Northshore Conifer posted on April 28, 2010 19:42
New Manufacturing Plant to Create Jobs, Revenue for New OrleansAtlantic
Metrocast, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlantic Wood Industries of Savannah, Ga., has signed an agreement with the Port of New Orleans to lease seven acres at France Road, to build a pre-stressed concrete production facility - the first of its kind in Southeast Louisiana. The new venture marks a return home for Atlantic, which was originally founded in New Orleans in 1901.
"Our hope is to be in New Orleans for the long term and participate in all of the exciting growth that this great city is experiencing," says William "Bill" Crossman, president of Atlantic Metrocast, Inc. "As a company, we are excited to return to the city of our roots and be able to provide employment in an area that is going through its own renaissance."
In addition to a capital investment of $5 million, the company is expected to boost the local economy with the creation of up to 100 jobs and $2.5 million in payroll with health and 401K benefits. Approximately $160,000 from the state's Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) will be used to help provide infrastructure for the company.
"The return of Atlantic Metrocast to New Orleans and the jobs that it brings is great news for the City of New Orleans," said Mayor-elect Mitch Landrieu. "The decision to locate in New Orleans demonstrates the valuable resources the city has to offer, including a world-class port, infrastructure and workforce. It shows confidence in the future of the city and the competitiveness of the region."
Atlantic looked at other sites at the Port of St. Bernard and South Louisiana Port, but decided on the France Road location because the Port of New Orleans offered access to all modes of transportation - rail, barge, and highway. In addition to providing concrete pilings for local construction projects, Atlantic will take advantage of this ease of access to export its products to other states and countries.
"Atlantic Metrocast's decision to move here underscores how we are leveraging the assets of the Port of New Orleans to create jobs and investment for Louisiana," said Gary P. LaGrange, President and CEO of the Port of New Orleans. "Many businesses want to be close to the world class transportation services available at the port. Currently, private business are investing more than $85 million on properties that they leased or purchased from the Port of New Orleans."
Greater New Orleans, Inc., the regional economic development agency for the 10-parish Greater New Orleans region, played a leading role, managing the project for over a year and assisting with site selection for Atlantic Metrocast.
"This new facility is a victory in the collaborative effort of several agencies - public and private - to diversify our industrial properties and grow the manufacturing base in Louisiana," says Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. "The return of Atlantic Metrocast to Greater New Orleans is a milestone in the overall return of the economy of the region."