ChillCo Inc., the Louisiana-based industrial cooling service provider, has announced a hefty $4.37 million expansion of its St. Tammany Parish headquarters. This push is part of a broader $8 million injection into statewide growth, and it promises not only to bolster ChillCo's manufacturing and warehouse capabilities but to add a significant number of jobs to the regional economy. Specifically, ChillCo looks to bring in 38 direct new jobs that boast an average salary sitting comfortably above the parish's average wage, alongside retaining the 68 positions they currently have.
The local economic impact doesn't stop there. According to Louisiana Economic Development, an additional 46 indirect new jobs are anticipated, meaning a total of 84 job opportunities could to swiftly unfurl in the Southeast Region. This move exemplifies ChillCo's commitment to St. Tammany Parish, where it has cultivated deep roots and a strong presence within the community for nearly 30 years. LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois underscored the significance of ChillCo's investment, stating, "For nearly three decades, ChillCo has built on its expertise while keeping its headquarters and workforce rooted in St. Tammany Parish."
On the operations front, this expansion aims to enhance ChillCo's equipment rental and maintenance service offerings. The Lacombe enhancement involves crafting dedicated spaces for the company's expanding rental equipment fleet — think chillers, boilers, heating units — integral for companies in need of emergency or temporary cooling solutions. In tandem, ChillCo's looking to amplify their operations with a new $2.4 million Baton Rouge facility, further shoring up their service operations across the southern part of the state.
ChillCo CEO Frank Myers conveyed a strong sense of loyalty and gratitude toward St. Tammany Parish, saying, "The foundations and key members of our company have raised families here." Reflective of their regional allegiance, the Baton Rouge development is another facet of their strategic expansion. The carefully-strategized growth aligns with the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation's praise. Its President and CEO Russell Richardson highlighted ChillCo’s promise, stating, "Their commitment underscores the strength of our local business ecosystem and talented workforce."
To sweeten the deal and secure ChillCo's project in St. Tammany Parish, the state has rolled out an incentives package. This includes the LED FastStart workforce development solutions and $250,000 from the Economic Development Award Program earmarked for infrastructural upgrades. Such incentives underpin Louisiana's approach to incubate and encourage local business success and expansion within its borders. With these developments in play, ChillCo stands as a sterling example of local businesses propelling economic development and regional innovation, while fundamentally reshaping the fabric of the Northshore's industrial landscape.
