, Process Service Specialists, has announced a significant investment of $3.5 million over the next three years to establish a manufacturing facility at the Port of Lake Charles. The new facility will focus on providing commercial and industrial steel, piping, and comprehensive services to clients globally, with a specific emphasis on industries such as semiconductor, solar panel, petrochemical, and energy.
The company's expansion is expected to bring 160 direct new jobs to Calcasieu Parish in the next three years, with an average annual salary of $100,000. Additionally, Louisiana Economic Development predicts that the project will lead to 318 indirect new jobs, totaling 478 potential new job opportunities in the Southwest Region.
Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois expressed gratitude to PSS for choosing to build at the Port of Lake Charles, highlighting the positive impact the high-paying jobs will have on the local economy. She emphasized the ripple effect that manufacturing investments bring, not only benefiting the new employees but also stimulating economic activity across the city, parish, and region.
Process Service Specialists, headquartered in Gonzales with an office in La Porte, Texas, offers a diverse range of industrial services, including mechanical, catalyst, demolition, specialty welding, piping, shop fabrication, water treatment, and food and beverage manufacturing solutions.
Construction is currently underway on the 11-acre fabrication shop, with operations set to begin as early as July 1 and ramp up over the next two years. The company estimates that 15 construction jobs will be created at peak construction.
Richert L. Self, executive director of the Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District, expressed excitement over PSS's decision to expand its manufacturing capabilities at the Port of Lake Charles, foreseeing significant positive economic growth for the region in the years to come.
Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter welcomed Process Service Specialists' investment in the community, highlighting the economic diversification and job creation it will bring. He emphasized the global impact the company's presence will have on southwest Louisiana's industrial growth.
To secure the project, LED provided an incentives package that includes the workforce development solutions of LED FastStart, a $750,000 performance-based award for infrastructure costs, and participation in the state's Industrial Tax Exemption and Quality Jobs programs, subject to approval from the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation board.
George Swift, President and CEO of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, welcomed Process Service Specialists to the area, noting that the investment will further diversify and strengthen the region's economy. He highlighted the significant impact the new jobs will have and the global reach of the services the company offers, reinforcing the industrial sector's growth in Southwest Louisiana.
The establishment of Process Service Specialists' manufacturing facility at the Port of Lake Charles signifies a substantial step towards economic development, job creation, and industrial growth in the region, promising a positive outlook for the future.