On the heels of a hefty $5.8 million investment announcement, Laborde Products is digging into the fertile grounds of innovation and industry expansion with plans to set up a new operations center and warehouse at its headquarters in St. Tammany Parish. The company, known for its marine engine distribution, is embracing growth and diversification, dedicating space for research and development to enhance its product offerings.
Creating it expects only five direct new jobs from this venture, each boasting an average salary of $65,000. Laborde Products is also committed to preserving 40 existing positions. According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), this move is predicted to stir up an additional eight indirect job opportunities, totaling a potential 13 new jobs sprouting in the Southeast Region of the state.
Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois, reinforcing the notion that growth isn't just a tech or healthcare narrative, "Growth and innovation aren’t exclusive to the tech and healthcare industries, they are happening in every sector across every region of our state," she stated, as reported by Louisiana Economic Development. She goes on to applaud Laborde Products for their dedication to innovating and propelling their industry and the sectors they reinforce towards excellence. The expansion is a nod to the homegrown commitment that Louisiana businesses have towards breeding innovation within their walls.
Sprawling an extra 25,000 square feet at 74257 LA-25 in Covington, the project anticipates starting construction soon, with goals to wrap up by the end of the next year and operational deployment eyed for early 2026. Laborde Products President and CEO Brian Laborde shared his vision for the company's future, stating, "With this new facility, we’re positioning ourselves to lead in innovation and growth." Brian Laborde told the publication that their expansion isn't just about square footage—it's about breaking new ground for their team, the local community, and the industries they serve.
The state has sweetened the deal for Laborde Products with a competitive incentives package that includes a $200,000 reimbursable grant from the Economic Development Award Program earmarked for infrastructure and equipment. The package is subject to approval by the board of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation and comes with the expectation that Laborde Products will enroll in the state's Quality Jobs program.
Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation, praised Laborde Products' decision to expand in St. Tammany, highlighting the importance of a skilled and talented workforce as key to attracting strong companies. Similarly, recognizing the significance of this expansion, Greater New Orleans, Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht lauded the investment as a testament to the vitality of the marine and industrial sectors in southeast Louisiana. According to the LED announcement, this move demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation in the region. Laborde Products remains a strong presence in the marine industry, dedicated to high performance and customer satisfaction.
